Annette McGivney -- "Plastic Shaman," with Betsy Gaines Quammen

Date and Time

Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Location

Details

Annette McGivney will speak about and sign her new book, Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America's Misguided Quest for Wellness, on Wednesday, October 7th at 6:30pm, at Boulder Bookstore. She will be in conversation with Betsy Gaines Quammen for this special event. Tickets for this event are $5 (plus a small processing fee) and are available on Eventbrite.

About the Book:
In October 2009, more than fifty people attended a $10,000-per-person wellness retreat led by a celebrity self-help guru. For these enlightenment seekers, their time in Sedona, Arizona, culminated in a fake Native American sweat lodge ceremony. Three of them would not make it out alive.

This tragedy exposes the dangerous truth about the booming $2 trillion wellness industry where promises of spiritual awakening and financial success often mask dangerous practices underpinned by cultural appropriation and commodification of nature. Journalist Annette McGivney explores this world, exposing the manipulation and greed that allow charismatic influencers to prey on vulnerable people in search of happiness and healing--no matter the cost.

IMPORTANT TICKETING AND EVENT INFORMATION
Tickets are $5 (plus a small processing fee).
A coupon good for $5 off a copy of Plastic Shaman, or a purchase on the day of the event is included with your ticket. You will receive this coupon at the event.
Please note: our events are held on the second floor. To request a reasonable accommodation or discuss your needs, contact us.