I loved the book. Not because I agreed with everything. Not because she wrote everything the way I would have written it. Not because I found every single page useful and relevant. Because I didn't. It is a HUGe book that covers alot of interesting topics.
I am really surprised how many bad reviews and angry reviewers there are. Jeez folks lets use our energy to do something positive. Do you really believe Silver is doing more harm than good for young pagans?
Things I didn't like were hetero god/goddess focus that almost every neo-pagan book seems to have.
Directions for spellwork instead of formulas (although honestly she put in enough information about moon cylces/corresponding days colors ect that people could do this themselves.
And lastly the christian references at times turned me off. BUT overall I loved the book she writes things in a clear easy to read/understand manner. I think if you can afford only one book right now to expand your collection this should be it.

Silver RavenWolf is a very popular member of the Wiccan world. She has written several books on the subject as well, including To Ride A Silver Broomstick, Teen Witch, Halloween, Silver's Spells for Love, and more. She approches her topic with a light hearted sense of humor and nearly a lifetime's worth of knowlegde.
Solitary Witch is for anyone knew to the Craft, or anyone who would like to learn more, as well as secondary level craft users. It's divided into five parts to help break down all the information. At times, it can be overwhelming just how much there is to know, but Silver explains it in a way that makes it more simple and friendly to all readers.
This book is recommended for slightly older readers, simply because of the amount of information within.

I think it's sad how many people put there faith in SRW. This woman speaks of Christianity more than any other book I've seen. I've actually met one of her friends who say she gets a lot of grief for this. It's for a reason!!! I was told this was for Tolerance amongst religions...to I dunno say cover all her basis. Tolerance is great...I have many Christian friends...but when it comes down to it there is no point in trying to blend it with an already complicated religion. I myself am not Wiccan....I am Celtic Pagan...but have study both paths for 11 years. I've said my piece the choice is yours.

I have read a few reviews on here by people I feel did not actually purchase this book and were pre-judging it based on part of the pagan communities views towards SRW. I will agree that many of her books seem to be on the "fluffy" side, especially anything with "Teen" in the title. Here first series of books were very useful to those just starting out in Wicca or Witchcraft. She then submitted some books on the market, which I would not offer up to someone starting in the Craft.

However, this book I believe brought her redemption. If you are not willing to do some studying then this book is not for you. (That is why I feel she got some bad reviews on it.) She covers many aspects of Wicca, Witchcraft, Spirituality, and Magic(k). If you read the book from start to finish then I think you will have a good base to begin your practices and seek out new information. When you read it, it does seem directed towards teens yet she throws some adult things in as well. In the back there are spells she offers up for suggestions, however throughout the entire book she insists spells written you write for yourself are more effective. She also gives the complete guidelines for spells, ritual, and the purposes behind each part, such as why and how to cast a circle, call the quarters, recite the Charge of the Goddess.

There are two things in the book I do not enjoy. The first is that everything is from a very feminine point of view. I am not saying it is Dianic but she briefly mentions the God. The second, is that she is clearly influenced by Dutch Folk Magic(k) and I am more interested in other things. For both of these things I could go buy separate books.

I think this book is a great starting place for someone interested in Wicca, as long as you pay head and know that her advice does not mean it is Wiccan Law.

You either like Silver or you don't. This is the fourth book by her that I have purchased and I am not disappointed. There are too many books on Wicca out there that are a bunch of fluff. Silver may have a distinct personality and views on things-but she is not perfect people. You may not like some of her views but give me a break! We all have our own opinions. My advice is to glean what you will from any book and discard what you don't feel is pertinent to your practice. Stop being so critical!She does her best to be educational and informative, but also provides the reader with options to spellcasting and finding your path in your own time. I challange the Silver critics out there to write something better if you think you can. Otherwise do us all a favor and zip it. Use your energy for something more useful.