A few years ago, while roaming the isles of my local Borders book store, I laid my eyes upon a cover that I found particularly appealing. It was a white covered book, and at that time most of my book covers were of a darker color, leaving my bookcase looking dark and dreary. White would be just what I needed to brighten it up. Or yellow. But I didn't find any good yellows...
A good addition, no?
So I dove right into this book with reckless abandon. This woman found EVERYTHING and so was I, gosh darn it! I mean it said it right on the cover! The cover that went so well with my book case! At this time in my life, it is exactly what I needed. I had just broken up with a long term boyfriend, was struggling with severe anxiety AND I was just laid off from my current job...I practically had a neon sign on my forehead "In Search of Self/Job/Meaning/Xanax."
As I was reading, I was amazing by this woman's true life journey. I was inspired, infatuated, in awe of this woman...well at least while she was Eating and Praying...but by the time that I got around to her Loving I was pissed. I mean, who did she think she was? I was so mad at her that when I finished with the book, I called up all the people that I had recommended the book to, to un-recommend it. And rather than place the book in the shelves which it was bought for, I put it in the trunk of my car (this is where I put my least desirable possessions, apparently.)
So obviously, when I heard that there was a movie version of this story coming out...well NATURALLY...I had to go see it. And it really did not change my opinion one bit, and hear is why...if I had a lot of money and no responsibilities I think that I would be able to "find everything" pretty easily as well. There was no magic that lead her to this conclusion of happiness. There was no serendipity. There WAS a cute little Balinese man...but really? Which is why I am so surprised that so many woman have fallen for this book. There is no kind of lesson that you can apply to your own life. Not everyone can just pack their bags, leave their husbands and fly to Italy and get fat. I personally do not know one.
And that is all I really have to say about that (what elegant penmanship that was.)
haha. I'm never going to read this book because of you. However, I might see the movie only because James Franco makes a guest appearance. And......I hope never to find anything in your car that I gave you, because I'll know that it is a "least desirable possession"
ReplyDelete--CHadwick--
I've seen your car (and your trunk)..you have a lot of "least desirable possisions". I liked the movie...haven't read the book yet but plan on it..can I get it from the trunk of your car?
ReplyDeleteBahaha! A lot of people seem to have mixed feelings about this one. I'm hot and cold. I loved the book, loved the freedom and that she did something totally selfish for herself. I'm happy for her. She had successful books before this one, and got a book advance in order to take this amazing trip. I'm happy for her, she worked hard for it. Sure we can't all have these experiences. But rarely do we have these types of movie worthy experiences right?
ReplyDeleteBut...do I think she abondanded her responsiblities? A little. Had a man done the same thing would I have thought he was a prick? Of course! It was a good read though, although a little whiney. I can't wait to see the scenery...and James Franco and Javier. That makes the move for me ;)
How many times can I say I'm happy for her? ;) I need to proof read... and spell check.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about this post. If I were in her shoes I would have probably done the same thing...and been excited because I had nicer shoes!
ReplyDelete