We had mixed opinions on this book. Frances and Carolyn thought that the narrator was terribly self-centered and had no compassion for her whatsoever. Reid thought she took the first part of the book to rake her ex-husband across the coals. We all found it interesting that she is about to publish a second book on her continued travels - rough life!
But the concept of going on a year's journey around the world (three places with a four-month mission in each place) inspired us all. We've since been discussing where we would go and what we would study in each place. Jayne has a plan that would involve studying different kinds of textiles, perhaps in Nepal, New Zealand and Ireland?). Reid likes the idea of studying the cuisine of different countries (Mexico, Thailand and ??- still thinking on that). Frances wants to go to Israel, but is having a hard time finding somebody who wants to go along with her.
Carolyn recommended an interesting audio book as a follow up about a woman who travels around the world on a bicycle before the turn of the 20th century: Around the World on Two Wheels
Also - Looks like Julia Roberts is making this into a movie
3 comments:
Driving to Florida offered me the opportunity to listen to this Book on CD (approx. 13 hours on 11 CDs, borrowed from Lancaster Public Library.) I would recommend listening to this one, as it is narrated by the author. The inflections, accents and pronunciations are heard as she intended. My attention did wander during some of her ramblings, though.
I can relate to the year of travel, having done so after college, as a time of adventure and discovery, in geographic, cultural and spiritual realms. However, I'd like to know her book agent... how bad can it be to have subsidized globe-trotting experiences that you get paid to write about? Hmmm...
If a similar itinerary outline was offered, my three destinations would be Scotland and Scandinavia to learn more of my heritage as well as the Vikings, and the Galapagos to observe nature's living ancient wonders.
Don't know if I would have finished reading this book, but listening to Liz Gilbert to the last sentence was worth it.
Love the trip you've planned - Scotland, Scandinavia, Iceland, New Zealand and Nepal are all also on my list. Agree that it would be great to hook up with that book publisher!
I'd be with Frances on that Israel trip. I've always wished to walk the Holy Land... hope to do so if it's ever safe enough during my lifetime.
I'm also intrigued by Jayne's idea of a "textile trail". This sort of venture could take you anywhere: the "forbidden stitch" of China, uses of hemp in India, Scandinavian weavings, learning to spin yarn. I'm so glad I joined this group of such vibrant thinkers!
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