However, after the hearing that a movie version was to come out (and also after hearing so many people sing the book’s praises), I decided to read it. Except for I didn’t actually read it. I listened to it on audio book. Which, in some people’s minds, constitutes as cheating… but whatever.
I downloaded it from iTunes one morning before one of my drives to Pittsburgh this summer. I listened to it on-and-off on the ride down and also on the ride back. I continued to listen to it sporadically throughout the entire summer… while I was at the lake house… when I was in Québec… on the way to the DR… while I’ve been here in the DR… and I just finished it yesterday when I was on a group excursion to Samaná.Call me lame, but I feel such a connection to this book. For two reasons. First of all, she’s going through such a journey leaving everything that she knew in NYC to spend a year 1000s of miles away from anything/anyone that she knows. For those of you who don’t know, she’s spent 4 months in Italy (eat), 4 in India at an ashram (pray), and 4 in Bali, where she was planning on studying under a medicine man, but ended up falling in love (…love).
My plan? 4 months in the Dominican Republic (burn? sweat? get stared at for being white? …any other suggestions?), 4 months in France (who knows. “eat” would probably work for this), then 4 months of summer either at home or in Pittsburgh. Probably in Pittsburgh. Okay maybe the last 4 don’t really count… but whatever. Even though it’s for completely different reasons, and unintentionally, I’m still splitting my year up into thirds just as she did.
Secondly, as I listened to her journey, I was starting to go through my own. Even just on that first drive to Pittsburgh… when I saw the movie version, and she was in Italy, all I could think of was my drive down to Pittsburgh. As the movie continued on, I could pretty much remember where I was when she was watching the Italian soccer game, arriving in India, going to the Guru Gita, meeting Ketut or nearly getting run over by Felipe… granted, the movie isn’t exactly like the book, but it’s close enough. I’ve still managed to link my journey (and the few months before) to hers.
I think everyone should read this book… while it’s not flawless, it’s still pretty freaking good. I’ve talked to many other people who’ve read it- mostly people my own age, but also some older, and this book just seems to resonate with everyone. Everyone can benefit from taking time off and learning about yourself. You don’t need to travel to another country/countries to do it (although that’s what I’m doing). When you’re way, way, way out of your comfort zone you learn things about yourself that you wouldn’t have otherwise learned if you’d only spent time behind a school desk or in a cubicle or wherever else the day-to-day life holds you captive.
/End sentimental BS
French cover (random)
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