This book is a delicious adventure! After suffering through a difficult divorce, Elizabeth Gilbert decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India, and Indonesia (Bali) over the course of a year. Her story, told with wonderful humor and honesty, is one of extremes—self-indulgence, self-deprivation, and finally equilibrium. It’s a story about searching for God, searching for one’s identity and place in the world, and healing a broken heart.
Gilbert’s journey begins in Italy, where she freely indulges in all the culinary pleasures she can find. She studies Italian, learns about the culture by quickly making friends, including a sweet, young language study partner name Giovanni, and an accountant named Luca Spaghetti (yes, Spaghetti). She questions whether or not she deserves so much pleasure as her waistline expands from breakfasts of chocolate pastries and cappuccinos, Quattro Formaggi pasta, and the best pizza she can find in Italy.
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This was a great read – full of surprises. In his interviews with Grobel, Capote shares so much about his life. Through his comments–laced with humor and sadness–on his contemporaries and their work, friendships, writing, and society, his sharp wit, character, and sensitivity are revealed.
Grobel began with the intention of doing one interview with Capote, but was so intrigued he continued to do a series of interviews and maintained a friendship with him until Capote’s death in 1984. As you read, you can see why Grobel couldn’t resist the conversations. Capote’s responses are direct and raw. He talks about his rivalry with Norman Mailer, and offers straightforward, sometimes harsh, criticism of fellow writers like Jack Kerouac, William Faulkner, and Ken Kesey. He often reflects on his own writing as well and offers insights into the art of writing. A word of warning–you might not be able to put this one down. I was captivated by it.
I was having trouble deciding which book deserved the honor of our first review, but then my very sweet daughter (and co-editor) gave me The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman. This book is a real treat. At first glance, I thought it was a nonsensical collection of writings and wonderful illustrations, but then I began reading. This is a profound book spanning a year in the author’s life. Kalman’s clever writing style is completely engaging, and through her observations of day-to-day occurrences, she addresses some of life’s biggest questions. Her anecdotes, musings, and bits of wisdom, full of honesty and tenderness, range in subject matter from ordinary people going about their day on a busy New York City street, to Freud, Einstein, cake, and exquisite hats.
As a whole, it serves as a testimony to carrying on with good humor and grace and making the most out of life. This book gave me hope, insight, and some much-needed laughter. It’s a wonderful book to get lost in!
