[stylist] book I am not recommending

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Dear List,
 
This book has been mentioned already, but I finally finished it and I would say pass on reading it.  Eat, Pray, Love was not the fabulous spiritual, enlightening read that Oprah has raved about.  I found it to be a self-indulgent narrative about a woman who develops an emotional disorder and leaves all her responsibilities behind just to discover "self."
 
Don't get me wrong, psychological conditions can be serious and terrible.  I've struggled with depression before, but I feel Gilbert uses her emotional rollercoaster as an excuse to escape.  This is what the title should have been:  Get Fat, Sleep, (I won't use the word I really want to use) Have Sex.
 
As for the writing, there are places where Gilbert leaves her personal narrative and jumps into a preachy voice.  I get this was a spiritual journey for her, but she tries to reach a universal and I don't think she makes the mark.
 
To be honest, I was bored by this book.  Our culture has become way to self involved.  Yes it is true that we can not cultivate happiness when we are not happy, but usually losing our selfish nature by thinking about others and caring for the needs of others, is what can bring true peace and harmony to our lives.  We need to build up self and care for self, but their must be balance.  Gilbert, I find, believes the personal journey is more important than the universal journey.
 
Then again, what is more self involved than memoir or personal essay?  *smile*
 
Bridgit
 
> From: stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 1
> To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> Date: Sat, 2 Oct 2010 12:00:09 -0500
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> Today's Topics:
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> 1. Blindness Blog reminder (Anita Adkins)
> 2. Book Recommendation - Carter Finally Gets It (Joe Orozco)
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> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
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> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:16:54 -0400
> From: "Anita Adkins" <aadkins7 at verizon.net>
> To: <abapstas at googlegroups.com>, "National Organization of Blind
> Educators Mailing List" <nobe-l at nfbnet.org>, "National Association of
> Blind Students mailing list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>, "Jobs for the Blind"
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> <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [stylist] Blindness Blog reminder
> Message-ID: <5000D4244776411DAC2B13DDAEE5288E at AnitaAdkinsPC>
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> 
> Hello to all,
> 
> I am just reminding everyone to check out this week's Blindness Blog. I have written a blog about how blindness and the kitchen relate. I am hoping some of you will comment with tips as I am less experienced with cooking than with other areas of blindness. Enjoy, and remember to share news about the blog with others who may benefit. Thanks.
> www.blindnessblog.blogspot.com
> Anita Adkins
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 2 Oct 2010 11:00:11 -0400
> From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
> To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [stylist] Book Recommendation - Carter Finally Gets It
> Message-ID: <44DEA143B08340A6A4B90FC81ABE2004 at Rufus>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Okay, so this is a junior/senior high book, but trust me, it's worth
> reading. I've been amazed at how much I enjoy young adult titles, maybe
> because my own book is going in that direction. Anyway, Carter Finally Gets
> It by Brent Crawford. It's hilarious, and it's on NLS.
> 
> Joe
> 
> "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves,
> some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam Ewing
> 
> 
> 
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> End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 1
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