Feel free to be specific as spoilers are welcome here.
1. What did you like about the book? Since this is a memoir, what did you like about the author?
2. What did you not like?
3. What moment (s) were the most memorable to you? Did you, the reader, have any "a-ha" moments?
4. I related most to the part when she determined her word - antevasin (sanskrit for one who lives at the border) - because it was such an apt description. This is a question from www.readinggroupguides.com :
What is your word? Is it possible to choose a word that retains its truth for a lifetime?
5. Will this book have a lasting impact on you? If yes, how so?
These questions are simply meant to get the wheels turning. You can answer all of them, one of them, or none. As you wish...
here are my answers:
1.I liked the book. I loved her humor and honesty. I loved the parts about Italy (esp the food). My favorite character was the friend Vee mentioned (the blunt one). Everyone needs someone like that in their life.
2.The reason I didn't love the book - I don't usually do well with spiritual/seeking memoirs. I think it's because I don't relate to the quest. Not because I'm smart or wise or have arrived. I still have questions. But I can live without answers to all of them. My faith and assurance is a gift, part of my decisive nature, one that I try not to take for granted. And I may simply be too old for the message, being in my 30s has been a time of REAL growth (most of which I can't take credit for). Not that I don't want to continue learning, but I know it will come in different ways. So, this "navel gazing" as I call it (i.e. too much introspection) just isn't me.That said, I totally get how a reader could relate to EG (the author). Her foibles and triumphs are told with such candor.
I also think in some ways that self discovery is a total luxury, probably because I barely have time to shower much less consider which method of yoga is best. I'm NOT saying get married and have kids to be enlightened - NOPE NOT ME. What I am saying is that having a significant relationship (sibling, spouse, kids) where you are involved in each others lives can force you to figure out where you stand pretty quick. On lots of issues. It's the nature of sharing the same living space.
3. Another thing I noticed that I have to think about a little more is usually these types of books involve finding something to believe that fits your life, instead of believing something and conforming your life to it. I'm for the latter. As in "you gotta walk the walk to talk the talk". This distinction, may be my a-ha moment.
4. Finally, I do have a "word". My word is purpose/purposeful. Being determined. Intending to do something and follow through. It's having a reason for whatever I'm doing and if I don't know the reason, trusting that I'm doing what I'm supposed to anyhow. And it's about doing what I'm supposed to be doing even when I don't feel like it.
After feeling like EG wasn't making much progress in the way of self awareness, I was pleasantly surprised when she choose her word. It was perfect for her.
5.I do like to read books like this, it helps reinforce what I already know to be true - about myself and my values. And I love to discuss books as it is one of the best ways to get to know others without a litany of inappropriate questions.
Sorry for the length here. This is why I hesitate to comment right off the bat. Please keep sharing your thoughts about the book. Or about any of the other comments including mine. It ain't a discussion if you're all alone.
And if you haven't read it, it's never too late:).
