December 2010 - Book 31

Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

I am not a good non-fiction reader, preferring the escape from reality to reality itself. This book however, is  a startling exception to the rule. I loved it and it kept me fascinated throughout.

Liz, the charming divorcee from "Eat, Pray, Love" tells the story of what happened after the sweet love story in Bali. The supposedly happily ever after part. It turns out to be the harsh reality o trying to carve out a life together in the worst of circumstances. Having been forced to marry in the modern equivalent of a state induced shotgun wedding, she uses the time to research the history and future of the institution we call marriage.

To me, it reinforced some ideas but what I loved most is the realization that above all the intimacy and privacy of a marriage between two people is still the most powerful union of all.


A must read for all married woman (and those contemplating the idea). It was such an apt read on the eve of our 10th anniversary.


A stunning 9/10 

July 2011 - Book 16

 The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

 

 I am not a lover of autobiographies or biographies at all. I much rather prefer the escape that fiction brings. But sometimes the saying "truth is stranger than fiction" actually rings true. Without a doubt this is one of those instances.

Whilst reading this book I was constantly gasping for my breath, wondering if indeed there were people thinking and living the way the author was raised. The result of a total dreamer alcoholic for a dad and a frustrated idealistic artist for a mom, Jeannette turns out a huge success in life, but not without fighting every misguided principle her parents forced on them Strangely enough, only the youngest sibling seem to be unable to break the constraints of a seemingly childhood of freedom or neglect, however you wish to phrase it.

Totally fascinating and extremely well written, this is a memoir worthy of a read and the bestseller status it has achieved. 

A must read 9/10