Review of 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert

1*

"This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. By turns rapturous and rueful, this wise and funny author (whom Booklist calls "Anne Lamott’s hip, yoga- practicing, footloose younger sister") is poised to garner yet more adoring fans."

-synopsis from Goodreads

The above synopsis is what originally sparked my curiosity about this book, but now, having it read it for myself, I can say that Eat, Pray, Love was, by far, the absolute worst book I've read all year, and that the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, is the most self-absorbed and self-indulgent author that I've ever had the misfortune to read. Like many people, she has experienced the pain and shame of divorce, but unlike the vast majority of people, she has the luxury to check out of life for a year and put all of her responsibilities on hold while she goes on a quest to find herself and discover her spirituality. As a divorcee myself, I wish it had been so easy to just check out of my life for a while so that I could have time to gather my strength and regain my confidence. However, as a mother of three, I had to do all this while being a mom and provider and learning who I was as a single woman, which, in my opinion required a lot more strength and determination than Gilbert is capable of. Perhaps my personal experiences have negatively affected my reaction to Gilbert's experience, but I find nothing that inspires or motivates me in the least about this book. If anything, it makes me feel as though I am stronger and better prepared to handle adversity than I would be if I were the type of person who runs away from my problems.

Review of 'Voyager' by Diana Gabaldon

Voyager

Diana Gabaldon

5*

"From the author of the breathtaking bestsellers Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber, the extraordinary saga continues.

Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her... and her body still cries out for him in her dreams.

Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her...the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland... and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite or forever doom her timeless love."

- synopsis from Goodreads

"Triumphant ...her use of historical detail and a truly adult love story confirm Gabaldon as a superior writer."

- Publishers Weekly

The third book in the Outlander series, Voyager, was by far my favorite book yet.

 Without giving anything away, Diana Gabaldon has continued the epic love story of Jamie and Claire Fraser in a book that is jam-packed with action and adventure, leaving the reader breathless and wanting more until the very last page. Gabaldon is truly a master story-teller with a gift for weaving a tale that draws the reader in and makes them feel as though they were right there amidst all of the action. If you enjoy sweeping sagas about love and adventure in the Scottish Highlands, then this series is for you. Needless to say, I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!

Review of 'Fireworks Over Toccoa' by Jeffrey Stepakoff

Fireworks Over Toccoa

Jeffrey Stepakoff

3*

"Every so often that story comes along that reminds us of what it’s like to experience love for the first time—against the odds, when you least expect it, and with such passion that it completely changes you forever."

"Fireworks Over Toccoa takes us to a moment in time that will resonate with readers long after the book’s unforgettable conclusion. A devastating and poignant story, this debut novel will resonate with anyone who believes in love."

- synopsis from Goodreads

Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff is the story of Lily Davis Woodward, a young woman whose husband has been gone for three years, fighting in WWII. Right before her husband is to return home, Lily meets a handsome stranger in a starlit field, and this chance encounter forever changes the course of her life.

I enjoyed this book for it's value as a sweet, endearing love story, but there were a couple of reasons why I did not love it. For one, I felt that it was very similar to a Nicholas Sparks novel, so it didn't feel very original to me. Another reason was because it was such a quick read; the plot was fairly simple and some of the characters weren't as developed as they could be in my opinion. Had the author taken more time to flesh out the characters and develop the plot more thoroughly, I would have given it a higher rating. Not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but I think that this book would be a great read if you're looking for something simple and enjoyable.

Review of 'Interview with the Vampire' by Anne Rice

 

Interview with the Vampire

Anne Rice

5*

"We are in a small room with the vampire, face to face, as he speaks, as he pours out the hypnotic, shocking, moving, and erotically charged confessions of his first two hundred years as one of the living dead. . . "

"In its unceasing flow of spellbinding storytelling, of danger and flight, of loyalty and treachery, Interview with the Vampire bears witness of a literary imagination of the first order."

- synopsis from Goodreads

I really loved this book! I saw the movie a long time ago when it first came out and I remember loving it, but I can't remember much about it. After all the Twilight hype I wanted to go back and read some older vampire literature, so I decided to start with Anne Rice's portrayal of vampires in her Vampire Chronicles series.

What Twilight lacked in darkness and mystery, Interview with the Vampire made up for in spades. The tone of this story is fraught with malevolence and despair, taking the reader through a horrific journey of hellish proportions. The story is told by the vampire Louis to a young writer, who has found himself in a position to be audience to one of the most terrifying and unbelievable stories ever. It follows the story of Louis, starting with his conversion from mortal to vampire at the hands of his maker Lestat, and follows him throughout his "life" to modern-day times. Despite the evil purpose of Louis' existence, he is a tortured soul who cannot come to grips with his desire for mortal blood and the remnants of his human conscience that scorn such desires.

 I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and while not as fast-paced and entertaining as Twilight, I feel that this story is more authentic in terms of traditional vampire lore. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.