The Book Nook

"The Shack"

2008-08-01T12:47:00.002-04:00

by William P. Young

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

I actually kind of stumbled onto this book "The Shack." I didn't know it is a book that is being highly debated in the Christian realm, but when I got about halfway into it, I knew there were some "doctrine issues," at least according to what I believe. Having said that, I hope you will read "The Shack" with an open mind, for it is a comforting book. I also hope you'll keep in mind that this book boils down to one man's opinion of how he sees and thinks of God. To take it as "gospel" can be dangerous, as the Bible itself tells us to be careful of "opinions."

"The Shack" opens with the main character Mackenzie Allen Phillips, who has a "not so close" relationship with God. Like many people, he sees God as kind of mean, or at the very least very strict with a lot of rules. During a vacation, Mack's youngest daughter Missy is abducted and it appears that she has been brutally murdered in an abandoned shack set deep in the wilderness. This is actually one of the reasons I wanted to read this book. I often think about bad things that happen to good people, but there is something about children, innocent children who are brutally abused and murdered, that makes me say, "God, how could you stand to let this happen?" It is my own crisis of faith that I wanted to explore.

Four years later, Mack receives a note in his mailbox from God, asking Mack to meet him at the shack where Missy was murdered. Against Mack's better judgment, he goes. What he finds there, changes him forever.

Mack finds answers at the shack and experiences God like we have never thought of him before. I wasn't bothered in the least that God appeared to Mack as a large black woman — surprised some, but not bothered. How evil exists in our world and how God feels about it is explored, and I felt it was Biblically sound. But there are some areas the author takes "liberties" with, as none of us can know the mind of God. In particular, the idea that God doesn't really care about religion is not as shocking as implying that God doesn't really care about the church. For God is quite clear he cares greatly about The Church, and I don't feel He is as "inclusive" as the author does. For instance, when the book’s Jesus himself implies that finding a relationship to Him can be done through Buddhism, the Muslim religion, etc., I'm not feeling that. Unless they are differing from their faith in a major way and accepting Jesus as God's son. There, my friends, is "the rub."

I think what is appealing about this book for many people is God seems loving, and caring ... and that He certainly is. Reading books about God that help you have a healthy and accurate picture of him is great. Let’s not forget, however, the source that God himself left us to guide us in all ways in regards to him, the Bible.

"The Air Between Us"

2008-03-01T15:10:00.001-05:00

by Deborah Johnson

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

"The Air Between Us" is set in Revere, a small Mississippi town, in the 1960s. The book is supposed to revolve around a murder but, honestly, I kept forgetting that in my deep boredom of just trying to get through the book. "Oh yeah," I would think, "Billy Ray Pucket fell on his gun but a little boy named Critter Tate said he heard two shots, and I am supposed to be wondering why."

Although the book valiantly tries to shed some light on the integration issue of this time, I felt like Johnson had too many characters and none of them particularly interesting. Madame Melba, I assume, was supposed to be "mysterious," but I just didn't find anything mysterious about her watching soap operas all day and not leaving her house unless she needed something from the Piggly Wiggly. Also, I never really felt the connection with the main character of Dr. Connelly and Madame Melba.

About three fourths into the book, when I thought I might not be able to take another page, things turned around. Johnson began to "wrap things up" and finally the book was a page turner. Although I can't say there were any huge surprises, it did lead me to believe in the plot after all. Unfortunately, it was a little too late. The last three or four chapters didn't make up for the torture of the others.

"Helping Me Help Myself"

2008-02-01T18:23:00.000-05:00

by Beth Lisick

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

First of all, let me start off by saying that Beth Lisick has a "potty mouth." I can imagine her googling her name, finding this website and getting the biggest laugh out of this. It will somehow prove to her that because I don't like the "F word" I am oppressed and narrow minded. Blah, blah, blah.

In "Helping Me Help Myself," basically Lisick goes on a year-long "self help" mission. In her desire to improve her life she turns to the multimillion-dollar-earning "experts" on everything from weight loss (although she doesn't need to lose weight) to financial advice to spiritual enlightenment and many more topics in between. (Note to Lisick: Don't go on Richard Simmons' cruise for weight loss if you don't need to lose weight. This will help with finances.)

Honestly, when I first started reading the book, I thought "I'm not going to like this." And although I can't say I changed my mind, I did recognize some of my own thoughts scattered around in Lisick's brain. I must say, I found that in itself unsettling.

As with so many people who consider themselves open minded, modern, hip and "in the know," Lisick seems to have an especially deep disdain for Christians. Though I don't find this surprising, it does make one weary. For instance, when Lisick is in Atlanta for a John Gray seminar, she is taking time to peruse the tables and booths in the lobby of the convention center and says "a theme quickly emerges: Christianity." (Oh my!) "Bookmarks, stickers, and magnets quoting biblical verses are everywhere. There are banners made of felt, always a sure sign the Jesus people are nearby." (That one really ticked me off, as I do not own one piece of felt.) She goes on to say, "I go upstairs bummed out. Years ago, I would have been delighted to land in the middle of a conservative Christian conference, imagining an overripe grab bag of bad hair, tacky jewelry, and uptight optimism to use as fodder." She says, "I'm trying to be productive here, not rehash a litany of mean-spirited insults about Bible-thumpers." Lisick is about as "open minded" as her open mind will allow.

The book goes on and Lisick - who has no money - thumps down hundreds for an organizational coach, a Richard Simmons cruise (although it's the "Wal-Mart" of cruises), and so on. Don't get me wrong. It is the concept of the book that drew me to it. I share Lisick's skepticism with the "self help" movement. I agree with her when she says "This seems like a linchpin of why so many people get sucked into self help and empowerment programs. They can't trust that what they're doing is the 'right' way to be doing it." I'd say that about sums it up.

In the end, I feel the same way about all the self help books as I did before. There may be some good advice in some of them, but for the most part you have to figure out what is right for you all by yourself.

"A Thousand Splendid Suns"

2008-01-04T14:30:00.001-05:00

by Khaled Hosseini

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

While reading Khaled Hosseini's first book "The Kite Runner" and then "A Thousand Splendid Suns," I felt like a "rubber necker" witnessing the aftermath of a horrible wreck on the highway. You know, when you know you shouldn't gawk but you do, along with all the others who are slowing down to gawk and are causing a traffic jam. Then you think "What should I do?" or "There are people there taking care of things" or "Maybe it's not as bad as it looks."

It's the same anytime I read about life in Afghanistan. I'm horrified … as well as confused, sympathetic, and in "wonder." I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around life so demoralized, so hard, so filled with hate. At times the material in this book was painful to read, yet I could not put it down.

In "A Thousand Splendid Suns," we are brought into the lives of Mariam and Laila, two women who start out as enemies by chance and end up as close as mother and daughter by choice. The book takes place over a 30-year period beginning with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan until the overthrow of the Taliban. Without giving the plot away, you should be prepared to learn about a life few of us in America could imagine.

Mariam and Laila are married to the same man, Rasheed, a despicable character and Taliban sympathizer. Life for women in Afghanistan during this time is appalling. I read about the list of Taliban rules such as you must pray five times a day or be beaten; singing, dancing, flying a kite is forbidden or you will be beaten; if you are caught trying to convert a Muslim you will be killed. And then, specifically for women, "you will stay inside at all times, if you must go out you will be with a male relative or be beaten, you will not under any circumstances show your face, wear cosmetics or jewelry, or you will be beaten, you will not speak unless spoken to, you will not make eye contact with anyone, if you paint your nails you will lose a finger. You are forbidden to work or go to school. If you commit adultery you will be killed."

I wondered, would any God want obedience under those circumstances? Couldn't God have just as easily made us all robots if all he cared about was that the "check list" was done? Of course he could have, but he gave us our free will, so that we could choose whether or not we would follow him.

I prefer to read books that give a historical background and provide knowledge as well as entertainment, and "A Thousand Splendid Suns" certainly does just that. It’s a great book, well written, and I can't wait for the next book by Khaled Hosseini!

"The Christmas Letters"

2007-12-03T11:45:00.000-05:00

by Lee Smith

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

I have one book that I read every Christmas, "The Christmas Letters" by Lee Smith. It’s a short little book that tells a big story through the format of Christmas letters.

I suppose we've all gotten a Christmas letter or two over the years. I must admit that during their popularity I both rolled my eyes at them and gobbled up every word. "The Christmas Letters" reminds us that what is not said is even more important that what is said.

I myself have trouble writing a Christmas letter. I think I've done it once, but it was very difficult. I kept feeling like I was bragging on my children, and all the things I wanted to write about just couldn't be summed up in a short, chatty letter. One year, I remember, I started writing a Christmas letter and I was about to write the line "as you know we lost our dear Pastor who was like a father to us last Christmas," and I just stopped. I reread the letter I had started, then I threw it in the trash. That sentence seemed so inadequate to me.

I remember thinking there was no way to explain the hole Pastor Watson's passing left in my heart, or the dark depression that followed and tested my faith. There is a tear even now, after all this time, that courses down my cheek in remembering him. "How," I wondered, "could any of that ever be expressed?” Somehow, I felt deceptive summing it all up in one line, so much so that I felt it better left unsaid.

I'm sure this is one of the reasons I read this book every year. I'm reminded that people's lives aren't perfect. As Lee Smith says, "Every Christmas letter is a story of a life." Maybe as you read the book you can spot the letters that hide vulnerabilities with false cheer. Or maybe you will pinpoint when marriages started to change, or when children started to stray. Perhaps like me you will be surprised by the turn of events.

But being the sentimentalist that I am, I am bonded with Mary in the book, who describes days so beautiful "they could break your heart."

“The Christmas Letters" shares growth and grief and some great recipes as well.

I love this book, and it is one of my favorites. I hope you will read it and love it too. I would love to hear from you about your favorite Christmas book. It doesn't matter if it is fiction or nonfiction (my non-fiction favorite is The Christmas Story in the Bible), maybe a favorite decorating book, or recipe book.

Also, how do you feel about Christmas letters? Have you ever written one? I do think they are a great way to pass along information. What do you think about Christmas e-mails?

Merry Christmas to you all!

"Home to Holly Springs" by Jan Karon

2007-11-13T15:46:00.000-05:00

Our Book Nook interview with Jan Karon

By Liz Barnett

In 1994, my husband Scott and I were on a weekend getaway in Charleston, S.C. I remember walking down the beautiful streets in Charleston and wandering into a bookstore looking for something yummy to read. It was on this day I bought my first book in the Mitford series, “At Home in Mitford.” I’ve been hooked ever since.

I don’t get “hooked” very easily. There is not a string of authors that I am just dying to meet with books in hand ready for autographs. But when the opportunity came to actually be involved with an interview with Jan Karon about her new book “Home to Holly Springs,” I have to tell you, I was more than a little excited!

When my friend and editor of Newnan-Coweta Magazine, Angela McRae, got an interview with Jan Karon on the morning she was to be in Atlanta to speak at the Carter Center, she decided that as moderator of The Book Nook I should come with her. (Bless her heart.)

On the way into the city, we discussed our questions and what we thought Ms. Karon would be like. We seated ourselves in “an out of the way” corner of The Ritz-Carlton half an hour early to wait for our allotted interview time. I felt, I must say, “cool as a cumber” until, much to my surprise, Ms. Karon emerged from the corner ladies room unexpectedly and early and happened to glance our way. I gasped so loudly there was no way it could be ignored.

Thankfully, Angela stood up and introduced us as I fumbled around trying to gain my composure. Ms. Karon graciously decided to start the interview early and we all sat down like old friends. She is a stunning woman, beautiful to look at and warm at heart. She is a little more “saucy” than I anticipated, and I liked that a lot.

Her first question for us was if we thought there would be a good crowd at the Carter Center that evening, but we both smiled and said that yes, we did think there would be a good crowd. She won me over immediately when she said she couldn’t imagine how there would be a good crowd, since she couldn’t think of anyone that she would be compelled to get out on a cold, dark night to go see.

When we told Ms. Karon we were a little surprised by just how troubled Father Tim’s past with his father really was, she answered plainly that so was she. She said that she felt Father Tim’s past problems needed to be addressed in order to move forward. She was clear that the “Mitford Series” is done, and all future books will move forward from “Holly Springs.” And, she read my mind later that night at the seminar when she said she knew there were many of us out there waiting for Dooley to get married to Lace, have children, and have her write about it for the rest of her life. I sank down in my chair a little. It will be hard to let go of Mitford for me, as I told Ms. Karon she has saved me many dollars in therapy as I have found such solace in her books.

Just as I love “Mitford,” I am already finding a spot in my heart for “Holly Springs.” And although Ms. Karon didn’t reveal too much about her next book … I have the feeling we will be going to Ireland! Won’t that be fun? (She declined my offer to go with her for research, but I shall buy the book anyway.)

But for now, “Home to Holly Springs.”

When I first began to read “Holly Springs” I had withdrawals. Where was Cynthia for heaven’s sake? Dooley, Lace, Puny, Esther, Winnie, Harley, Mule, J.C … well, you get my point. At first I was lost without them, but I must say, it doesn’t take long for the mystery of Father Tim’s past to take over.

I found myself riveted as the secrets were revealed one by one. I’m not going to give this one away, because it is one you will want to read for yourself. But if you were wondering what happened to Peggy and Tommy Noles, you won’t want to miss out on reading “Holly Springs.” Jan Karon’s ability to draw you in and wrap you in the warm blanket of everyday life is alive and well. “Holly Springs” reminds us all that there may always be some unanswered questions in our lives, some “hurts” that can never be justified, but that God is bigger than our problems if we will just trust Him with them.

Just as Father Tim peels back layers of old wounds, we are reminded that sometimes digging into our past must sometimes hurt first in order for it to get better.

You will meet new characters and visit new places in “Holly Springs.” You will get a better picture about how Father Tim’s past has helped shape him into the man we hold dear in each novel. This new novel has earned its place on the shelf beside your Mitford Set!

"Songs Without Words"

2007-10-04T10:39:00.000-04:00

by Ann Packer

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

"Songs Without Words" should have been titled more like "Time Not To Be Wasted."

As moderator of "The Book Nook" it is my job to give my opinion of the books we read together. I am tired of trying not to hurt anybody's feelings and staying on the fence about every book we read. Therefore, I'm turning over a new leaf and telling you in no uncertain terms how I feel about each and every book presented. Having said that, "Songs Without Words" should have never been sung.

It's a story about Liz and Sarabeth, two neighbors brought "close as sisters" by the suicide of Sarabeth's mother. Let me tell you, I have two sisters and these two gals are not even close to having a relationship like sisters. I kept waiting to read about this really close friendship, but it just wasn't there. My sisters know all the details of my life, we talk at least two times a day, and they would know if I felt I was not connecting with my daughter. They would know even if I suspected something was wrong but was not sure, as was the case with Liz and her daughter Lauren. Liz never even mentions this to Sarabeth. They trod along in two different worlds.

Very early on in the book I forgot that I was supposed to be reading about a friendship between Liz and Sarabeth and was captivated more by the relationship between Liz and Lauren. Actually, forget Liz, I was captivated more with Lauren than anyone. The way she spoke to herself in her head, that "self talk" and how brutal it was. How that kind of self talk contributed to her depression and despair, and how her mother didn't know how to relate to her or what to say to her. This seems to be a problem with many troubled teens these days, and for me this was the most enlightening part of the book.

In the end, Lauren tries unsuccessfully to commit suicide. Supposedly this is when Liz and Sarabeth take a long look at their friendship and its "fault lines." But in my opinion, neither of them really wanted to bother. Liz did her thing, and Sarabeth contemplated sleeping with another married man.

In the end, Liz makes peace with Sarabeth with what I must say sounds like the ugliest bench ever, some plaid number with flowers that Liz made. I'm guessing Liz wanted to get rid of that bench and decided "what the heck, I'll kill two birds with one stone and take it over to Sarabeth." And Sarabeth, being the "offbeat funky one" in the friendship, was thrilled to have it and all was back to normal with the two.

Thank goodness, because I couldn't take another minute of it!

So that is how I feel about the book. Tell me, how do you feel about it?

"Any Bitter Thing"

2007-08-30T16:46:00.000-04:00

by Monica Wood

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

(Editor’s Note: This review DOES give away plot details, so please refrain from reading if you don’t want to spoil the ending!)

In this book, Lizzy Mitchell is the victim of a hit and run accident. She is running and someone hits her, then they are running, then someone moves her, then he is running.

Abandonment begins this novel and is threaded throughout on so many levels I thought my heart would break.

When Lizzy was two, her parents were killed in a plane crash, and she was sent to live with her Uncle Mike whom she loves dearly. Uncle Mike, by the way, is also a Catholic priest.

You are lulled into the book at this point with the beauty of ordinary life. It’s alife with a doting uncle-turned-parent and a routine full of lovely rituals Uncle Mike holds dear from the Catholic church.

I must say, I didn't like that nosy housekeeper from the minute she was introduced!
She keeps looking to fault Father Mike with something specific about raising Lizzy until, finally, she convinces herself she has found it. She falsely accuses Mike of sexually abusing Lizzy, and it is then the "beauty of ordinary life" turns ugly. Father Mike is taken away, and Lizzy is told he died from heart failure.

It is not until Lizzy is in the hospital after the hit-and-run, now a grown married woman, that she sees visions of her Uncle Mike. After leaving the hospital, her rehabilitation dredges up questions and eventually answers from another tragedy that was hidden from her as well. She soon finds out her Uncle Mike is alive.

Now, I must say I really liked this book but I always get irritated when anyone suggests "there is no choice." For I find there is always a choice. Even not making a choice is a choice. Vivienne (Father Mike’s friend and crush) chooses herself in the end. Father Mike, though portrayed as noble for shielding Lizzy from all the ugly things being said, should have fought like a mad dog for her. I felt his naiveté a little too strongly and he lost some of his shine.

However, I might point out that as much as this novel is about abandonment, it is also a story of a marriage. I like how the ups and downs of Lizzy and Drew's marriage is intertwined with the plot. I really like that though the marriage had died, they fought to revive it and were happy in the end that they did.

I thought that "Any Bitter Thing" was a great story, a story of love, loss, redemption, forgiveness and relationships.

Tell me, what do you think?

What do you think is the turning point in Lizzy and Drew's marriage?

Was Father Mike a good father? Was he a good priest?

Is Lizzy an emotionally guarded women or emotionally generous?

What did you think of Vivienne ... good or bad?

Would you have forgiven Father Mike and understood his position?

“Warm Springs: Traces of a Childhood at FDR’s Polio Haven”

2007-07-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

By Susan Richards Shreve
Houghton Mifflin, $24

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

If you had asked me prior to my reading this book if I had ever been to Warm Springs, the answer would have been, “Of course! There are some great antique shops there and a quaint tea room as well!”

If you had asked specifically if I had been to FDR’s Little White House, the answer would have been “no.”

One of the great things about reading is not only does it prompt you to ponder and think, but sometimes it actually sends you into action, as it did in my case, when I promptly took myself to the actual location of the book straightaway.

To be honest, the many times I passed “The Little White House” sign on my antique jaunts, I envisioned what I thought Warm Springs to be “back in the day.” Healing waters, relaxing massages, sweet iced tea, perhaps a little croquet … in short I pictured a nice quiet getaway, a place where FDR and other polio patients went to “get away from it all.”

After reading the book, I feel ashamed of such ignorance now. Warm Springs was not a vacation spot, rather it was a place to fight the battle against polio. It was a place where determination was the name of the game and the hope of walking was palatable in the air.

Shreve did a fine job of relating the atmosphere of Warm Springs, however, I must admit that other than that I was a bit bored. I kept waiting for this horrible, mischievous child to emerge, but despite Shreve’s insistence that she was “a bad seed,” I just didn’t see it. Perhaps for the 1950s wearing a sanitary pad belt around your neck was scandalous, but I’m pretty sure by today’s standards that would be quite tame.

Of course, one has to consider the tragedy of Joey Buckley breaking his legs in the wheelchair race, but I found it to be an even bigger tragedy that Shreve alone was blamed for this and sent home. I don’t recall her tying Buckley’s wheelchair to hers and dragging him up that hill.

Shreve’s motives for her escapades seemed pure, fueled by her desire to please. In the end, I was disappointed Shreve was sent home and never knew what happened to Joey Buckley.

One final thought on Warm Springs: I read that in 1926, Roosevelt spent two-thirds of his personal fortune to buy the resort and turn it into a health spa treating polio patients. I know his efforts were recognized, especially at Warm Springs, where an empty chair always sat at the head of the table in memory of him. Roosevelt spent much of his life projecting a strong image and downplaying his disability. In the end, and after much debate, President Clinton decided his memorial would include his wheelchair. I, for one, disagree with that decision (and not for the sake of just liking to disagree with Bill Clinton).

Whatever Roosevelt’s motive, he felt strongly about the image he wanted to project in life. Yet, in death he will be immortalized with his wheelchair. I’m wondering, what do you think?

Want to visit the Little White House? It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Last full tour is at 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission: Adults - $7, Seniors (62+) - $6, Children (6-18) - $4, Under 5 – free. For directions and more information: www.gastateparks.org or www.fdr-littlewhitehouse.org.

“Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia”

2007-06-19T15:32:00.000-04:00

By Elizabeth Gilbert

Reviewed by Liz Barnett

I am a reluctant traveler. I love the idea of travel, but I hate the getting there. However, I love seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. I also love the idea of having a year to myself to do exactly whatever my little heart desires. These two facts drew me to “Eat, Pray, Love.” As a Christian, I approached this book with some caution, ready to protect my beliefs. But Gilbert quickly drew me into her quirky web and, in the end, you just can't help but love her. So, let's talk about it!

Italy — A couple of years ago, my husband Scott and I were in Mexico swimming at the lagoon. On the beach beside us was this beautiful Italian family. I couldn't stop staring at them or listening to them. The Dad kept calling to his young daughter, "Bella, Bella, come here my Bella" which I learned later means “beautiful.” So, I can totally relate to Gilbert falling in love with the Italian language and choosing to go to Italy for pleasure. I loved this part of the book and gained a few pounds myself by craving and eating pizza and pasta. Only trouble is, I wasn't 15 pounds under a normal weight as was Gilbert, who obviously needed some hefty carbs.

There are two things I think Gilbert was wise in realizing in Italy. The first is that old saying "wherever you go, there you are." She is wise in trying to get to the root of her depression and loneliness that had no business following her to Rome. The second was her decision not to jump into bed with all the available "Italian hotties." If Gilbert thought she was confused and depressed before, I can't imagine what throwing in the feeling of "loveless sex" would do.

All in all, I loved my time with Gilbert in Italy. It was a beautiful, enchanting time.

India — Here the book gets a little weary for me. At this writing I have exactly one yoga class experience, and Gilbert’s early attempts at yoga mirror my own. In my class I was alternately thinking about all the things I needed to be doing instead of yoga and wondering if the woman behind me thought my butt looked big. I also got tickled at some of the names of the poses. When I was told to lie on my back with my feet in the air for the "happy baby" pose, the "happy baby" couldn't make it to the next pose for all the laughter she was trying to suppress.

Obviously I've never reached a "transient state of meditation," and I hope you won't be shocked to know I don't want to! I have to wonder which spirit world you are tapping into when you come out of your cave, as Gilbert did, "randy as a sailor on a three day leave."

Gilbert says that "culturally, though not theologically, I'm a Christian. … I can't swallow that one fixed rule in Christianity insisting that Christ is the ‘only’ path to God."

See, it’s that pesky Jesus-as-the-only-path-to-heaven business that gets Christians into hot water all the time. If we could just allow some other gods to use other entrances and leave the main entrance for Christ, then perhaps others might be persuaded. But no, we insist on believing the Bible, the foundation of our faith.

I felt a sense of loss on Gilbert’s behalf. For all her "enlightenment" she still doesn't really know what she believes, and what she does know could change with the next breeze that sails by. She sends her prayers out into "the universe" hoping they will land on "a spirit", "an energy force," "a guru," somewhere...anywhere. As Gilbert ended her time in India I found myself a little tired and a lot happy. Happy that I know who I am praying to and that He can be trusted.

Indonesia — Can you believe Gilbert shows up in Indonesia with only the vague invitation of a medicine man whose last words to her were "See you later alligator!" As an obsessive compulsive, I was shocked, but as a middle-aged woman I was a little bit thrilled! I found Gilbert's accounts of visiting the medicine man amusing and loved his line, "Tell your friends from America come see me, I am very empty in the bank."

I also liked reading about the family units and how important birth order was in determining what you would be named. It made me think George Foreman was on to something by naming all his sons George Foreman Jr., III, IV, V and VI. I found myself imagining what it would be like to wander around that vine-covered cottage Gilbert rented and have the leisurely task of naming all the flowers. And as I always do when I read about other countries, I see Americans being labeled "that fast-paced society" and hear that voice echoing in my ears "Be still, be still, be still."

As for Gilbert’s new love, Felipe ( and shouldn't all Brazilian lovers be named Felipe?), only time will tell. We will have to wait for Gilbert’s next book when she realizes Felipe actually pees on the toilet seat and that belching sounds like belching in any language.

I liked Gilbert, and I sincerely hope she "finds herself" and doesn't get lost again. If anything Gilbert reminds us all it's not just the destination but the journey as well. NCM