April 2011 Book Club: 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

Take some tasty, chocolatey mudslide cakes and other small delicacies piled high atop pretty plates as well as gooey chocolate mini Easter eggs brimming to overflow in petite glassware and combine with tinkling china teacups and light conversation and you now have an image of the way this month's book club kicked off. And, what better way to celebrate this month's title, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert?

We had a small number who turned out for our April's meeting and, whilst the numbers were smaller this month, the discussion and social interaction, (which is a major focus in our club) was large. There are always plenty of opportunities to enjoy light-hearted banter and catch-up socially, but we always manage to balance it with an engaging discussion about the book of the month. How deeply we discuss a book depends upon the dynamics of the group. Each month we allow ourselves to be led by the feel of the group and usually, our reading guides.

Eat Pray Love was generally received with mixed feelings. Some readers loved the book, while others didn't, and still others enjoyed parts of it whilst other parts, not so. It was a mixed bag of thoughts and feelings. This is the type of book that makes for great discussion, especially with such a variety of feelings floating around, and depending upon how strong some of those feelings were.

Eat Pray Love falls within the travel documentary genre and if you've visited the bookstores lately, it doesn't take you very long to figure out that it is a very popular genre. Many writers take the opportunity to combine their love of travel and writing as a way to turn out running commentaries on their experiences. And who wouldn't mind doing that, especially if it became a major seller?

Because of the number of travel writers, it is often hard to choose the exact book you want and, on the flip side, as a writer with strong competitors, you need to have the cutting edge; a unique way that sets you apart from all the rest, namely, the Black Caviar of the field (speaking in horse racing terms).

Eat Pray Love is one of those major sellers I just mentioned.Why? Just what did Elizabeth Gilbert do that set her apart from all the rest?

Well, that question makes for much discussion, but she obviously struck a chord with a large proportion of the western population. Was it the entrapment of marriage, outgrown and now loveless that readers connected with, or was it the chance to travel with the author and visit three countries that they had not visited before? Or maybe readers simply wanted to experience the food, culture, meditation and prayer along with the author, and connected with these aspects. Who knows? But what became obvious from listening to our book club members was that the book, or at least parts of the book meant something different for each of them based on their own experiences, their culture, their views on life and religion, and where they were now in their life. So too, I think, for the general population.

This is a book that you choose for personal reasons and not based on the recommendation by others. This is a book that the author must have the edge; the Black Caviar of the racing field.

I know personally, that with all the hype that surrounded this book, even before the movie came out, I ummed and ahhhhed about it. Oprah and her Book Club (which I respect) had sanctioned and promoted it and the general population raved about it.

For me, it took many visits to a variety of book stores, where it wooed me before I purchased a copy. As I wandered around the stores, looking at new and old titles, it always managed to intrigue me when I found it displayed. I'd pick it up and fondle it, run my fingers over its front cover. I'd hold it and read the back cover then carry it around the store with me, only to return it back to its rightful place on the shelf, edged out by other titles more pressing for me to take home. Finally though, one day I eventually felt sorry enough for it. I'd had enough of it begging me to take it home like an orphaned puppy. I finally decided it was its turn to come home to my place. Why this time? I don't know. Perhaps I was finally curious enough for it.

Was I glad? Was it worth the purchase? For me - definitely. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was glad to have shared some of my time with this author and her tale of self discovery. Elizabeth Gilbert is a writer who is easy to read. She kept the language simple and the themes a little more complex. I enjoyed her writing technique so much so that now I would like to read her other documentary called The Last American Man.

Novel Tea 'n Pages recommends Eat Pray Love to those book lovers where it either 'jumps out at you' (blatantly) or if it woos you. No matter what way - it will get you. Good luck. All I can say is, enjoy it for what it is.

So, until next time,
happy reading...

Writers' Club - March Wrap Up

In the beginning...

Everyone is busy these days so it is necessary to prioritise from the most important, through to least important on your list of things to do. Most people have a list, whether they write it down or not. Because we all come from a variety of backgrounds, we naturally measure our priorities differently.

This was one of the main issues raised at Novel Tea 'n Pages first Writers' Club meeting held on Saturday, 12 March, 2011, where a small group of people who love to write or who would like the opportunity to write met up and discussed their objectives and hopes.

Finding time for the 'luxury' of writing is not always the top of people's priority lists. But, as they say, if you value something, you will make time for it. Some members crossed this bridge when it came time to commit to participating in a writing group situation. Some members were at a crossroads, tossing up whether they should commit to such an activity or not. For whilst writing for them was a priority, it was way down on the list of must dos. Were there perhaps, more important things they should be doing for their families, they questioned. Luckily, they had very supportive spouses who encouraged them to come along and try it out for themselves.

How many of us feel like this? It is very common for women especially, feel this way. These are very real issues faced by some who want to write but find it hard to justify the amount of time that will be spent doing it, especially when there are so many other ways to 'fill up' our life.

There is no doubt family is important, and that is totally another topic for conversation.

However, it is also very important to have some balance in your life. A lot of people sacrifice themselves for the good of the family and then wonder why they sometimes feel resentful, or feel like they have no time for themselves. Everyone needs, and should allocate time for themselves, to do something they really enjoy. There are lots of options out there, but specifically today, we are discussing writing.

Today, was a good outcome though. For those who may have felt some reluctance decided to come along anyway at the encouragement of their spouses, and were decidedly happy they made the effort. They discovered that once they committed themselves to the first meeting and wrote down their objectives and desires for writing, it enabled them to spend some time thinking specifically about what they hoped to gain and to write down their aims. This brought a delicious sense of fulfilment and purpose, and gave them direction. It inspired them.

The role of writing groups:

Writing groups play a very important role for writers. They are the perfect way to keep writers accountable and help them schedule regular writing sessions and it gives them a purpose to show up.

Writing can easily be regarded as a hobby. Some people play sport, some paint and so, why not write? If you love it, then it could be the perfect outlet for you.

There are several important reasons for bringing writers together:

• Writing is inevitability a solitary activity so, joining a group is an excellent way to share your interest with others who understand the pressures and joys of being a writer. 
• It is also important to receive constructive feedback on work in progress. It is often difficult to remain objective about your own work and whilst friends and family are always keen to lend a hand, unless they are in the writing industry, it is hard for them to give helpful and focused feedback that is required.

A good writers' group has the capacity to provide a strong, supportive and knowledgeable group of friends who can deliver honest objective and constructive feedback on each other's work in a supportive environment.

It is hoped that Novel Tea 'n Pages can grow to be a supportive and friendly group of writers who can be there for each other along the various journeys our members take. There is room for beginner writers and critiques, and well as the experienced. We all have to start somewhere and it is our hope to develop critiques and writers who are sensitive to all.

Today was the start of what is hoped...a wonderful journey for many.

So, until next time...

happy writing...