I went to a book signing last night to hear Liz Gilbert speak. Gilbert wrote my favorite book of 2006 — “Eat, Pray, Love.” I crammed into folding chairs with 50 other women (and two token men) at Changing Hands bookstore to catch a glimpse of the woman who transported me to Italy, India and Indonesia. She was as funny, charming and beautiful as you’d imagine.
I wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home with me. She gave solid advice on spiritual journeys (how to go on your own, not try to copy hers), love, yoga, writing, meditation, and enjoying life. Before introducing Gilbert, a bookstore clerk mentioned the next author to speak at the store was a nutritionist whose specialty is cooking without sugar or flour. And “get your tickets now!!” Gilbert took the mic, smiled and said dryly, “Or, you could just stay home and eat your Kleenex box. I mean, seriously — why bother cooking?” We all laughed and then she went on to read a section of her book when she is traveling through Italy and on her “no carbs left behind” campaign.
If you haven’t read “Eat, Pray, Love” it is so worth your time. Gilbert has the great talent of writing her experiences in a way that she seems to be speaking to you personally. She had a gaggle of fans last night who wanted to share their divorce, faith and life stories. Everyone wanted a piece of her. I could imagine this would be highly annoying night after night on a book tour (although Universe, please burden me with this problem), but she handled it all with grace and gave fantastic advice.
Thank you Liz. You are adored.
~K