I know it looks like I am on a “chic lit” binge at the moment, but I actually read this book a few years ago.  At that time I was binging on books about people sojourning in the woods.  This is the book that severed as dessert for that binge.  If by some seriously strange turn of events, I ever found myself responsible for teaching a course on memoir writing I would use this book. I found it all powerfully staged.  I have one major complaint about this book.  It was published six years after Eat Pray Love, and I am personally convinced her editor or somebody had the chapter added.  It’s a rather pointless chapter. But I really love this book.  I also joke every time this book is discussed that a better subtitle would be “Cheryl Makes Questionable Choices.”  Rock on oh Queen of the PCT.

Oh, after finishing Big Magic I had to read this.  I have to confess that I preferred Big Magic.  I think in part that is due to Big Magic being about ideas and ways of being and this more of sentimental a memoir.  I want to go have a beverage with Richard from Texas.  I could totally hang with that guy.  I feel bad for Jose — though maybe I shouldn’t.  Maybe he got the better end of the deal.  Elizabeth — she’s complicated.

 

Every so often I get stuck on what to read next.  I don’t want this. I don’t want that.  This books too heavy for my next read.  This book’s too light.  When this happens for too many days I use this ideation tool.  I go off to a torrent site and see what the people are sharing.  I just skim for something usually a title, knowing the author helps for context but I am really trying to find something, actually a few somethings, I would normally never give a chance.  My rule is to pick some titles and then go get them from the library and give them a chance.  If I don’t like my first book in a few pages or chapters I can move on to my next pick.

Obviously, this is how I found Big Magic.  I would have never ever read this book unless I forced myself to make the wild leap to read something outside my zone.  I told everyone I know who reads and even more people who don’t painters, actors, dancers, entrepreneurs to check this out.  You might want to check it out too!