Outside Reading - Week 2, Post B

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

THE FIRST IMPRESSION

I chose this book because it was the first available book that fit the criteria for second quarter outside reading. I then figured out that my mom had started to read and really liked what she had read thus far. I later found out that it was a memoir on the list of suggested memoirs for quarter one’s outside reading. Some friends of mine had read it and from their blogs and my conversations with them it was a fantastic book. Finally, the first day that I brought it to school, Mrs. Burgess said that it was one of her favorite books. After all these great things I was hearing, I felt that this could be a great read, and I was excited to begin reading it. I don’t like books that get off to a bad, boring, or confusing start. This novel fit none of the above appalling standards. Within the first few pages, the otherwise confusing format was explained. The book is structured like a japa mala, or prayer beads, into three sections of 36 chapters each. Already I was interested and ready to get on with the book, to finalize my first impression. What I found was a good plot line that got right into the story, and I was immediately enthralled with the memoir. Some stories just inspire you, and this one did before I was fished reading the first ten pages. I practice my religion regularly, and I was inspired to increase my praying and devotion to God twice as much as usual, simply by hearing the story that Elizabeth was telling of her experiences with God. In conclusion, this memoir has given me a wonderful first impression and has lived up to all of the expectations placed upon it by others.