Daily Advance Intern
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Not long ago, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" hosted a discussion about a book women everywhere have been raving about. This evening, for Oprah fans in the area, the same event has come to River City.
"Eat, Pray, Love," a memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, is one that has inspired women from all over the country to make positive changes in their lives. Now, because of its popularity at Page After Page, the local bookstore has decided to host a discussion of its own.
 Submitted Photo |
And the owner, Susan Hinkle, stresses that this is not going to be like the bookstore's regular discussions.
"We will have our general book discussion, but in addition, people will be encouraged to talk about the ways in which this book has effected them, because this book has indeed effected a lot of people," says Hinkle.
In addition to the discussion, Hinkle says that there will be refreshments, and a possible phone discussion with the book's author, Elizabeth Gilbert. And it looks as though that phone call might be the highlight of the evening due to the advice and experience the author is known to share.
In her memoir, Elizabeth Gilbert wittily retells her experiences going through a nasty divorce, and traveling to three different countries in search of comfort, recovery, religion, love, and balance.
"She finds comfort through food in Italy, prayer and meditation in India, and love in Indonesia," says Hinkle.
Though it seems as though it would be, the inspiring part of her story is not the amazing places she travels to, but instead her decision to travel because of her need to find herself, doing whatever it takes regardless of her bindings, issues, and insecurities.
This is an idea that has resided with many readers on the verge of change. Now, readers who have been unhappy, torn between conflicting decisions, or have been leaving themselves little time for relaxation are being inspired to take a little more time for themselves.
The bookstore hosts an event like this one every month, and a new book discussion each week, along with regular writer's meetings and poetry groups. Hinkle says that she has learned a lot since she opened her bookstore on Water Street.
"My goal is to increase the awareness and the fun of books in the area. I always say that reading a book is like taking a vacation," says Hinkle.
The "Eat, Pray, Love" event will take place today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Page After Page. Tickets should be pre-registered, and are $2 a person. For more information about this event, or to purchase tickets, contact the bookstore at (252) 335-7243.
