Book Review: Call of the Wild

Last night, I finished Jack London’s “Call of the Wild.” It was great, to say the least. London did an amazing job of giving the main character, a dog called Buck, human qualities without losing his animal instincts (one of the main themes of the book). Buck’s journey is riveting, and the reader gets attached to each character he meets along the way. Emotions run rampant throughout the book: love, hate, anger, joy, affection, pain and loss.

Each scene is beautifully described and the emotions of the animals speak clearly to the reader, who will no doubt cringe at ever challenge Buck faces and breathe a sigh of relief when he overcomes. London’s knowledge of the dog-sledding community is so great that he was able to portray the humans and animals with great detail to make them real to the reader.

The underlying mythical quality to the story puts the book in it’s place in history, and is a great read for young adults and older adults. I am eager to read more of London’s work.

Book Review: Eat Pray Love

So, I must be living under a rock because I only recently picked up Elizabeth Gilbert’s brilliant memoir “Eat Pray Love.” The story of Gilbert’s year spent traveling through Italy, India and Indonesia is told with such honesty, humor and insight. Even though Gilbert’s journey followed a severe depression and divorce (things I’ve not experienced in life), I found myself identifying with her many times throughout the book. Gilbert’s words inspire me to be independent, seek my true self and be happy. I especially liked her insight into meditation, and I have used many of her techniques in my own practice already. (Thanks so much for that!)

It wasn’t until I finished the book, that I visited Gilbert’s web site. There, she answers questions about the book and gives an update on her life since returning to the U.S. What I found most intriguing, though, was her Thoughts on Writing. As a big-time writer, Gilbert is undoubtedly asked to give advice to those wishing to turn their story into a masterpiece the likes of Gilbert’s. Her words were so inspiring to me and others, I’m sure. Here, I will share some her insights that touched me most (note: most of these tips are very much linked to spiritual practice…it all comes around in the end!).

I believe that – if you are serious about a life of writing, or indeed about any creative form of expression – that you should take on this work like a holy calling.

“Hey – somebody has to write all those stories: why not me?”

As for discipline – it’s important, but sort of over-rated. The more important virtue for a writer, I believe, is self-forgiveness. Because your writing will always disappoint you. Your laziness will always disappoint you.

You must find another reason to work, other than the desire for success or recognition. It must come from another place.

All these insights can be applied to any kind of work, really. I think that it is most important that you make sure to act with purpose in every thing you do. This is the way to reach happiness and be at peace with your self.