Graphic designed by Susie Kiltz

I’m a big fan of walking through bookstores.  My local Barnes and Noble sees me in there about twice a week, browsing through new titles and taking notes of books that look interesting.  I usually don’t purchase books that I haven’t read (unless they are a steal) and prefer to read them first through the library.  If I like it, it goes on my wish list or I actively pursue finding the books at a great deal.  For someone who reads as much as I do, this is necessary.

In one of my recent trips to Barnes and Noble I was speaking to the manager there and she was asking me about books I’ve read.  Several books in a row I mentioned I had read them, but I had read insert name here and liked it more.  She laughed and said, you know.. you should do a blog meme about that very subject.  So, that’s what I am going to do.

I read this book a while back now, and while I thoroughly enjoyed the “eating” part of the book, the “pray” and “love” sections left me wanting.  Instead of finding insight and some thought-provoking moments I was annoyed by the selfish tone of the author, and in speaking with several friends and workers at my local bookstores and libraries, they were having the same issues.   If you are like me, and you found something lacking, or even if you did like the book and are looking for something similar I’d like to introduce you to Andrew Zimmern.

You’ve heard of this guy, right? He’s the one that’s eating all that crazy food on the travel channel.  I don’t know about you, but I have a really hard time watching it, so I wasn’t sure about the book.  Folks, I was unable to put this book down.  Zimmern writes in the same style that he speaks in.  He’s frank, honest, witty and charming all the way through the book.  His respect for different cultures and people shines through – and there are even some very heart-warming, thought-provoking moments in the book.  If you are interested in learning about other places, about how other cultures soul-search, about a simpler way of life, then than this is definitely the book for you.  (And in the process you will learn all about the African Lungfish, Aloe Juice and other fascinating but.. gross things to eat.)

Buy on Amazon: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Buy on Amazon: The Bizarre Truth by Andrew Zimmern