One year ago, I read the book Committed, a review copy I had received from the fabulous folks at Penguin. In case you missed my first review, here's a brief synopsis:
At the end of her memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with Felipe, a Brazilian living in Indonesia. The couple swore eternal love, but also swore (as skittish divorce survivors) never to marry. However, providence intervened in the form of a U.S. government ultimatum: get married, or Felipe could never enter America again.I very much enjoyed the read and passed the book along to my cousin to enjoy as well. Just in time for Valentine's Day, a paperback version of the book is being released today!
The book is part autobiography, part travelogue, part historical study, part academic theory. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but I was particularly fond of Gilbert's firsthand experiences. Truth be told, I read quickly through the heavily researched bits, but slowed to savor the personal accounts. She's insightful, clever, humorous.
{For those of you who have the book—or plan to get a copy—I just adored Gilbert's description of her dinner at Keo's house. The basin filled with frogs, the chicken on a twine, the blowing fan, and, of course, the love! Doesn't this pique your curiosity? Frogs in the sink!}
My friends at Penguin have a paperback copy ready to send to a lucky commenter, so leave a comment letting me know your plans for Valentine's Day! If you don't have plans yet (like me), leave a comment telling me what you would like to do on Valentine's Day. I will choose a winner at the end of the week!
On Valentine's day, my fiance and I have a tradition of getting wings and beer. Hooter's wings might not seem sexy to others but we find it fun and delicious.
Posted by: Miss Cupcake | February 01, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Dinner at Melting Pot (yum, cheese & chocolate & wine) and flowers--a big bouquet of flowers, and some chocolates--yes, more chocolate
Posted by: lesli | February 01, 2011 at 11:12 AM
We've started a tradition of doing something fun with the kids on Valentine's Day. I think this year we're going to Legoland or the Aquarium.
Posted by: Mama Bub | February 01, 2011 at 03:31 PM
I know I keep entering, but you keep putting up great books! My plans for Valentine's day itself are dull, but we are going to the science museum on Sunday to celebrate. With twin 5 year olds :-) Every year, we try to do a fun experience together rather than buy presents.
The dull Valentine's day is because I will be an hour away at school, studying, on a Monday.
Posted by: Leah | February 01, 2011 at 03:58 PM
This is on my reading list right now! I'll be spending Valentine's Day with my fellow single female friends having a great dinner party.
Posted by: Ali | February 01, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Cooking dinner at home with my hubby. Cooking together, eating together. I love the time at home more than going out on Valentines Day.
Posted by: Sariah | February 03, 2011 at 10:13 AM
As of February 3rd (your birthday) I do not yet have plans for Valentine's day. Seeing as how I am single (and always mingle-ing) I'm going to wait till last minute to find a good friend who I can drink wine and eat good food with... BUT!!! If I'm lucky i'll get the concert tickets to Ne-Yo at Nokia that my boss is trying to get for me. We shall see.
I'd love to read the book.
Posted by: Kayla Smith | February 03, 2011 at 12:38 PM