Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Committed

I've been waiting for months to get a copy of Elizabeth Gilbert's latest book, Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage.  Due to budget cuts, there just aren't many books to go around at the public library these days, so if you want a new, popular book, you gotta be willing to wait.  And so I've been waiting and waiting.  Impatiently.

The other day while visiting the library, I noticed a copy of Committed on the book shelf.  It wasn't the actual book, but instead, it was the audiobook.  I've never bought or checked out a audiobook before.  But since the book I requested long ago still hasn't arrived, I decided to check this one out.
I loaded all 7 CDs onto my iPOD just yesterday.  I'm now about a CD and 1/2 into the book.  I wasn't sure how I'd like an audiobook.  Usually I run to music.  Lately it's all Bob Schneider.  All the time.  And I do not want to wear him out.  So it seemed like a good time to try something different.  But I wasn't so sure that words minus the music would do it for me.

It ends up... I love it!  The reader is actually the author herself, and I like her voice, telling me her story of why she was fearful of marrying her second husband, but why they went ahead and did it anyway.  (Both her first marriage and his first marriage were disasters.  But after her boyfriend, Felipe, faces possible and probable deportation, they decide to walk through their mutual fear and get hitched.)

Today I ran to the chapters in which she talks about arranged marriages of Mong women, and how the expectations going into those marriages differ so much than the typical marriage here in America.  It made me think, first of all, how grateful I am that I live in a country where I got to actually choose who I married.  And I am thankful that although I've grown to love my husband in new and different ways over the years, I'm glad we started off with love. Love may make it all more complicated, but for me, that's what it's all about. 

But it is good to remember that although I grew up reading fairy tales and about the "happily ever after", those were just...fairy tales.  And marriage is something quite different.  Or at least, it's a different part of the story.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've just finished listening to 'The Lord of the Rings', as a BBC radio broadcast made years ago rather than an audio-book. I was hesitant at first as, like you, I usually prefer to listen to music! But I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful it was to be able to listen while doing other things too: painting, reading, washing-up etc. I'm pleased you're enjoying 'Committed' - certainly lots of interesting topics to think about!
Hugs xxx

Emelie - C'est LA vie said...

Ohh I didn't realise it was out yet - I remember reading about it last summer...Thanks for the reminder!

And as for audio books - LOVE the whole idea of listening in bed at night... Xx

Roberta said...

When I was commuting over two hours a day I listened to many audio books and really enjoyed the ride to work so much more and soon found myself looking for all the sales because, like you, I would finish one book in less than a week. This story sounds wonderful and I am so glad that my DH and I took the chance to love again.

Laurie said...

Sounds like an interesting book. I just started reading "Give It Up" about the woman who gives up one thing a month for a year. I kinda thought I'd try the same thing along with her as I read, then I realized most of the things she gave up (alcohol, television, elevators...) are things that never have been a big part of my life. What could I give up? Knitting??? Nah..ain't gonna happen... LOL!

Cheryl Connell said...

Kerri,

Thanks for making a comment on my new blog! yes, I plan to use that one for all new posts - just easier than having two.
I work in a library and I have never used an audio book either, but they are very popular. I can see it would be nice on a long drive too. I haven't read Committed yet but on my list!

Cheryl

Marie a la Mode said...

I'm interested in reading this, I loved "Eat Pray Love." Also I have to say that I'm glad I'm not the only one who still goes to the library ; ) I don't buy many books, I borrow all the time!

Jadyn said...

I am intrigued by by this book! I think it's so interesting how the concept of marriage has changed over time and is different in different cultures. As you are, I am glad to have started out with love too, and am loving how it evolves over time the longer we're married. Hope you enjoy the rest of the book!

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

You know, I started the book and then put it down. I think it was because it was SO DIFFERENT from "Eat Pray Love" -maybe audiobook is the way to go. BTW, I love the new pic of you at the top of the blog!

Anonymous said...

There are so many stories in a marriage, yes there are! I'm happy I have a love story with mine, mixed in with friendship and choice. Great post!

My man and I are big audio book fans. The voices of the story tellers become familiar friends, and can make a story truly come alive. Isn't it fun to discover something new in "reading"?!?!

Cheerio :)
Gwynnie

soraya nulliah said...

Dear Kerri-This book is SO on my reading list! audiobooks are great-I listen to a lot of Caroline Myss/ Dr. Estes on audio while I paint. Yes-I come from a culture where arranged marriages are the norn and divorce almost non-existent...uh, that does NOT mean that people (or should I say women) are happy! I think men may be better off because they can do whatever they want! I agree with you though-love is the glue and while it may not be the whole story (like in fairy tales) -it is a big part!!! Happy weekend! xxx

soleil said...

I think the narrator makes all the difference with audiobooks.
I bought Committed at the airport last year. I really really liked it. But then, I am a big fan of E.G. ;)