Enlightenment for Idiots (and a giveaway)
A month or so ago, I was contacted by Anne Cushman to spread the word about her new book, Enlightenment for Idiots. What great good fortune that the book arrived from the publisher the day I was struck with the flu! Double good fortune that the book is a page turner. Funny and poignant, with a heroine that you can’t help but love and root for as she stumbles towards enlightenment.
Here is the write up that you can find on Amazon:
From Publishers Weekly
Cushman, coauthor of the nonfiction From Here to Nirvana and contributing editor to Yoga Journal, has written a hilarious take on the quest for truth that manages to respect the journey while skewering many of the travelers. Amanda, a 29-year-old fledgling yoga teacher, ekes out a living as a freelance writer in San Francisco and seizes the chance to go to India when her editor assigns her to research a guidebook about enlightenment. Soon she’s traipsing around India pursuing trendy gurus and yoga masters and scoring insightful encounters with ordinary folk along the way. She also collects a traveling companion: the sweet-natured, celibate truth seeker Devi Das, who, upon viewing the polluted Ganges, advises Amanda to Think holy, not E. coli. The discovery that she’s pregnant makes Amanda’s quest for meaning all the more poignant, forcing her to review her choices while she struggles to uncover the elusive secret to happiness. Cushman brings devastating wit and a thorough knowledge of her subject to her first novel, evoking an India that fills the senses and stirs the spirit even as it occasionally turns the stomach, and making it possible for the reader to both laugh with and root for Amanda as she comes to terms with her messy life.
(Apr.)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The book is being released April 15th, but you can get yours simply by leaving a comment. I will choose a recipient for the book on the 15th - the day the book will be out in stores- and will send it immediately. If you enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love, you will definitely want to read this!
April 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I adored Eat, Pray, Love, so here is my comment!
Sounds like a great book.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
oh! pick me! I need all the help I can get
April 10th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I’m in.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I’d love to win this, if not I’ll pick it up later this month. Thanks for telling us about it.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I have been a huge fan of Eat, Pray, Love and have told many about that book. Can this book be as good? Will definitely have to check it out. Pick me! Pick me! LOL.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Looks like a good one! Count me in!
April 11th, 2008 at 4:54 am
I’m always looking for good books! Thanks for offering this.
April 11th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Gosh, I have yet to read Eat, Pray, Love but have heard so many great reviews about it. It is next on my list. This book sounds like a treasure too and who doesn’t need a little enlightenment. Hope you are feeling better!
April 11th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Looks a great book to take on retreat
April 11th, 2008 at 7:59 am
i’m new to post, although i’ve been a faithful reader of your blog for quite some time now… i’m a yoga-teacher-in-training and a mom, so sometimes when i read your words, it’s like listening to my own thoughts! i’ve heard marvelous things about this book, and i LOVED Eat Pray Love…. thanks for your generosity in giving everyone a shot at this new book!
April 11th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Ooh, sounds good. I could use a little enlightenment, myself. And the title is hysterical. And I guess while I’m at it, I need to read “Eat, Pray, Love,” too? Everyone is raving about it…
April 11th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I referenced you on my post about Elizabeth Gilbert yesterday! What a coincidence!!
April 11th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I love enlightenment and love books, so count me in!
April 11th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Thanks for including the comments from Amazon. Sounds like a great book. I look forward to reading it.
And thanks for your wonderful blog that I enjoy reading.
I wish you peace, love and laughter
GG
April 11th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
i’m in too
April 12th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Hi Nona, I would absolutely love to win this book….I’ve just returned from an amazing 3wks in Dahab, Egypt training in Yoga and felt like I had finally found my path!! The only trouble is I am now back in London and feel completely at Sea!!!! Any help would be so gratefully received. I remain completely optimistic and open to Life!
April 12th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Sounds great - a superb summertime read!
April 13th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Sounds like a good read! Now to check out the rest of your blog!
April 14th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Either way, I’m going to get the book. I loved Eat, Pray, Love and looking forward to reading this one..
One of my favorite bumper stickers which is on my car… Cultivate Peace. yeah, always cultivating the inner garden
Doreen
April 16th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Ooo, I hope you’re still considering names for the giveaway. This book sounds great - I think I’ll post about it on my blog as well.