Spinach Soup for the Walls by Lynn Harkes

There is no doubt this book has good intentions: beautifully written and graciously told, Spinach Soup for the Walls is a memoir of one woman’s travels and personal growth which aims to inspire the message in anyone who reads it that ‘all will be well.’ Harkes’ grasp on life is extraordinary, and certain chapters such as The Saddest Farewell, where Harkes discusses the loss of her father, are deeply touching, as they should be.

However, even with Harkes’ globe-trotting revisited, the book somehow seems uneventful, and in regards to continent-jumping, concentrates on the more mundane aspects of travelling such as the transportation and set-up of her many new homes (yes, many. All is indeed well).

As beautifully written as it is, her description throughout is consistently verbose, which unfortunately may lead readers to check once too often when one chapter ends and the next chapter begins. Nevertheless, and more importantly, her spiritual journey and state of mind, from despair to joyful living, is the intent. It is written with an honesty and integrity which doesn't seem forced. Spinach Soup for the Walls offers touches of Eat, Pray, Love, but on a smaller scale, if that's a recommendation. [Amy Balloch]