Pond image courtesy of kconnors, Morguefile.
There are times when I read some books and contemplate actually doing what the main character is doing. Take Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, for example. It’s nice to fantasize sometimes about living in a cabin in the woods, with my possessions reduced to their minimum (much easier to tidy things up that way), and contemplate the essential meaning of life while doing simple activities.
Thoreau said, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary.” I have to admire that; he recognized the preciousness of life.
But I don’t think I’d want to say in the woods for too long. I’d miss some of the essential elements of life: chocolate, YouTube, chocolate, Facebook, libraries, chocolate, e-mail, chocolate and oh, yes…did I mention chocolate?
“You’re moving next door? Really? Wow!” Image courtesy of alice10, Morguefile.
ITV takes this concept up a notch in their miniseries “Lost in Austen”. In this show, modern-day ardent Austen fan Amanda Price trades places with Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice. Amanda has the advantage of knowing what’s going on (such as the ball at Netherfield) but things get out of whack and it’s funny watching her trying to adjust to that era.
Although if I really wanted to recreate a book…I’d pick Jules Verne’s Around The World In 80 Days. I’d see fabulous sights, meet interesting people, and take you guys along (virtually speaking) because I’d blog about the whole experience. My camera would faint from sheer exhaustion due to all the photos I’d take. Plus, I’d have to hire at least two traveling companions, get multiple visas and figure out the best (and safest) routes from one city to another. Just let me win the lottery first and I’ll get back to you on that. Oh, well.
Readers, what would be your favorite book to imitate in real life?
