Review: Naked in Eden by Robin Easton
Title: Naked in Eden: My Adventure and Awakening in the Australian Rainforest
Author: Easton, Robin
Length: 340 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography
Publisher / Year: Health Communications / 2010
To be Released: September 1st, 2010
Source: TLC Book Tours.
Rating: .5/5
Why I Read It: It was pitched as biography and conservationism / environmentalism, sounded interesting.
Date Read: 02/09/10
Again, another book that I wished I liked more but really did not like at all. This time I feel especially bad because the publisher mistakenly sent me an advance review copy AND a hardcover. BUT that means good things for my readers because I will give both away down below. I actually wasn’t a fan of the book from the first page of the introduction, and had a conversation on twitter about it. It was recommended that I give it up after page 50, but I just felt so bad that I kept forcing myself to read it. After about 170 pages I started to skim, but skimmed through to the end.
Warning, much snarkiness ahead. Please, any new visitors here for BBAW, don’t judge me by this post. Or yesterday’s. I write many wonderfully positive books for the great majority of books which I love. This one, I just didn’t love. At all.
Now, I feel bad because I’m being so negative, but it really just was not for me. I scoffed, snorted, and rolled my eyes an awful lot. Things that caused these reactions include such events as:
Gradually, compassion calmed my racing heart, and within that calm I heard the snake’s thoughts. (pg xviii)
It continues will a conversation between her and the snake. Or:
“You know it well. You know what is wrong. You can feel it in your body, and have felt it for a very long time. Think more about your life, Robin. You will remember. Trust it.” (pg 110)
Yep, that is the trees talking to her. They have long conversations like that. She sees them too. In the sentence above the trees are teaching her that she has always been mildly autistic.
So things like that kind of had me rolling my eyes. It felt very… fake… a lot of the times. Like oh you had these marvelous long conversations with trees and animals that you remember word for word. To me it felt more like embellishment. Yes, I love nature and being in a forest is peaceful and relaxing and you can do a lot of thinking. And I wonder if she wanted to make it more interesting by instead of just her thinking, making it her talking to the trees? I don’t know. It’s her story and her world-view so I’m not going to bash it. Maybe I am one of those horrid disconnected people that she talks of in the book.
Also, parts of it really made me gag. Not because of anything physically disgusting (though some parts certainly were)… but rather as a woman and a feminist. Let me give you some examples… On page 20 she talks about when her grandmother died and how that made her realize that death was real (sorry, you only just realized that at 20?) and so life must be real too. Then she says:
Another soul reached out over great distance; I’d felt him since I was four years old. Now I had to find him or die. I’d waited my entire life for destiny to arrive. … My destiny’s name was Ian. (pg 20)
I’m sorry, barf. Your destiny is your future husband? Really? That is your only destiny in life is to marry this guy or die?!
The first day I met Ian complete recognition washed over me. I felt I had always known him. I knew he was the person I’d waited for since I was four and a half years old. … When I met Ian, my life finally became real. (pg 21)
Again, sorry, barf. Your life only became real once there was a man in it? Puh-lease woman. This is not the 1800′s. Women have lives outside of men. I don’t need a man to be my whole destiny and my whole life, and no girl should. I really dislike the message that is being given here.
The parts above I scoffed at was really just me being hesitant to accept the message that Easton is giving in this book (I agree with Ana, I don’t like the term message, but this book really does have an agenda behind it and a message it is trying to push out about the environment and our disconnect with it). The statements above about needing a man to be your destiny and feeling like life was real now that your destiny arrived… sorry, that did it for me. I couldn’t take the book seriously any more.
So overall, definitely not the book for me based on my reading preferences, but you may love it. This book does give a great love of nature, and shows a woman’s growth and healing over time as she reconnects with nature. Do give it a chance, if you think it is more your thing. Don’t listen to me 
Plus, a free copy, so no harm in trying it out right?
Edited to add: I wanted to mention quick, I had a similar reaction and thoughts to this book as I had to Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. Both just struck me as crazy out there. That book, obviously, is huge and loved by most everyone. This book, I suspect, would be equally loved by those people. Just wanted to add that grain of salt there to show that I am quite likely the lone voice out on this one (as checking the other tour stops shows).
As I mention above, I am giving away my copies to two readers. Simply leave a comment mentioning why you want to read the book. The giveaway will be open until 12pm AST on Friday, September 24th and is open worldwide. I only ask that you provide a review of the book on your site, or a guest review here.
Thank you very much to Trish and TLC Book Tours for giving me the chance to review this book. I’m sorry I didn’t like it more. Do check out some of these other stops on the tour, for full tour information here.
I’m shocked! 0.5/5 is really low. I don’t think I’ve seen any review rate a book as long as that. I wonder, though, if you were secretly enjoying how much you hated it. And what a great review you could make out of it.
Doesn’t sound like my type of book either. I steer clear of conversations with trees. Thanks for the review, though. Unexpectedly, not a treasure, this book!
I know… I just can’t give it more though leeswammes. I tried. I think part of the issue is that I wanted to give up, but didn’t let myself. I wish I secretly enjoyed how much I hated it, instead I felt like I was punishing myself by continuing to read just because I was a scheduled tour host.
It does happen that a books not for me at times. Oh well, such is life. I have read books and not liked them at all and then my sister will read it and champion it to all her friends as the best thing she’s read in ages. I suspect there are many others who will love this book. Thanks for your honest comments. Much appreciated. No need to enter me in the contest.
Yep, I think that A LOT of people would really love this book Heather. And maybe if I had read it in a different mindset it wouldn’t bother me as much, it’s hard to say. Unfortunately, just not for me.
At first I thought you rated it 5/5 and I was wondering what in the Hell had happened to make you love it all of a sudden. LOL
Hah, yeah, unfortunately not Colleen!
I thought the same thing at first! Lol.
Sorry for the confusion wlfshowl!
Amy, perhaps you read this book with your own perspectives of how life should be and how every one should live it. I think each person defines his/her destiny and determines what it should be. Have you read the letter by Rebecca Walker about her feminist mother Alice Walker of The Colour Purple fame? I was shocked after reading it. Each individual has what makes him/her happy, so I am not totally shocked that he chose Ian.
That could be true Nana, and I suspect others would definitely love the book, a lot of others, probably. My issue wasn’t her choosing Ian but rather the fact that she says her life only started once she found him, which seems a tad extreme to me! I haven’t read that letter by Rebecca Walker, but I will have to try to find it. I enjoyed The Colour Purple, so would be interesting to see what the letter says!
Personally Amy I am glad to see you rate a book ‘low’. I was actuallly thinking the other day, ‘I wonder if Amy posts about books she doesn’t like’. I would doubt a reviewers integrity if they only posted postively. And as other comments here state, it is your opinion, it doesn’t mean others shouldn’t read it.
Heh, I do review every book that I read, because what I DON’T like will invariably be something that others love. This time I kind of couldn’t keep the snark out though and I do feel a bit bad, but I couldn’t help it!
I also usually end up giving away my copy of the book in hopes that others will try it and give more positive reviews, which makes me feel better about not liking the book!
It’s funny to think that your ‘negative’ review is probably going to generate more sales for Robin’s book than if you had of given a ‘positive’ review. Great to see Robin come on here and post as well.
Here’s hoping Trent. This book is definitely geared to a completely different audience than me, who will clearly love it.
Wow. Based on the excerpts that you posted, this book strikes me as mildly ridiculous. I was just having a conversation the other day about how sad it makes me that so many women judge their worth by whether or not they have a man in their lives. It sounds like the narrator is exactly like the women I was describing, and it makes me curiously sad to think that there are women out there who think that finding their partner is the only destiny that they have to look forward to. I think I would probably really dislike this book too, and what with all the talking trees, I would probably have a hard time taking it seriously.
Yes Zibilee… that part really saddened me. BUT if you check the other tour stops, everyone else did love the book. I think if you can get past this part (or if you’re not like me and get completely bogged down by it) most seem to like the book. I just couldn’t though. Ick. Also, books like this always seem a bit over the top to me!
Hi Amy
I was moving along the different sites that were featuring Robin’s book tour and so landed on yours.
I don’t want to be entered for the book, as I have already read it and posted a review about it as well, although I would gladly have 10 copies of this book.
My only thoughts as I read your review and the comments above, were that it is amazing how quickly people jump on any bandwagon, given just a fraction of information and someone else’s bias. No wonder we have the health, political, peace and education problems we have….
But seriously, I totally respect that you acknowledged that maybe you are one of those disconnected people, and that perhaps this book was not for you. But I felt much more than that in your words and energy, and as you continued the review, it actually made me wonder what must have happened in your life to make you lose sight of the beauty, the magic, the romance of it all….
I understand that we are not all going to love every book out there, but when it comes to this book, I have to say, I think the point was grossly missed on it. We are so lacking the bigger picture of beauty and love in society today, and everything that sounds “too beautiful” or “too far out there” is rejected and even labeled as inauthentic. Would it be more real life for you if this book was about war, or relationship dramas, or poverty or corporate greed?
The book is about love – what is there to put down about that. Simple as that. I cannot imagine anyone putting down something so pure, unless they cannot find any of that in themselves with which they can identify.
So yes, as Robin says, we are disconnected, and it shows.
Yes Evita, I think you are right on a lot of that. It is a lot about love and caring for the environment and that part of it really was well done. My disconnection surely shows loud and clear. If it weren’t for the ‘finding a man = being able to start your life”, I definitely wouldn’t have had such a negative reaction to the book. The part about the environment (while I found some of it cheesy) I found to be a really great point that a lot of us really need to learn. …The bit about being able to live only because she found Ian… that just turned me off completely. I wish I could say it wasn’t a knee jerk reaction, but it kind of is. That part is what stuck with me most and I just can’t shake it off or get past it to the rest of the book.
Hi Amy…..
This is really actually a really great forum for growth here because there is much feeling to be resolved. I will comment in a few places, if you don’t mind, to begin a discussion so that we can all connect and learn to relate to each others points of view.
What I got from reading Robin’s book concerning Ian was that Robin didn’t live or come to life through latching on to Ian…..but Ian was a platform or bridge that allowed for Robin to find Life…..to rediscover her Soul and her core self. Ian matched her wishes to find a place of reflection so as to find the Ian or the masculine within her.
Robin appears to have come from a place where the world she lived in didn’t speak her language. Ian could see her desires and gifted her the reflections she so wished to connect with and had required to regain her health and well being. He was a true soul partner in that he could see into her soul. He could feel what she was missing and was then the vehicle to provide her the experience that would connect her to the greater world. They were a momentary match that brought them both to a place of being in Heaven on Earth.
Robin saw Ian as fearless, whereas, the Robin at the time was plagued by her fears. However, Robin was willing to face those fears under certain conditions or parameters. However, when Ian felt fear…..he would literally drive through them and would present an experience where Robin too would know what it would feel like to push through one’s fears to a place of beauty and excitement on the other side.
Once Robin found her true Home in the Rain forest of Australia, she suddenly found a taste for confronting her fears because she had gained more will power by having processed un resolved issues from the past. At the same time while Robin was incorporating more of the masculine into her momentary being, Ian was losing his dominant masculine traits. Ian was compelled to be receptive to exploring the fears that were on his mind by retreating into his self to take a better look from within. This could be looked at as Ian beginning to embrace more of the feminine within.
Therefore, Robin was freed Up to explore her environment because Ian wasn’t there to lead the way. Robin had to embrace her own Leadership qualities. Robin therefore, was becoming the director of her own life. She was no longer tagging along. But now, because of the bridge to the New World that Ian offered, Robin was able to find her self in an environment that spoke her language.
Through Self Reflection…..she was able to integrate the masculine and the feminine, …. the yin and the yang….. , to find that place of true Love. She found love in her Self and saw that her environment was truly a direct reflection of her state of Being.
Now knowing the language of Love….. she’s sees and becomes the beauty in all environments and all the scenery that she is embedded in. From the Australian Rain Forests, she brings this new found love for living wherever she goes.
She has truly awakened.
Bern – I love comments and discussion, so thank you. The growth through the book was definitely impressive, but as I mentioned I just couldn’t connect with it and so started skimming. The lack of immersion in the book caused me not to get as much from the last half of it. Which is why it’s nice of you and others to add your opinions to the discussion. It is definitely an impressive journey. Unfortunately the book wasn’t for me, but I’m sure that others will really enjoy it.
Amy,
I have to say my first reaction is to feel sad that this is the point that you got stuck on, because I think the point was missed. It was not that she could not start her life until she met Ian, it was that she was stuck in the vortex of society, and Ian was a soul that she knew would come into her life, and when he appeared she knew that a new chapter was going to unfold. He was a fearless soul that helped to propell her past her fears into a life filled with great meaning.
I think by seeing this point in a different light you missed a lot of the depth in the book. It is true that some put all their power in another individual (not only women….. ) and this is never a healthy relationship. But the role of Ian in Robins life was empowering her on her own path, not one of dependancy.
Thanks Stacey, yes, maybe at a different point in my life I would get more from it. Where I am now (single and crabby, I suppose you could say!) I like to believe that we don’t need others to save us, but that we can, rather, save ourselves. It was nice to see the relationship evolve into something a little healthier later in the book though.
On the contrary, Amy’s review made me want to read it.
Hooray! I’m glad someone is interested Chribookarama
Really, if you look at the other tour hosts, so far all have loved it but me. I’m the odd one out, and I hoped my honesty wouldn’t turn everyone off.
I probably would have skipped right by this at the bookstore but seeing such an opposing view makes me curious.
That can only be a good thing.
Heh. Yes, I do that fairly often too. If someone really didn’t like something I often want to check it out myself. Which is why I do negative reviews. Well, that and I wanted to review everything I read, so I do
“This one, I just didn’t love. At all.
Now, I feel bad because I’m being so negative, but it really just was not for me. I scoffed, snorted, and rolled my eyes an awful lot.”
Really?? its too bad your post only said this, and that it wasn’t so negative and hateful.
~You completely missed the point of the book, hun, and you certainly do not know the gorgeous character of Robin.
Yes, I think I did miss a lot of it Jen – or rather, I think I got it but I couldn’t see past the fact that she claims her life couldn’t start until she met Ian. That disturbs me. Totally my fault for getting hung up on it… but yes, I suspect she is a gorgeous and wonderful woman, which is why I hope to share the book with others as I am sure that the book will do well and be loved by many. Just not by me.
Hi Amy,
You mentioned you were hung up on this point. This is what Robin felt too, but under different conditions and with different feelings.
She was hung up in her Maine environment. Being hung up implies, we are stuck and are unable to flow with life and to feel brand new and to see with new eyes, because we are stuck on something. One of the lessons of the book is to process that which we are hung up on so as to continue ascending upon our journey.
If we feel bad about something, we desire to resolve it to feel good again. This is a portal that takes us to a new point of view to explore.
Since Ian could hear her pain, he could also provide the way out of pain. Any person, whether male or female, or objects endowed with certain qualities can step forward and match our requests for feeling better.
We can look at life in a manner where that which excites us or that which disturbs us has a message to convey to us. Therefore, the snake can talk to us because we have our full attention upon it. It doesn’t speak english. It speaks volumes through the feelings we have for one another. We convert those feelings into our own language by dancing around the object or person of our attention. When we find our selves embracing the feelings within the conversation or the connection between two points of view, when the message is received to our very core essence…… we return to Love….which is our natural state. Love is at the core of every view point or particle. When we reject this love…..fear is generated. Therefore, we work through our fears by facing them and learning to love them until the fear of anything vanishes.
All our hang ups are therefore fears. We desire not to hesitate. We desire to be heard on such a deep level, that we too can find our homes again in accepting all that is gifted to us and presented to us in our life.
Bern, I would agree that love is necessary and a good thing, it is just the ‘I need him or death’ thing that seems a bit overblown. I also read way too much feminist literature and non-fiction though, and tend to pick up on things like this in many books, not just this one. I guess my problem is just letting go and believing it all sometimes!
Another way to look at it Amy is that we are dead until we are true to our feelings and that which makes us feel alive. We are walking zombies until we learn to resonate and to dance with that which we have drawn into our life.
To be authentic is to believe in one’s personal dream. If we believe in someone else’s experience as Truth, we have in essence, lost our soul. So when we begin to sing our personal Truth, we are happy when others express their unique experiences too.
That is a really great way to put it Bern. We can support each other, and share our dreams, but must stay true to our own.
I love an honest review! Thanks for that!
I’ve never heard of this book before. Sad that it was that painful for you but not everybody is going to enjoy a particular book. Even the “best books ever” end up on someone else’s “worst books ever” list. I probably won’t read it because it just doesn’t look like something I want to pick up but you have kind of piqued my interest with your review!
Thanks Jamie. Some won’t like it, but I’m glad some do. Phew. I tend to think too that if a book is loved by everyone, it’s probably not saying much of any interest! I’m glad I’ve piqued your interest
Wow…these are some visceral reactions to the book and to your post. I haven’t read the book but I’ll admit that I don’t commune with trees and snakes either. I grew up in the mountains and love the mountains and nature, but I would most likely have the same issues you did with this book. I will say that where I’m from there are quite a few people who would say the things quoted in your post so I respect the right to feel the way I do, but I also respect your right to feel the way you do about the book.
I think different books speak to different people. Some people like the communal, touchy-feely books while others prefer more down to earth ways of thinking in books. We are all built different and there is room for us all on this planet. To say that Amy, “must have happened in your life to make you lose sight of the beauty, the magic, the romance of it all…” I think is a little out of touch as well. Just because she didn’t like the book doesn’t mean her point of view lends to the problems in health care, education, political, and peace problems that exist in this world. I enjoy Amy’s reviews and respect her opinion on books even if I might not be compelled to pick up every book she enjoys.
I also think telling Amy that “she completely missed the point of the book, hun” is pretty condescending since she admitted that within the first 20 pages the book wasn’t for her and she skimmed the book after 170 pages. She explicitly said these things, and calling her “hun” in this manner is pretty condescending.
From what it sounds like the author is talking about the disconnect people have with nature, but I don’t think Amy has any disconnect with people from the reviews I’ve read of hers. I can’t comment on the book since I haven’t read it of course, but I think the criticisms of her review could have been more constructive and less condescending (meaning that people could have talked more about what they found attractive about the book and less about what they feel Amy’s faults as a human being are–wow…just wow!).
Why can’t it be that some books appeal to some more than others? There are so many books on this planet which attests to the fact that we all have different tastes. Why is that a bad thing? I don’t think it is at all. There are people I know who have basically given up on the human race and will only help animals or nature, but there are others who feel more compelled to help other people. Is that a bad thing? No! There’s enough need in this world that people should feel compelled to help the causes they feel a personal connection to. Why would it be any different when it pertains to reading?
I’m glad others enjoyed this book and felt a connection to it, but there’s no need to say that Amy has had terrible things happen in her life to make her feel less magic, beauty, or romance in her life or call her “hun” in a very condescending manner just because she disagrees with you. I find that very disconnected in and of itself.
I wish there was a like option to comments, since you expressed my thoughts so well.
Oh my. Thank you Carin (and Iris). I admit I was a little shocked by the reactions. And then scared I was too negative. But I was really just honest and I don’t regret it. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. <3
I think what needs to be kept in mind is that we all get different things from books, and that the same books won't work for everyone. If they did, it would be a pretty boring world.
Oh man you got some really…weird…comments on here Amy…
(And no, I’m not interested in the book. And it’s not because your review turned me off. This just doesn’t sound like my sort of book in general. I always find it funny when commenters assume that those of us who say “wow that sounds awful” are blindly making up our minds and not consulting our own tastes in that opinion.)
Yes, yes I did Amanda. BUT it is interesting to hear other people’s opinions. Some are a little condescending, but still interesting. We all like our own books and I’d hate to agree with everyone on everything… *shudder* sounds like a recipe for a good dystopia novel though doesn’t it?!
I really like that (1) this is an honest review, and (2) you point out that everyone has different opinions! It’s hard for me to read negative reviews when the reviewer makes it sound like their opinion is the final word on the book’s quality. Among other things, it makes me feel kind of put off if I end up liking the book. So, thanks for recognizing that different people have different reading tastes! Although in this case I’d probably agree with you…”Eat, Pray, Love” didn’t sit so well with me, either.
Thank you Erin. I said when starting the blog that I was going to review every book that I read. I realized afterward that it would get me in to some sticky situations… but I’m definitely of the opinion that different books work for different people, and that fact is a good thing! So I try to point out what I didn’t like, knowing that others will likely love that. I did get a little snarky in this post, but still, that will no doubt convince others to try it for themselves as well! (Oh, and sorry you weren’t a fan of E,P,L either. I STILL don’t understand the phenomena behind that…. heh)
Amy,
I’ve read the book, have done a review and I believe Robin has a gift. Everything is energy…everything. It’s alive. I grew up in nature on a produce farm. We worked from age five until we left home. It was child labor for sure. I had 9 siblings. We worked 8-10 hours a day sick or not. All the work was spent in the fields planting, weeding and picking produce. You know how we survived that?
We spend all of those hours in nature. Nature supported us, nature healed us. We basked in the outdoors in nature in all elements. I can say nature became a part of us and us nature. I get talking to the trees. I get hugging trees. I get saving the trees. If you are open to suggestions I dare you to go sit one hour under a tree in silence and see if your energy changes. Listen for any message you need to hear about a life issue. You might not get it from the tree but you’ll get the energy you need to take in the message.
I thought her relationship with Ian was one the most meaningful parts of the book for me. I’ve been married to the same guy since I was 17 and pregnant. He told me he first saw me when I was 13 hanging out with my sisters. He said he knew from the first moment he would marry me. We wouldn’t even meet and go on a date until 3 years after that. He knew I was his destiny more than I his. I was a wild child that wanted to break free from the farm. LOL Not what happened. We had four little girls by the time I was 22. They are all in their 30′s now and I’ve got an amazing family because hubs thought I was his destiny.
Now could I live without him? Of course. Would I want to? Hell no. I think you have a different view of what a partner would be for you and that’s OK. I don’t think belittling others who see it differently is very kind.
Of course women don’t need men to have a life. That’s what I thought was so great in the book. Robin found her own space in the relationship. She didn’t need Ian to go explore, take risks etc. She did her own way inside of the relationship. Which is why good relationships can last for a life time. Each one honors who the other is.
You could look at the book with a political message. I don’t even know if Robin would deny that. However I have two grandchildren who live in a big city. They don’t like to swim in lakes because they aren’t clean like pools. They don’t want their feet dirty because that’s icky. Because they have me for a Nana they hike with me, they’ve been to the ocean and they’ve tried a ton of things because I want them to experience the natural world and respect it.
What is so political about that. Oh and did I mention they would rather eat junk out of a box than real food. I saw a show once where kindergarten kids couldn’t name vegetables because they never saw or ate them before. Thank God my daughter drags (cuz they’d prefer not to go) the kids to the Farmer’s Market and they eat real food.
Oh and the last time my daughter visited me went on a different hike everyday. She loved it. So one by one I say let’s get connected, let’s accept differences rather and judge. Let’s go outside with bare feet and celebrate.
Here’s where I agree with you: I had a hard time getting into the book as well. It wasn’t at all written like Robin’s blog. It was around page 50 or 60 when I finally stopped resisting what as reading. I feel if we resist the message we don’t have to be responsible for what we learn. In order to continue reading I had to acknowledge and accept responsibility for my own disconnection to earth and people.
I think I was actually jealous of how deeply Robin feels life. There are parts of me still cut off and need to be opened. I’m opening one little penguin step at a time. Thanks for letting me vent.
Oh and Robin doesn’t even know I struggled to get into the book. I didn’t include it in the review I did because I didn’t want to project my stuff onto the readers, the book or Robin.
I’m just so happy I didn’t give up because it all came together for me when I stopped projecting and judging and decided to take personal responsibility for what she was bringing up for me.
PS I did love Eat Pray Love:0)
interpreted her finding a man
Thank you for your comment Tess the Bold Life.
I actually grew up in the middle of the country as well, and spent years of my life fishing and farming. We got to raise pigs for a few summers to “build character” even
We were always kicked out of the house to play outside and my two favorite things to do were go on “adventures” through the woods with my sisters or climb a tree and read a book. I still live in a fairly small city and still spend a fair amount of time outside and in nature. I definitely get the connection to nature, and wanting to save it. I don’t think that we all show our connection with nature in the same way though. While I love spending time in nature, I’ve never ‘got’ talking with trees. I don’t think that makes me less of a nature lover though, just a different type of nature lover. (Oh, and I get as much of my groceries as I can at the farmers market. Or straight from my mom’s vegetable garden or my roommate’s sisters organic farm.)
I think the point I try to make in my review (albeit with some snark) is that this isn’t the book for ME but I can see it working for others. Soulmates and destiny and the like just aren’t my thing. Never have been. I’m not a start a family kind of gal. That doesn’t mean, though, that I don’t think others should. I just think that we should all value ourselves alone as well as with others.
This sounds like a fascinating read, and entertaining too.. maybe if not intentionally.
I’d love to give it a go!
Besides, sometimes there’s books I absolutely hate that everyone else seems to just love, ie: Little. Can’t find any info for it on the internet, but it was one I had to read for a class, and I despised it.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
Yes Emily L, I have loved some books that others have hated, and hated books that others have loved, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I hope that if you win a copy you really enjoy it!
I had my own rant ready to go, but decided to take the high road.
I understand that people can become attached and connected to a book, especially if they know the author. From what everyone is saying the book is about connecting. Peace. Love. I’m not seeing a whole lot of any of this in the negative comments.
Amy didn’t like the book. She’s allowed to. Amy wrote a somewhat snarky review of the book. She’s allowed to. Just like we’re all allowed to comment on it.
But it makes me sad that some people are making all these assumptions about Amy based on the fact that she didn’t like one book. You don’t know Amy and really shouldn’t be commenting on how disconnected she is or wonder what made her lose sight of the beauty, the magic, the romance of it all.
Agree or disagree with her opinions of the book, but leave who she is, how she lives her life out of it.
Amy isn’t disconnected. And I don’t think she’s lost sight of what makes life great. She’s generous, sweet and a genuinely nice person.
How do I know? Because I know her IRL, not just on here.
That bothers me as well- making assumptions about a person based on their opinion of one book. Is it really fair to say that someone is just a big old meany and had something awful happen to her because she didn’t agree with you?
Thanks Colleen and Chrisbookarama
You two are both too nice. But of course I guess you have the added benefit of knowing what type of back country I grew up in so you know for a fact I’m not that disconnected from nature 
LOL
But yes, the book is not Robin, and my review is not me. Big distinctions! I’m sure she is a wonderful person, even though I didn’t love the book. And I would like to think I’m fairly great, even if my review wasn’t so great to some people.
Either way, it is kind of an interesting discussion. And quite surprising really!
In no sense of either word could your review be described as negative or hateful. You are reviewing a book. You didn’t like it. You explained why in a thoughtful and measured way. In fact, I appreciate your review all the more given that it can be difficult to give a wholly honest and independent review when receiving a review copy. The whole point of reviews is surely to give your own opinion, in a way other people will find useful in making their choices, right? And you have certainly done that for me.
Here here, Lyndsey! Completely agree. Sorry you’ve gotten such a spate of “unusual” comments here, Amy. It’s a little… ah… disturbing?
Thank you so much Lyndsey and Meg. I made the decision upon starting my blog to review everything I read, and apparently that gets me into sticky situations. But I’d much rather post an honest review of what I didn’t like than break my goal / commitment to review everything. Plus, what I hate will be what another loves (as evidenced by the comments). Yes, Meg, it has been quite unusual… but I guess at least everyone is seeing the other side? heh
It does sound rather soul mate focused. I can’t stand the concept of a soul mate. It’s so limiting and makes people feel like a failure if they don’t find someone or possibly miss out on someone special because they didn’t get that “ZAP SOUL MATE” feeling when they met them.
Of course, if someone loves that concept, now they know that concept is in this book and can do with that what they will.
Yep. Maybe, wolsfhowl, it’s just because we haven’t met ours yet (thank goodness no one has pulled that line out… yet!). HAH. There is more to the book than that, but I really don’t like that concept.
Negative reviews don’t really put me off books either. If it’s the kind of book I’m interested in, I’d get it anyway just to make up my own mind, and I’m sure most people are like that as well. Reading is a subjective thing and we’ll all have different opinions. That’s why we read blogs, right? Please don’t enter me for this book as my TBR pile is already too high. I don’t normally read ‘inspirational’ books although a lot of my friends do. However, my sister made me read ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and I liked it
Yep, that’s why I read book blogs anyway. And I must say, it’s a darn good thing that not every book that people review (positive or negative) sounds like my type of book because both my wish list and to be read pile are already way out of control! Anyway, you are very right, is basically what I’m saying! We all like different things, thank goodness! I’ve purchased a few books based on negative reviews, and ended up loving them!
I hope some of the above comments don’t put you off putting up slightly more negative reviews in the future (although I dont think you could have been more diplomatic if you tried)
Its an interesting point that chasing bawa has made about negative reviews not putting her off a book. I don’t think they would put me off and even if the above post had been a rave review, I still don’t think I would get it as it doesn’t sound at all like my kind of thing at all same as eat, yray and love isn’t.
Thanks Jessica – and no worries. I’ll keep doing what I’ve been doing. As this is the only one that has blown up, I’m sure in the future I’ll be fine… as I know this type of book doesn’t do it for me, and so I will be avoiding them! And yes, negative reviews sometimes make me want to read a book more. heh.
I am actually more put off by glowing positive reviews. Like others have said negative reviews usually intrigue me. They make me want to check the book out for myself. I often check out the one star reviews on Amazon because they often tell me more about the book. That said, I don’t think this is a book for me. I think the things that annoyed Amy would annoy me too. That said, I think she was very diplomatic in saying this wasn’t a book for her, but might be for others.
LOL that is interesting Zee, but I would almost agree. Reviews that are way too positive sometimes leave me suspicious
I have never checked out Amazon one star reviews though. That would certainly be entertaining! And thank you!
Hi Amy,
Robin goes so far beyond seeing Ian as her destiny in this book. I’m amazed how you have missed that simply because she starts at that point! I think you are totally right when you say that you had a “kneejerk reaction.”
This book is so wonderfully feminist and humanist. It is in fact about finding your independence within a relationship, discovering your true self, and really shining as an individual. Robin’s destiny is so much bigger than being in a relationship with Ian and the whole book is about how she discovers her true destiny and her relationship with the whole world.
I’ve found the book to be a spellbinding adventure – an exploration of wilderness as well as the inner landscape of mind and heart. I’ve learned so much from this book and have savored every word.
It’s an important book for this time when we are facing imminent environmental disaster unless we change our ways. In his recent book, the eminent Buddhist teacher and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh warms that we are in imminent danger from environmental catastrophe. If we don’t wake up and start reconnecting with the earth – the trees, flowers, ocean, animals, birds – soon, we are in big trouble. You don’t have to talk to trees if it makes you feel uncomfortable, but please do see, appreciate, and respect them.
It’s completely fine with me that you didn’t like the book. Not every book is for every person. But why must you use such unkind words like “barf” and “gag?” There must be way to write a critical review without such unkindness.
Thank you for your comment Sandra Lee. I believe that we do have to start respecting nature more, but I think we can have different ways of doing it. The “barf” tends to be my automatic reaction to statements that are so anti-feminist, sorry about that. And you are right, the relationship does improve… but I’ve always been of the belief too that you need a strong base. Rather than needing to find Ian or die, it seemed more like she needed a change and someone to help be a catalyst… but need him or die seemed a bit much to me. Thankfully, again, it does get more healthy later on.
Hi, Amy,
This book really was like coming home for me, like something huge and grand opened its arms and folded me in. I so get her story and all the messages.
That said, your review was about as gentle a dislike as it could be. I think why you didn’t enjoy it is because you and Robin are experiencing life from very different places.
Being much like Robin, I can safely speak for her when I say, for us it’s as if we see the world through an entirely different lens. We really DO hear the things of nature speak to us—in real words. It’s called clairaudience. I don’t know about Robin, but I’m clairvoyant, too. And clairsentient. And claircognizant; Robin is that, also. Unless you’ve had any of these experiences—and unless they are normal life to you—you can’t possibly know that when she says the trees talk to her or that she has a conversation with a snake she is totally telling the truth. It must seem so bizarre to the rest of the world that some of us can do this. It must seem like science fiction. It isn’t.
So, her coming from a place of being autistic, and of having this special relationship to the rest of life that shares our world, I know Robin’s meaning when she says “destiny.” At four years old, she knew who her husband would be. That’s precognition; I have that, too. In fact, I told my father at 16 about the man I’d one day marry. I just “knew.” If that’s not a form of destiny, I don’t know what is. Robin doesn’t mean it in a sexual, soul-mate way. She means that she finally met the point in time she knew was coming.
But that’s just one meaning; the other is that in moving to the rain forest and surrounding herself, immersing herself among those other beings (nature’s creatures) who speak of love and life, she came to the “destiny” of really opening up to life, instead of being locked away inside herself, knowing she is different, fearful of others’ unintentionally hurtful misunderstandings.
Just two points… I could go on. Like I said, I so totally understand her book… In fact, for the first time in my own life I felt like someone finally FINALLY truly understood ME. Omg, what a gift that is… My own family doesn’t even “get me.” So. I understand why you didn’t enjoy the book. You saw it from a different perspective.
I hope others give it a try. And I hope they do so with an open mind, willing to take a look at something so outside themselves. There are so many WONDERFUL messages throughout! On many levels. In fact, in my view, this is a book the world needs to see. As others have said, it’s all about love and peace, communion and communication, about connection and acceptance and growth—and all the love and joy that surrounds us, that we’re often too blind to see.
I’ve read the book once, and will reread it again—with delight. It’s a keeper!
Julie, it is great to hear that you were able to connect to the book and recognize yourself. I often champion books that feature the “other” (GLBTQ characters, or characters of color, or characters in difficult situations, especially in Young Adult lit) because I recognize that it is important for people (especially children and teens) to see others like them in the books they read in order to know that they’re not alone and that they are normal. For me I guess it does / did seem just way too out there. Perhaps knowing that more people feel that way, it would make more sense. Perhaps not. Either way, I think this book definitely has an audience and will be loved by a lot of people… unfortunately I just couldn’t connect with it.
I hate being outside in nature. I would much rather be indoors in a shopping mall or reading a book.
I am pretty sure my eyes would roll out of their sockets based on those quotes. Whatever.
You are entitled to your opinion and to honesty. I’d rather read a harsh, honest review than something contrived and full of bullshit.
April, I’m the exact same way with nature. I’ve never liked being outside at all. In fact, when I was a toddler, my mom would take me outside, put me on a blanket, and take my shoes away because without my shoes, I would never leave the blanket & she didn’t have to watch me as much when she was hanging up laundry or whatever.
I am somewhere in the middle April and Amanda – I grew up in the country and worked fishing and farming until I started University. That being said, I think we all have different connections with nature, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing. And yes, I’d rather an honest review any day, so I’m glad you do too. Thank you!
And Amanda, that is hilarious, and great for your mom! Talk about easy baby minding
You know, if us book bloggers can “squee” and go all fangirl and giddy over a book, we should be allowed to gag and barf about them also. It’s our choice. Damn it, it’s our right.
LOL. It is our right Colleen, and I’ll stand behind it
I’m not completely out on the soulmate thing, I think they are a possibility – but I don’t think waiting around until they arrive is a good thing, if the right person is going to come, they’ll be there when the time comes. So while I can understand why people might find it romantic I can also fully understand why you found it silly.
I saw the link to this post on Twitter, had to see what the negativity was about! You’re entitled to your views, and it’s not like you swore. You had strong views about the book and you expressed them by saying what it made you feel. Good on you for being honest, because it’s not easy to do when you dislike a book.
Thanks Charlie. I’m glad you appreciate the honesty! It certainly has caused a kerfuffle, which I really wasn’t expecting! And yes, while I’ve never really ‘got’ the whole soulmate thing, I’m sure it works for others. I’ve never been a big romantic either though
I also think that you have to appreciate yourself for yourself too without relying on someone else, which was more my problem.
If we all wrote with the hope of pleasing everyone rather than delivering authentic opinion, the book blogging world would become something akin to Wonder Bread. And personal attacks here are completely unwarranted. Amy did not attack anyone’s taste. In fact, she conceded that this might very well be the book for someone else out there. And then the woman voluntarily took on postage x2 to back that up. You go, Amy! Going to add you to my blogroll and Google Reader now.
Thank you Frances. And I hope you enjoy my future reviews too (though they will likely be much more tame!). I completely agree about the pleasing everyone comment in terms of blogs AND in terms of books. If I hear about a book that EVERYONE loves, it makes me a little wary. If everyone likes something and writes the same thing, it would get quite boring quite quickly.
Amy,
I just want you to know I agree you don’t have to like the book. Ever!
I even think this review was a gift to all of us. I don’t know when the last time I was in a great discussion on a blog like this.
It’s all good and you’re perfect the way you are.
Thanks for being bold enough to write what you thought and felt…there is a lesson in everything and my lesson is to see your your beauty in this moment.
And I wouldn’t have even found your blog if you didn’t write this review. So thanks for being Amy.
Thank you Tess The Bold Life. It certainly is generating a lot of discussion! I find with negative reviews of books I like that it really makes me consider more why I liked it and it strengthens my opinions. I just hope that people will realize it’s not Robin I didn’t like, but the book! And that we all connect in different ways. Thank you for the kind words.
Amy – I love your review because it’s honest and approachable, like how you would describe a book to a friend. Given those quotes and the talking to snakes and trees thing, I think you were actually pretty restrained with your snark and very diplomatic.
I love what many of the commenters have said about negative reviews. I think it’s important to help people make informed decisions about books so that they spend their hard earned money wisely.
Thanks Kristen. I’m glad I didn’t say more in the post as this seemed to cause enough controversy! And I’m loving the confirmation on negative reviews as well, I always felt that way, but wasn’t sure how many others agreed.
Hi Everyone,
I have to chuckle that a book of mine could cause such a stir! LOL!
And while the “stir” was going on I couldn’t even be here because I had Qwest (phone company) arrive to repair my modem line into the house, and couldn’t get online.
The only thing I would add here is that we are all different, books are no different than food, some of us like the same food and some of us don’t. I also think there were many many good points raised here, and it will be up to each of us to decide what points we take away with us. I have very close friends that I’ve known for years, and although we may be as close as any two people can be, we may not like the same books, movies, or food.
Something I would say for myself, is that it’s only a book. It’s not my life, nor is it likely your life. The most important thing (for me) to take away from here is that I look at this review and each person here with love.
I respect all views expressed here, and am deeply thankful that the world is full of colorful diversity. Thank you Amy for reviewing “Naked in Eden” and for creating such an active discussion, and thank you everyone who commented here. I am grateful.
Robin Easton
Excellent response, Robin!
@Chrisbookkarma – I am deeply touched by your response. Thank you, Chris.
Thank you for your comment Robin. I have to make clear that you are absolutely right – it is not YOU that I didn’t like or was rating, but the book itself. You did some remarkable things, and I’m not judging that. I am sorry that I didn’t like it more, but I’m glad to see that a lot of people did, and wow, is it ever a discussion!
I think I’ve definitely come away from these comments with a bit of a different understanding, that being said, it still wasn’t the book for me. The premise and what you say about needing to connect with nature is great and so true, but ultimately I connect differently. Which is a great thing – thank goodness for the diversity in humans! I do hope that the two people who receive copies of the book from me enjoy it much more.
Oh, and don’t phone companies ALWAYS pick the worst times to do things like that?!
Thank you again for your comment, and I have to say that I definitely respect you even more after it! Best of luck with your future journeys.
WOW Amy. Talk about stiring up a hornets nest. You go girl
Wish people would react to my blog like this 
Phew, are you sure Trent? It is kind of nerve-wracking! But I can gladly enter you in the draw for a copy of the book, if you’re interested
Wowser I had to check out what the big stir was about today! lol. I’m like I Colleen I thought it was 5/5 at first. Oh well there are more books out there to be devoured
Yes, it did get some discussion didn’t it! And are there ever -. 395 left on the tbr pile as of today Bella!
Amy,
I would love to be entered into your giveaway, I actually already have a copy of her book and LOVE it! I would love to have another copy to give to a friend or lend to many friends.
Thank you for the review. I love to see your point of view, and it started quite the discussion. We all look at things from a different perspective, and it is good to get different views on something like a book. I am sorry you could not get into the story, mostly because it speaks so deeply to me, but we each connect with different things.
It is perfect that you shared exactly how you feel about it, because if we don’t speak our truth then we are not only lieing to the world around us, but most importantly to ourselves. It is most valuable to be authentic in everything that we do!
Thank you Stacey – you’re entered. And I’m really glad to hear that you liked it so much that you want to share it! That is a sign of a great book (which is, of course, different for all of us). Being authentic to myself and my decision to review every book I read (and my commitment to review the book) is what convinced me to write the review, and it certainly has generated quite the conversation which is interesting. We all connect differently and I think that is the big point to be taken from this. Thanks again.
Oh what to do with our diversity. Why do we want other people’s opinions if we have a hard time dealing with diversity? I remember taking a friend shopping and totally getting upset with her comments on the clothes I tried on. We had a hard time getting alignment about what I liked, what suited me and her point of view and her likes.
It took a lot of listening, good will and trust AND finding out where she and I came from.
She had a totally different taste and style than I did, but in the end we worked it out by taking a real interest in each other rather than each holding on to our own point of view. We stopped shopping though but talked about ourselves and our background instead. Funnily enough nowadays I would have been far more in tune with her taste.
The same goes for living. Robin’s book would have totally not spoken to me 10 years ago, I lived a different life back then with different views and different preoccupations and I would have totally agreed with Amy.
Ten years have changed my beliefs and taste and style of living and now Robin’s book totally inspires me. I have found that the people you live with have an enormous influence on us, my first husband was toxic for me while my current partner is bringing the best out in me. The same went for work environments actually, one manager got me so frustrated and reactive while another one totally had me fly.
So while I would have scoffed about men too ten years ago, now I do see how certain people are to be avoided and others are really supporting me to make the best of myself in a way I could not do on my own. Can we call people we meet who can influence us for the good or bead, destiny? Who knows but I am paying attention who is in my life and what for.
I understand where Amy comes from and I understand where my friend during our shopping came from. I also understand where I am coming from and how I have changed.
I love how Amy says; “This time I feel especially bad because the publisher MISTAKENLY sent me an advance review copy.”
I see that as an honest observation that it obviously was not the type of book for her; she considers getting this book to review as a mistake, she indeed didn’t like it and once it would not have been a book for me either. For me this just shows how diverse we are and how diversity still can upset us if we let it. I loved the book, Amy did not, so what? In the end we have to make up our own mind and accept diversity.
Unfortunately Wilma Ham, I did accept this as a review copy, they just mistakenly sent me two copies instead of one. So partially my fault for not researching the book more. That being said, great points.
I think that diversity is a great thing. I especially agree with what you say about work environments. Who we work for and with and their personalities can make SUCH a difference in our day to day lives even outside of jobs, I’ve found. The personalities of those around us can really seep in and poison us.
I love that we are all different and maybe some day I will resonate with this book. Or maybe not. But either way, many others will, and I’m glad that we’re all different! I love hearing other’s opinions, whether they are the same as mine or different, so it has been an interesting day!
Thank you for your comment.
I think it was yesterday that I entered a giveaway for this book. lol It would be nice to see if I like it or not. I guess it’s good to have another chance at winning. Please count me in!
Great Rae! I’ve entered you
And yes, it’s good to see what the fuss is about 
Hi Amy.
Boy, I must admit that I skimmed a lot of the comments here … wow.
Anyway, I’m on this book tour as well and I have some mixed feelings about the book. Parts of it I really adored and parts of it had me rolling my eyes. I haven’t written my review yet, partly due to BBAW taking up all my time and partly b/c I can’t decide exactly what I want to say about it.
Yes, I completely understand that you might skim Heather J – there are an awful lot of comments! I’ll be watching for your review to see what you end up saying in the end
It was hard to really nail down feelings for sure.
One thing is perfectly clear, Australia doesn’t have a monopoly on poisonous snakes.
I guess not Jonathan
Whew, well done handling the in-flooding of comments, Amy! Thanks for your honest review of the book. All the discussion did have me checking out the first few pages on the Amazon website, which I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. Also, can I just say, ew leeches. And yay, that the author is originally from Maine, my own home state. From the review and from the comments of those who liked the book, I’m not sure that the book is for me, but like someone said above, sometimes a negative review can generate as much interest in a book as a glowing review.
Thank you Christy, it took some time to get through them all! And you are from Maine? Very cool. Close to me… kind of
And yes, ewwww leeches! And negative reviews definitely generate some interest, from the looks of this post. haha
One can also look at a negative review as saying that they are attracted to the book. It speaks to them, but they reject its message. Otherwise, one would not have reviewed it and would have had nothing to say. The book would have remained off of their radar and would be invisible and out of mind. If the reflection from the book is negative, then our hearts and minds are clouded in a static negative oriented field. We are where we want to play and change playing fields when the game becomes boring.
So if we have something to say, there is communication, but its up to us to communicate positively or negatively. With this knowledge we can review something and see and express the commonalities to celebrate them, and note the differences………and celebrate them too.
Interesting point Bern. Lots of celebrations to go around
Thanks for the comment.
Just popping in belatedly to thank you, Amy, for your review, and for this unbelievable discussion it generated! Even though the book wasn’t for you, I totally appreciate your honesty and integrity. My favorite reviews are always the ones with real opinions. SO thank you, again, for being on this tour and for sharing your thoughts on Naked in Eden!
Thank you Lisamm, I’m glad that you enjoyed the discussion here – there certainly is a lot of it! And you are most welcome for my tour spot.
What an interesting discussion! Like Amanda, I don’t think this book is for me based on it’s description, and reading the passages you included in you’re review reinforces that belief. I appreciate your honest review.
Thank you Anna. I’m glad you appreciate it
Not everyone is going to like every book so I appreciate an honest review. Sounds like it just wasn’t for you. The ‘have to find a man to be complete’ part would put me off a bit but the nature aspect would make up for it. I admit I do talk to trees, plants, animals and especially birds. And I hear their answers. Eh, that probably makes me a bit unusual too. Anyway, I haven’t read this book yet and would like the opportunity to review it on my blog, so enter me in the giveaway contest.
Thank you Lisa. I’ll definitely enter you, and I hope you like it more than I did if you get a copy
Wow, Amy, what an amazing number of comments this review has generated! I’m impressed with how diplomatic you have been in your response to some of them. I’m not sure this book is for me either, although I must say this discussion has definitely piqued my interest! That being said, I have way too many books on my TBR pile, so no need to enter me in your giveaway.
Thank you Avis, that is one way to say it
Amy, I guess we are all seeing why it’s so tough to review a memoir or biography! Readers, friends, and the subject herself have to understand that there is a separation between a book and the person about whom it is written, or by whom it is written. Robin sounds like a beautiful person, you never once questioned her character or spirtuality. You gave a book review, an honest one with examples to support your opinion. From the comments of other people, there are people who will love this book, but just from the quotes you gave, this is not my kind of book either. Could I meet Robin at a cocktail party and have a lovely discussion with her? Absolutely. Are there novels I love, whose writers I would rather avoid at said cocktail party? You know it!
Amy, I appreciate your review, and your openness and fair discussion in the comments.
Yes, it can definitely be a really interesting experience Alison. Glad to hear you though it was fairly well-balanced. It was snarky but I also had fun with it. And I can see it will do well, as the comments clearly show! You are right though – you can have fantastic conversations and be great friends with people and at the same time dislike their books / have different reading taste. What I find interesting on that topic is that some of my best blogging friends read completely different things to what I read.