Book Review: Naked in Eden
Book Reviews August 31st, 2010My Adventure and Awakening in the Australian Rainforest
Author : Robin Easton
I have to say that I didn’t know what to expect reading this book from Robin (I’ll have to use a first name basis knowing her already even though I would normally use an author’s last name). I’ve known of her for some time through blogging but never really connected strongly with her until this past year where we have spent more time reading each other’s content and commenting back and forth. And in doing so I have to say, I have learned that Robin is a very expressive and heartfelt person in her responses, compliments and writing. So, when I had the offer to read her book I was excited to find out more about her through her writing and learn more about her stories through her book. I’m so glad I did!
Naked in Eden is a book that I would never have picked up myself in a bookstore without having the reference of Robin first because I’ve really not ventured out too much past personal development, leadership, business and Christian book genres. A few exceptions to that of course for various other interests but this time what I knew about Robin and her interest in nature certainly excited me to explore her book. I have to say, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and found it very hard to put it down as I found myself absorbed in her fascinating and exciting stories of the rain forest, self discovery, fear, love and life. The writing itself is a journey into the thoughts, discoveries and mindset of the author as a young woman exploring herself and life on her own in the rain forest of Australia. The book is an overall story of several years of her life but what I really found intriguing was the deep emotional reflection and writing about how she was thinking in those many months of isolation yet deep connection with the forest. I especially see now how Robin’s deep emotional writing and soul filled content came to life in the forest. It shows in how the story unfolds and I found that it especially shows in her writing.
The depth at which the stories and thoughts took me were a joy to read. I just wrote to her in fact saying how the book has me still pondering the content, days after finishing it, which I consider to be a great thing. I love any book that keeps me thinking. I also really found the writing to touch a part of my own connection and love for nature and even though I don’t have the same burning desire to escape society and live in the forest, I certainly appreciate her love of nature and desire to have that understanding of oneself and one’s connection with nature to value it, protect it and love it.
The whole story I found quite gripping and I loved how her husband Ian plays such a different yet vital role both in her life at the time and in the story. I found myself really wanting to know more about Ian’s perspective on life here as well. The imagery was superb and I found it easy to imagine and escape myself into the forest with them, to see the characters and critters they faced and even the turmoil with their challenges, fears and emotions. It is a book and story that I definitely recommend to anyone really. The wildness of Australia and the rain forest add a great dimension to the book and there is actually quite a lot to learn about the area, the many poisonous snakes and critters, and of course the forest itself. Last but not least, you will certainly learn a whole lot more about Robin Easton and how her life was changed and formed by her time in the forest. I definitely found that to be the most exciting part. I would love to hear the rest of the story, more of Ian’s story and how this still affects Robin today, years afterward. I expect to have that opportunity directly with Robin and am looking forward to it. You can find out more about the book at Robin’s site and you can order Naked in Eden on Amazon.com here.
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September 1st, 2010 at 2:40 PM
Dear Mike,
I am just very moved by this review, and even more moved by the WAY you wrote it. I sense a lot of deep thought went into it. All of your writing is always filled with a strong sense of “thoughtfulness”. I could almost feel your pondering here. It was wonderful!
Jonathan Wells interviewed me the other day, and he raised questions that I didn’t have immediate answers for, so they not only made me think, but they allowed me to explore new parts of myself.
Something else that touched me about this interview was your honestly in light of the fact that this is not normally a book you would pick up. I think that makes you a perfect candidate to review it. I LOVED that.
I was very moved by this line and insight of yours:
“…what I really found intriguing was the deep emotional reflection and writing about how she was thinking in those many months of isolation yet deep connection with the forest.”
It touched me that you picked up on this. Interestingly, it was that time far away from society that not only healed me, but it is what made me fall deeply in love with my fellow humans. Now, THAT is an interesting thing, that far away from them, I fell in love with them, and was able to return to society and deeply love humanity. That intrigues even me. 🙂
Thank you Mike for putting so much thought into this. I really enjoyed seeing myself and “Naked in Eden” through your eyes.
Hugs to you, and many happy uni rides up the mountains!!
Robin
PS There will be a sequel that will tell more about Ian, what happened with my Dad, and how my rainforest life healed and completely changed my life.
September 1st, 2010 at 5:17 PM
Robin, thanks so much for your feedback, you continually demonstrate exactly what I learned so much about you from your book. Consider me in line for the sequel, I look forward to it and hope you have success with this one to fuel and inspire you to keep writing. I am glad to hear you recognize the thoughts you have provoked in me with your book and it is my pleasure to point out how great your book is as all my compliments on it are well deserving.
September 5th, 2010 at 8:43 AM
Hi Mike.
I started Robin’s book last night and made it 2/3 of the way through before falling asleep. It certainly is wonderful story telling. She has a marvelous talent. I echo your thoughts about her emotional writing. It’s what I love about her. She has a beautiful sense of life that I can’t quite resonate with because it’s not quite me. Something about her just grabs at me.
September 5th, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Dearest Robin and Mike, the book went beyond all my expectations, I can tell you that.
I was there with Robin in the rainforest, Naked in Eden is not just a book, it is an experience.
The biggest gift Robin has given me with her generous writing and sharing is MY LIFE.
Her writing, wisdom and insight have given me back my LIFE, have given me a vision of how life IS, who I AM and what the earth is to ME and to all of humanity.
Oh Robin, I can hardly contain my excitement about what your book reveals, about what is possible when we finally see, hear and love, when we finally connect instead of carrying this shield that protects us from our current toxic living environment.
How can I thank Robin for showing me what there is to see for me too, all I can say to express my thanks is that I will do my darnedest to follow Robin’s footsteps and create a world that I do want to live in, while being self expressed and loving as well.