this book has completely altered me. i don't remember how i started off reading this but eventually i decided to only read it in cafés, as to embrace the theme of the book. some of the passages moved me very deeply and i feel i owe it to patti and myself to read her other works, but also to read anything i can get my hands on. since starting this i have become much more of a reader and writer, and the passion she has for these things has definitely impacted my perception of things. i look forward to one day reading this again when i am aware of more of the books and places she visits, she really did good work with this book.