Daughter Anne knows I am a devotee of all things Gretchen Rubin and gave me this for Mother’s Day. When Ms. Rubin gets hold of a subject she thoroughly investigates and lives into it. She goes to the Metropolitan Museum everyday for a year, delves into the intricacies of ketchup, takes a perfumery class, goes in a sensory deprivation tank, and eventually creates a quiz where you can discover the sense you’re using least. (Check it out here)
On a tour of a winery outside of Barcelona I was reminded of this exploration of reconnecting with all the senses. Much to my delight, and undoubtedly in heightened awareness due to this book, our tour was to experience all the sensorial aspects of wine making … the smell of the woods and weeds and wild herbs around the vineyard, the sound of the landscape, the color of the cava, the feel of the wines on our tongues, the aromas of the liquids in a lovely room full of textures and a soft breeze and tasty treats.
I really like Gretchen’s style of writing, the facts, the experiences, lots of photos from the Met, so many great quotes. And the nudge to pump up my own neglected sense: hearing. I’ve decided to listen to more music this year and am making a Delight playlist hoping for new songs that spark joy and shake me out of sound doldrums.
Four and half stars.
To see what else of Gretchen Rubin’s I’ve reviewed, click on the hash tag below.
abookchick.com 
I still need to read this one! Love how it connected in to your wine tasting experience and how it inspired your sense seeking… Might have to download on audio – there’s a way to up the listening in my life!
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