The Last American Man - Authentic American Novel | Adventure, Survival & Modern Wilderness Life | Perfect for Book Clubs & Outdoor Enthusiasts

I read this book for one reason and one reason only: it was written by Elizabeth Gilbert. After finishing Eat, Pray, Love I was in love with Gilbert's writing and found the book to be utterly compelling. Yet when I went to write the review I was in shock to find so many critics.Likewise with this book. So many disgruntled readers, but why?To each's own is all I can say. I loved it. Though I had no idea who Eustace Conway was when the book began, by the end I felt like I knew him well.Not only is naturalist Conway intriguing but Gilbert makes him all the more so. She gets to the heart of the man, what drives him, what inspires him and what hurts him too. She shows his triumphs and failures, strengths and weaknesses.It's such an interesting read, I had a hard time putting it down. And despite having no interest in this stranger before I started, after finishing I wanted to know more. Where is he now? What has become of the guy who calls himself a spokesperson for Earth? To my surprise, he's on a reality show! Who would have guessed?It does indeed make sense. If Eustace wanted to reach more people with his message of primitive living, television is a sure way to do it, ironic as it is being that he doesn’t watch television and wants the world to get away from materialism and instant gratification and return to nature. On the flip side, how else can he reach them if not by entering their world before bringing them to his?I was also impressed with Gilbert, spending so much time on Turtle Island and doing back-breaking work herself. It adds a new dimension to Eat, Pray, Love, demonstrating the author's eternal desire for a basic and spiritual existence despite her city life and financial wealth.Bottom line: Eustace Conway is an interesting subject, and Elizabeth Gilbert’s beautiful writing and storytelling make him shine. Highly recommend.