Experiencing Life Itself: A Memoir

Aside from being a world-class movie critic, Roger Ebert traveled the world and brought back some beautiful stories.

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A good friend recommended this book a few weeks ago, and I am so glad he did. I don’t consider myself a movie buff, although I love movies. But this book is so much more than the movie critic Roger Ebert. Like the title states, it is more about “Life Itself.“

There’s A Whole World Out There To See

There were his yearly visits to London from 1966 to 2006. He learned a great deal by walking around the city and experiencing the architecture, music, theater, and people.

The Eyrie Mansion on Jermyn Street always made him feel at home. This hotel opened in 1685, and the first time Roger stayed there, he got a room with maid service, a gas fire, and a full English breakfast for 35 pounds. When he went into the room, he found that it had tall windows, an antique sideboard, a desk, drawers, a couch facing the fireplace, two chairs, mirrors above the fireplace, and a short hallway that led to a bedroom. (Sadly, it was overtaken by big business a few years ago.)

There were also the experiences in cafes in Venice. He found a couple of private spots where he could drink espresso…