The Lady and The Monk, by Pico Iyer

I just got this book and am wondering whether to take it with me on an upcoming trip. One time, I wound up taking Angela's Ashes, which was a bit too depressing for a trip (and I couldn't put it down either!). After that, I decided to play it safe with something funny so I took The Devil Wears Prada, which was fine, but too frolicky for a trip.

Basically, I'm looking for something in the middle. Something that won't have me locked up in the hotel room coz I just have to finish it NOW.

So is Pico Iyer a good companion for a trip (to a monastery, no less)?

I just finished this book, so thought I'd give an update on it for anyone else checking it out.

It's definitely worth pursuing, especially if you're interested in knowing more about the monastic life in Japan, and the lives of women in the country. Very intriguing read.