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The Elephants in My Backyard: A Memoir,Used
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Rajiv Surendra was filming Mean Girls, playing the beloved rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor, when a cameraman insisted he read Yann Martel's Life of Pi. So begins his 'lovely and human' (Jenny Lawson, author of Furiously Happy) tale of obsessively pursuing a dream, overcoming failure, and finding meaning in life.This was a onceinalifetime chance. I found myself standing dangerously close to the edge of a cliff. Far below me was an incredible abyss with no end in sight. I could turn back and safely return to where I had come from, or I could throw caution to the wind, lift my arms up into the air . . . and jump. From The Elephants in My BackyardWhat happens when you spend ten years obsessively pursuing a dream, and then, in the blink of an eye, you learn that you have failed, that the dream will not come true?In 2003, Rajiv Surendra was filming Mean Girls, playing the beloved rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor, when a cameraman insisted he read Yann Martels Life of Pi.Mesmerized by all the similarities between Pi and himselfboth are fivefootfive with coffeecolored complexions, both share a South Indian culture, both lived by a zoowhen Rajiv learns that Life of Pi will be made into a major motion picture he is convinced that playing the title role is his destiny.In a great leap of faith Rajiv embarks on a quest to embody the sixteenyearold Tamil schoolboy. He quits university and buys a oneway ticket from Toronto to South India. He visits the sacred stone temples of Pondicherry, he travels to the frigid waters off the coast of rural Maine, and explores the cobbled streets of Munich. He befriends Yann Martel, a priest, a castaway, an eccentric old woman, and a pack of Tamil schoolboys. He learns how to swim, to spin wool, to keep bees, and to look a tiger in the eye. All the while he is really learning how to dream big, to fail, to survive, to love, and to become who he truly is.Rajiv Surendra captures the uncertainty, heartache, and joy of finding ones place in the world with sly humor and refreshing honesty. The Elephants in My Backyard is not a journey of goals and victories, but a story of process and determination. It is a spellbinding and profound book for anyone who has ever failed at something and had to find a new path through life.
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- Q: What is 'The Elephants in My Backyard' about? A: 'The Elephants in My Backyard' is a memoir by Rajiv Surendra, exploring his journey of pursuing a dream inspired by the novel 'Life of Pi'. It details his experiences while filming 'Mean Girls' and how he embarks on a quest to become the character Pi, including his travels and personal growth.
- Q: Who is the author of this memoir? A: The memoir is written by Rajiv Surendra, who is also known for his role as Kevin Gnapoor in the movie 'Mean Girls'.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: 'The Elephants in My Backyard' falls under the genre of motivational literature, focusing on personal growth, dreams, and overcoming challenges.
- Q: How many pages are in the book? A: The book contains 288 pages, providing an in-depth look into the author's experiences and reflections.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This edition of 'The Elephants in My Backyard' is a hardcover, offering durability and a premium feel.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: This book is listed as 'Mint' condition, indicating it is in excellent shape, with no visible wear or damage.
- Q: When was 'The Elephants in My Backyard' published? A: 'The Elephants in My Backyard' was published on November 8, 2016.
- Q: Is there any specific age group for this memoir? A: While the memoir can be appreciated by a wide audience, it is particularly relatable for young adults and anyone interested in personal development and resilience.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The memoir explores themes of ambition, failure, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams, offering readers insight into the author's journey and personal growth.
- Q: Can this book serve as a motivational read? A: Yes, 'The Elephants in My Backyard' is designed to inspire readers by sharing real-life experiences of dreaming big, facing failures, and finding new paths in life.