This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. By turns rapturous and rueful, this wise and funny author (whom Booklist calls "Anne Lamott's hip, yoga- practicing, footloose younger sister") is poised to garner yet more adoring fans.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
A satisfying trip:
Interesting, insightful and honest. Easy to read. Women are often accused of being self-absorbed when they simply are living for themselves. Who else should she live for? Self-centered is not a bad thing, if the self is striving for truth and happiness. And look what she achieved in the process: a home for her Balinese friend, a book enjoyed and loved by many (even if reviled by some), enriching experiences for herself and many of the people with whom she formed bounds on her journey. Would her time have... more info
Loved it!:
I thought "Eat, Pray, Love" was a beautifully written 3-tales-in-1. From the physical to the spiritual to an openness and flowing with life. I really enjoyed it. I could relate with the author. It was like listening to a good friend.
Decided not to read.....:
Had thought I would like to read this book, but once I read the premise reconsidered. Realized she wanted neither a child nor her husband...divorced and transformed into a hedonist. GROTESQUE! Spiritual? Baloney. Serve in a soup kitchen. Life isn't all about self. A little less navel gazing, PLEASE!
Inspired me to start learning Italian:
I did enjoy this book. I'm a fan of Travel and personal Memoirs. Although the author didn't manage to grip me passionately with her account of Italian life, Italian cuisine, or it's people she did reinforce the idea that the Italian language may just be the most beautiful language in the world. I had plans to learn either Italian or Spanish, quietly debating this decision for the last year or so (enough time to be fluent in either!). Of course one should learn Spanish, far more useful, but I just adore the... more info
