Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (2007)

The Entertainment Critic Book Review, By James Myers
EAT, PRAY, LOVE
ONE WOMAN’S SEARCH FOR EVERYTHING ACROSS ITALY,
INDIA AND INDONESIA
By Elizabeth Gilbert
Published by Penguin Books
352 Pages
ISBN 978-0-14-303841-2(pbk)
A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER
#1 ON THE NYT PAPERBACK NONFICTION LIST 5/13/2007
A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK
AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION ACCLAIMED BEST SELLER
#1 ON THE BOOKSENSE PAPERBACK NONFICTION LIST 5/13/2007
ONE OF ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’S TOP 10 NONFICTION BOOKS OF
THE YEAR
THE MOVIE RIGHT TO THIS BOOK HAVE BEEN SOLD TO PARAMOUNT WITH JULIA ROBERTS ATTACHED
Four Star Rating****


“I seriously believed that David was my soul mate.”

“He probably was. Your problem is that you don’t understand what that word means. People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change you like. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you will ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it. Your problem is, you just can’t let this one go. It’s over, Groceries. David’s purpose was to shake you up, drive you out of that marriage that you needed to leave, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so a new light could get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you had to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master and beat it. …Listen, you’re a powerful woman and you’re used to getting what you want out of life, and you didn’t get what you wanted in your last few relationships, and it’s got you all jammed up. Your husband didn’t behave the way you wanted him to and David didn’t either. Life did not go your way for once. And nothing pisses off a control freak more than life not goin’ her way.”


In her 30’s, Elizabeth Gilbert, seemed to have everything the modern American woman is supposed to possess. She had a good husband, beautiful home, a successful career as a writer, and public recognition. She was supposed to be happy. But instead, she was consumed by pain, doubt, and confusion. Without warning her life began to change. Her husband divorced her. Her new boyfriend left her. Her fortune and homes were largely consumed in a very messy, prolonged divorce. Elizabeth chose to travel to Italy, India and Bali, not only in a search for culture, but also a journey of self-discovery. She recounts her journey in three parts, each told in 36 segments to match the pattern of her 108 beads on her japa mala, a traditional Indian prayer necklace.

Following her divorce and overwhelming depression, she examines three different aspects of her nature, in three different cultures: pleasure in Italy (eating enough to gain, “the happiest 23 pounds of her life”, learning Italian and practicing bel far niente, “the beauty of doing nothing”), devotion in India (here she spend 4 months in an ashram engaged in a rigorous practice of meditation, yoga, and manual labor), and a balance of both in Bali(here she meets an elderly medicine man, a female healer, and unexpectedly falls in love). "I wanted to explore one aspect of

This book is fantastic! I wasn't sure going into it, that I would enjoy it, thinking it may be to "fruity" and new age for my tastes, but I was so wrong! I got it on a Friday and was done by Sunday- couldn't put it down! It's got some moving experiences and stuff that made me laugh so hard! Defenitely an awesome read, many times over!

What I didliked: I never received the book! What can I say with 100 characters, I didn't get the book, I didn't get the book in the mail.

A borrowed book got ruined so we replaced it. I have not as yet read the purchased book but my daughter did and liked it very much. Will write back when I read the book

Book was highly recommended. Enjoyed reading about her exploration into her self and her ability to explore areas outside of her routine life.

My mother read this book and just couldn't stop talking about it. She is very spiritual and reads these types of books all the time. I finally read it to get her off my back and I just couldn't put it down. I felt like I was there with Elizabeth going thru the journey. The writing style and colorful descriptions of the characters and locations really pulled me in. I couldn't wait to see what she was going to do next. I am a very proflic reader about 25 books a year and this book was probably the best I read last year. Throughly enjoyable and entertaining.

Was satisfied with product. Book in good condition and was shipped earlier than I expected. Very satisfied with service from seller.

I borrowed the book from a relative and loved it so much that I wanted my own copy. The book came in good condition.

The book is very inspirational to me. I can relate to many of the same issues the writer talks about. It makes me want to take my own trip to sacred places.

excellent seller............fast shipping............ I got the book delivered within a week..........................................

I loved this book. It helps one to evaluate oneself. Being non-fiction gives the info mor validity to one's personal life.

Great book of inspiration, courage, and overcoming fears and obstacles. It will help you to realize the true important things in life, now, loving yourself, and God. It was priced inexpensively, so I gave one as a gift also.

Can't wait to read. Have heard alot about the book so, decided to try.
Read alot so have to finish what I'm reading right now first. In Great shape.
Thank-you sao much,
Karen

This book was recommended by Oprah and after seeing and hearing from the author, I chose to purchase the book.

I ordered this book but never received it. I can't remember why it was not available.I would still like to get it, if it is now accessable.

If you've read both of the books in the title, you'll know what I mean. A few people I've talked to think she gets too self obsessed but I think that's what good about the book because she really exposes herself. I really enjoyed and related to her spiritual perspective. It is obvious that she told the story from her heart and that's what makes this book and enjoyable read.

I THINK THAT THIS BOOK WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO GET BACK INTO READING AGAIN!!! THE STORY WAS INTERESTING, AND THE BEST PART IS THAT IT WAS TRUE. IT WAS A TRUE INSIRATION!

I think there comes a time in every woman's life where she reaches a crossroad of sorts (this might come many times for some!). For me, it came when I turned 30. You grapple with issues like whether you're doing what you should be doing with your life, the struggle between a career and seeking out the thing that makes you happy, and the expectations of others vs those you put on yourself. Not to mention as you get older, the issue of spirituality and whether you're making a contribution to the world. This book is the remedy for such a predicament and really seeks to inspire and enlighten through a very honest and personal account of Liz's travels through Italy, India and Indonesia. Each country is documented in such a lush and unique way that I really felt as though I myself went to these places, tasted the food, and met the people. I highly recommend this book and encourage every woman to pass it on to another woman in their lives...and be courageous at least once!

I love how this book describes the setting along her journey so well. The author writes like she is talking to you. She describes her experiences and feelings in the moment so well. It makes you think how you can possible deal with heavy situations more easily. It was an enjoyable and easy read. I laughed out loud several times.

i bought this book for a writing class that i had to take.the book was in excellent condition as described and made me an officail ebay shopper.

Even though Ms. Gilbert is relatively young, she has packed a lot of experience into her years. She has a good sense of humor, and has a great ability to poke fun at herself. She also had the courage to travel alone to distant places in the search of truth and pleasure. As someone interested in all aspects of meditation, I enjoyed her experiences during several months in an Indian ashram. She traveled to some pretty high levels of consciousness, and demonstrated good knowledge on the subject. She also traveled to Rome and to Bali, and her experiences there were also fun to read. I recommend this book as both entertaining and thoughtful.

Keey hearing it is an excellent book, but I have a stack of books to read, so I haven't read it yet.

Having everything a woman could want ~ She just wasn't happy, she felt consumed by panic and confusion. She did the uncertain and left it all behind. Think Carrie Bradshaw leaving everything she loved including NYC finding a assortment of subjects she needed in her life. Gilbert set out to examine 3 different aspects of her own nature. With all beginning in "I" Italy for Pleasure, India for Devotion and in Bali to balance the 2.
I just love this writer ~ Elizabeth Gilbert. I wish this was out when I was her age. A compulsively fantastic page turner. This is a book YOU WANT TO READ! and it's not just for the ladies, fellas!

I decided to buy this book because Oprah raved about it.. I hated it...and had to stop reading it by page 130. It was so so boring.

This is a great book. I think the author is someone to watch, she will probably go down in history for her exemplary writing skills and delicious storytelling abilities.