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 been better spent working for a corporation, having and caring for a baby she didn't want? Being true to yourself seems a better choice.
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 sound of Italian. So after reading "Eat, Pray, Love" I loaded my Learn Italian CD onto my IPOD and I've been happily listening to it, and (talking back to it when solo) at night and even at the gym while on the treadmill.
Apart from the travel aspect of the book which was great reading and very interesting, I appreciated her telling of her personal journey through depression. Her account offers insight on self-help techniques for overcoming depression, and how she used them. I've recommended this book to friends since reading it.
Jacquetta George, author of Revitalize your body, mind and soul: Be inspired to get more out of life
Why so popular...?
As I read this book, I could not figure out why it was so popular among the masses, and why it has spent so much time on the bestseller list.
But upon a quick internet search, I learned the reason why...it's been blessed by the hands of the almighty Oprah.
The book is o.k., but definitely nothing spectacular. People, wake up...think for yourself, make your own decisions. Oprah could recommend Webster's Dictionary and it would land on the bestseller's list tomorrow. Sad. This says so much about the state of society today.
Also sad is how many people apparently connect with this very needy writer. Strong women can live without a man (and I'm a man)...but this author can't get them off her mind. Be an individual for godsakes.
(1740 reviews)
