Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.85 You Save: $11.15 (74%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.35 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
Book Review: best book i've read this year
Summary: 5 Stars
this is the first review i've ever written. i came to amazon to purchase yet another copy of this book for yet another friend and was floored to read the few negative responses so i felt complelled to give you my 2 cents as well. maybe because it takes place in 3 of my 4 all time favorite countries, maybe because she looks at the topic of enlightenment from the perspective of a contemporary woman my age, or maybe because the girl just knows how to write, few other books have ever touched me so deeply. as a yoga teacher, i am tired of the commonly held view point in my community that a spiritual journey should be a certain (generally austere) way and so if her quest for truth involves being in the world (not the mountaintop) and eating a slice of pizza, then i'm right there with her. buy 10 copies of this book immediately - you'll be giving it away to every friend you know, so save yourself the extra shipping!Book Review: There was a lot of potential....
Summary: 3 Stars
I picked up this book after rave reviews from a book club and for the first half of it I could not figure out why they liked it so much. I felt the author came through as extremely immature and somewhat shallow- I found the section on Italy read a lot like the diary of a girl who just graduated from high school going to see Italy before she went off to college. Oooh, cute boys, drinking wine, do you think that cute boy thinks I'm cute?However, there were some really lyrical and amazing passages sprinkled in with this so I kept on reading. You could really see how she developed as a person as she went through India and on to Bali. Her account of the ashram and how it changed her was interesting, I could totally sympathize with her difficulties getting her mind to shut up during meditation! While it was somewhat enjoyable to see that progression I didn't find her interesting enough to keep me enthralled with the book.
And she really did give short shrift to places she had been. I know this book was not supposed to be a travel guide but more of her personal journey but as someone who has been to both Italy and Bali (funny enough I was there in Ubud the same time she was!) I don't think she did any justice to the beauty and magnificence of either of these places which is what I found most disapointing. To only concentrate on the food in Italy is such a pity considering the beautiful architecture, and to not talk about Balinese food more...I just felt there was so much more to be conveyed! It really was like reading a 20 something's diary and as I've often felt when I have looked back on my own journal entries, they aren't all that interesting to people other than you. There were a few sections that really grabbed me so overall it was a worthwhile read but not a strong recommendation.
One last thing I would like to mention in response to the person who didn't like the political references, I actually felt she really downplayed the prevalance of these discussions. As soon as anyone, fellow travelers and locals alike found out we (my travel buddy and I) were Americans, ALL they wanted to talk about was the election and the war. It was really exhausting after a while.
Book Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm an avid reader, and have never written a review, but since I've recommended this book -- unsolicited -- to more than 10 people, I had to put my thoughts here, too.
This book is a breath of fresh air. It's heartwarming, personal and deeply resonated with me. I couldn't put it down and I want to read it again. I'm sad it's over. My friend who read it recently said, "I am trying to save it so it's not over." Another friend has highlighted passages to refer to later. I love this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a dash of healthy guidance.
Book Review: Best Book Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is life changing, a must read for all women. It's funny, serious, insightful, and relates on many levels to my own life. I have actively recommended this book to many of my friends, and even bought it for a few.Book Review: The Ultimate Message is....
Summary: 5 Stars
even if you *can't* travel the world to find your answers as Elizabeth could - I believe her book helps you realize - you don't *have* to - because, all the answers are already *in you*.
But of course if would be wonderful if each of us could focus on our needs by traveling and living in places where we're forced (or choose) to look upon our challenges and figure out the answers.
Elizabeth's book is charming, humorous, informative and loving. Her description of the scenery, the people and the atmosphere make you feel as if you know the place she's at - at least for a time.
I'm happy she found what she was looking for - and I'm sooo happy she chose to share it with the rest of us.