Eat, Pray, Love
It seems like this book is everywhere lately.
Oprah picked it and even had the author (Elizabeth Gilbert) on her show. Not that I actually saw the show. But I heard about it.
I didn’t really know ANYTHING about the book before I read it. I just knew it was the January pick for my book club. So I read it while on Christmas vacation, diligent book club member that I am. I enjoyed it. Gilbert is a wonderful writer, honest and witty and clear. Her emotional/spiritual journey was compelling and filled with lots of self-deprecating humor (my favorite kind).
I enjoyed it so much that Hubby wanted to read it. So I passed it on. The first comment he had on the book was, “She sure whines and cries a lot.” And that is true. She does whine a lot. She cries on a regular basis in the beginning. If you have a low tolerance for depressed and neurotic New Yorkers, you might not enjoy the book as much as I did. Hubby eventually began to appreciate the book, especially as she ate her way through Italy.
In my book club we discussed the concept of taking a year-long spiritual journey like Gilbert. Many of us thought the idea of traveling for a year had a certain appeal, but no one thought that it was the key to spiritual fulfillment. One member who had seen part of the Oprah show said that a lot of women said that this book was their new Bible. Which was so NOT the author’s point.
While Gilbert’s book inspired me to reflect more on my own spirituality, I don’t think she meant to become a guru or suggest that hers is the only or even the best path. So if hearing about those nutso fans of hers has kept you away from the book, don’t let it. Gilbert makes no attempt at preaching or indoctrination. The book simply describes her growth and her discoveries. Hell, she’s not even the best character in the book (That’d be Richard from Texas).
Have you read it? What did you think? Do you plan on reading it? Why?
(You don’t have to answer these questions to comment. Though I’m really curious about what you thought of the book, I’m more thrilled by the idea of comments on a brand-new blog. So feel free to comment about anything. Unless you’re selling something. Then you can pretend comments are disabled.)
I have been pondering writing my own review of this book. I did not like it. at. all. I found it terribly self-serving (although, well, it IS a memoir so I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting…?). Usually I forgo the “bestsellers”, “Oprah Picks”, etc. for the sole reason being that I do not want to be sucked into reading a book just because everyone else is. But, there it was on the “New Arrival” table at the library so I picked it up to see what all the fuss was about. Unfortunately, it just did not hold much appeal for me and it took me quite a long time to make my way through it…I picked it up a few days before Christmas, and just finished it this past Monday (good thing I’m friends with the librarian! lol!) Generally I can easily go through 2 or 3 books in a week.
I agree it was not preachy, but there was just something about the tone I did not enjoy, and I can’t even quite put my finger on what it was. It certainly does seem to be striking a chord with a lot of people though. Thanks for your review (and sorry this is so long!)
Comment by Cris — January 24, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
Funny I should stumble upon this post today. I work part-time at an independent bookstore in Cleveland and just last night I had this same conversation with three customers.
One was buying the book to give as a gift because she loved it. A second said it was over rated and that she found Elizabeth Gilbert to be very whiny. The third was interested to hear both opinions and looking forward to reading it herself.
I agreed with the customer who said it was overrated but the way I phrased it was that I was underwhelmed. I too, try to steer clear of Oprah picks - too much hype not enough delivery. But I got sucked into this one. I didn’t hate it - she writes in a very easy fun way. I just was not sorry to see it end so I could get onto something better.
Thanks for listening!
Comment by Joanna — January 29, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
I just opened this book up today for the first time. This book is everywhere, so I feel like I have to read it just so I can not be in the dark about it. And my mom just raved and raved about it. I look forward to reading it and discovering what all of the hype is about!
Comment by Maw Books — February 6, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
I just finished this book on Friday. I liked it but I didn’t love it. I watched the Oprah programs about it and I’m not sure that I got the same enlightenment from it as others have.
I also gave it as a gift to my depressed sister, based on the Oprah reviews and now I’m not sure that was a good idea.
That said, I did find parts of it entertaining and will probably watch when it is turned into a movie.
Comment by Connie — February 11, 2008 @ 3:21 pm