Finally after the 32nd person asked me if I had read Eat, Pray, Love, I managed to borrow a copy from a friend. Well. I've only arrived in Bali but I'm already very jealous.

First, living in Italy for 4 months. Living abroad (Italy would be just fine) for a year is on my To Do Before I Die list. Then, learning to meditate in India (not to mention having the wisdom of that Richard from Texas guy)...I've tried and tried, with limited success. But then I haven't spent hours every day at it. I mean, really...getting to do all that AND get paid to write a book about it!! Am I the only one who is jealous here?

On a spiritual note, I love what Richard from Texas had to say about soul mates. That they were not to be mistaken for life partners but as people there to crack our hearts open in some way to prepare the way for the real person. I do think that's true...ouch though.

Do ya'll believe that?

Post edited by: AdventurousM, at: 2008/01/29 04:30

I thought everyone loved this book, but my book club read it and every single person in the group (as in every single person) hated it. They thought the author was immature and selfish. I defended poor Elizabeth Gilbert just cause no one else was willing to take on the job.

That is so interesting. I could be hallucinating but it seems to me I've noticed an evolution of how people perceive this book. The first 30 people to tell me I HAD to read this book absolutely LOVED it. Then as I finally started reading it, I noticed a lot more people saying they thought Ms. Gilbert was selfish and self-absorbed but that there were many parts they liked.

Now it seems a lot of people are not liking it much at all for the same reason.

I'll agree I never understood what was so spirit shattering about her life and marriage before that she had to escape at all costs. Her reaction seemed out of proportion to the troubles she revealed.

And, it does seem unfair to win in the end the gorgeous Brazilian love machine who waits on you hand and foot and is sensitive beyond belief to your cares etc. I didn't expect that ending.

Could it be that we're jealous? :)

Well, golly. I guess I am the last person on this earth who may read it. I haven't read it yet, and now, I'm debating adding it to my already very tall TBR list. What to do, what to do....

another rediculous "oprah--gotta have, read, love.." seriously, most of the stuff oprah is pushing makes me cringe...richard seems like the typical over 40 guy, never willing to commit, using women for what they can get, seem to have it all, but really have nothing...and seriously...what DID she have to "escape" from????? just don't get half of what the oprah-followers are rushing out to buy...we're the fools PAYING into this c*&%. sorry. just the truth...

Post edited by: TexNette, at: 2008/11/20 15:59

I read "Eat, Pray, Love", didn't have anything to do with Oprah, and I loved it. My bookclub was divided almost evenly between loved it and didn't love it. I don't think we should look at another person's life and ask "What do they have to complain about?". We're all different and the way we react to things is different too. One person's nirvana is another person's pit of despair. I'd hate to have someone else get to choose for me what is tolerable and what isn't.

I'm happy for the author that she found the peace she sought and I enjoyed following her along on her journey.

Mary@SimplyForties
http://www.simplyforties.com

Post edited by: SimplyForties, at: 2009/01/10 18:46