Book: EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert
Brad and I stopped by The Strand Bookstore again last Monday so he could pick up a new Oliver Sacks book (which looks really cool-- can't wait to read his review). I spent the whole time winding through the miles of narrow stacks across three floors. I was unfocused, unable to commit to buying a book, even ones I had been meaning to read forever. After an hour, I was standing with Brad in line, resigned to leaving without something to read. At that moment, though, out of the corner of my eye I saw a book with three huge words on the cover: EAT, PRAY, LOVE. On an impulse I grabbed the book and thrust it onto the checkout counter at the last second.
I'm generally a pretty picky reader. I normally choose classics, modernist novels, and quirky contemporary stories (which, more often than not are set in NYC). I'm not sure that I had read anything on a New York Times bestseller list before. But, let me tell you-- this book was AMAZING. I wasn't able to put it down until I finished it this morning (silently reading while Brad made me breakfast and then silently reading while I ate the breakfast and he stared at me).
I had read an article about the backlash against the book the day before (as they say there's no such thing as bad press) and was intrigued by what the article said. EAT, PRAY, LOVE is an autobiographical account of the trip the author took to Italy, India, and Bali after a painful divorce and her equally painful subsequent relationship. She basically eats her way through her 4 months in Rome (gaining 23 healing pounds in the process!). She then spends 4 months meditating in an Ashram in India (which I think is really, really cool. She attempts to describe the absolutely outofthisworld experiences that she has while meditating and I'm definitely intrigued). Finally, in Bali (which also sounds amazing) she comes to a point of balance someplace between that decadence and the self control.
This story would normally sound far too ridiculous for the often cynical me to be interested-- but it's good, really good. She's a fantastic writer (if a bit of an emotional wreck as a person) and the way she's able to weave the story together is fascinating and intriguing. And inspiring. GIlbert's journey for self discovery is already nudging me to take stock of what's important and what's excess in my life and how to remain balanced and happy. If this is telling-- when I finish a book that I'm really in love with, I normally feel a bit depressed when I come to the end because it's over. The end of this book left me feeling both empowered and relaxed-- I'm a bit incredulous that the book had such an great impact on me, but I love it all the same.
Don't get me wrong, though-- there's no way that I'm going to see the movie. The movie's going to be ridiculous.
6 comments:
Aniko: You've aroused my interest in this book. I had noticed today when I drove past the theater only a few steps from my home that "Eat, Pray, Love" was showing and I, not having any idea what it was about but being intrigued by the title, wondered if I should try to see it. As I read your comments, I thought, yes, I have to see it now. But after your final comment, I'm not so sure. Why do you think it's ridiculous?
Cal
I, too, loved this book. I guess it came at a very appropriate time in my life. The author was very inciteful and descriptive about what she was discovering about herself. In fact, I loved the book so much, there is no way I want to see it as a Julia Roberts movie. It would not be possible to do it justice.
I plan to read the book again. This is something I have rarely done. And I would be interested in hearing if any of the men in the group read this, how they feel about it. Does it only speak to women?
Who is the mystery person who replied after Cal? reveal yourself!
I actually read a pretty good review of the movie today, but, like the person who commented above I know that there is no way that a mainstream movie is going to really capture the most important experiences of the book properly. It'll be pretty, it'll be funny-- but its magic and realness will be cheapened, I think.
I too would like to know what male readers thought of the book...
love,
Aniko
I didn't realize that I was anonymous. It was I, Gwyn
Hi Gwyn!
I just read something about EAT PRAY LOVE items being sold on the home shopping network. This makes me really sad.
--Aniko
here's the link:
http://www.hsn.com/eat-pray-love/_c-ep_xc.aspx?prev=hp&rdr=1&sourceid=googlegeneral&cm_mmc=Paid%20Search%20General-_-Google-_-Shopping%20General-_-eat%20pray%20love&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=eat%20pray%20love&utm_campaign=Shopping%20General
Aniko, I started _Eat, Pray, Love_ long ago when it was given me as a gift, and I didn't like it at all. I didn't get very far into it, though, and so your recommendation makes me reconsider it. I agree that she's a mess during the Italy/eating part, and I really didn't feel like spending any more time with her. I'm really glad to have the encouragement to go back to it.
I'm writing primarily to say that I saw Elizabeth Gilbert do one of those 20-minute talks on the TED website, and I was absolutely fascinated. She talks about the creative process, and it's really terrific. I recommend that highly.
I also won't be going to the movie!
Amy
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