Eat, Pray, Love was a book I was interested in reading, mainly because I knew it had been made into a movie with Julia Roberts. I had not seen the movie before reading the book (actually, still have not seen the movie) so I started the book with no real expectations for the story. I thought it was interesting that author Elizabeth Gilbert is also the main character, so I quickly figured out this is a memoir of sorts of her life. Gilbert realizes that she is unhappy and unfilled in her life, so after a divorce she plans a year long trip of discovery to visit Rome, Mumbai, and Bali.
I’ll be honest in my review – I really didn’t enjoy the book. I realized from the first few chapters in that I couldn’t remember the pages I had already read. Nothing stuck with me. As I’m trying to write this review and give a synopsis of the story, I really can’t because I started speed-reading to get through it. I wish I knew what it was about the book that made me so uninterested. Maybe I’m just not into memoirs or self-discovery? I am surprised though because I’m a fanatic about traveling, so I really thought the scenes and descriptions of her travels would excite me, but I was wrong there. Overall, not something I would recommend unless you know you happen to love memoirs about self-discovery. Just wasn’t my cup of tea.
[Rating: 2]
I didn’t read the book, though everybody told me to because I’m a yogi and have been to Italy several times. I don’t really like memoirs & I was skeptical about what appeared to me to be a very self-indulgent piece. But I did finally see the movie about a year ago, and I liked it. Not loved. I blogged about the film and what I liked about it. But what I think is really important to take away from this phenomenon, is that women are what made that book and film a success. Clearly, women are seeking entertainment made for women by women. Look at the success of The Help, which also was propelled to stardom by women readers and women moviegoers. Hollywood needs to take notice and start delivering.
When I read this years ago, I didn’t get it either. Probably would have given it 2 stars too. And I could never pinpoint why, especially when everyone (read: Oprah) drooled over it!
I couldn’t make it passed her trip to Italy. I honestly don’t understand all the hype this book has gotten. This is one of the few times that I’ve enjoyed the movie more then the book.