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Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
Unavailable
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
Unavailable
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
Audiobook12 hours

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5/5

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About this audiobook

A transformational journey through Italy, India, and Bali searching for pleasure and devotion—the massive bestseller from the author of Big Magic, on sale now!


This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. By turns rapturous and rueful, this wise and funny author (whom Booklist calls “Anne Lamott’s hip, yoga- practicing, footloose younger sister”) is poised to garner yet more adoring fans.

Editor's Note

Irresistibly candid…

Gilbert’s memoir was a massive pop culture phenomenon for a reason: because this story of a woman who travels the world to find herself is relatable whether you’re 15 or 50. Perfectly captures the virtues of travel while offering some amazing anecdotes on how to travel well.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateFeb 16, 2006
ISBN9780786553808
Unavailable
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia

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Reviews for Eat, Pray, Love

Rating: 3.5830834877944326 out of 5 stars
3.5/5

7,005 ratings498 reviews

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  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    So I'm in the second book and I need to stop, though interesting it's also boring and slightly depressing
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    What do you do if you have everything you “should” want and are still unhappy? In Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert shares her story of leaving it all – a promising career, a comfortable home, and even her marriage – to travel the world in search of happiness. Like Cecilia Ahearn, I expected Elizabeth Gilbert to be too “girly” or emotional of an author for me and was pleasantly surprised. Of course, the book includes many emotional topics, such as the author’s agonizing divorce proceedings, but she describes everything in a relatable, humorous way. She comes across as very down-to-earth and comfortable laughing at herself and never became too angsty.The people described in the book are just priceless. They’re so unique and so interesting that it shocked me in the middle of the book to remember they were real. They just make for such a good story that it’s hard to believe they weren’t invented expressly for the purpose of being in the book. Something others have pointed out correctly is that this isn’t really a travel memoir, because the focus is these characters not the locations. You get a little bit of a feel for the culture of each place the author stays, but the physical journey is definitely secondary to the emotional journey the author experienced.The organization of the book was a tiny bit contrived and the division of the author’s time in each country into an equal number of stories sometimes made the pacing uneven. I’d just be getting into the plot connecting the chapters and suddenly I’d reach a section where the chapters were individual stories. Despite the occasional lack of flow, I was hooked on this one. The short chapters made it easy to indulge my desire to find out what happened next by reading just one more chapter. And then one more. And then another, late into the night.Like the other characters, the author seemed like too good of a protagonist not to have been made up for that express purpose. She reminded me of Meg Cabot’s characters, managing to be both fun and relatable enough to make me think “I could be friends with her”. At the end of the day, that reputability and the character driven narrative were what drove my late-night reading binges. Highly recommended.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This was my third attempt at Eat, Pray, Love (book, movie, audiobook) and I am really just happy I finished it this time. That said, I enjoyed it. The hardest part for me to get through was Italy and maybe it's just because I would never *do* that-- which I feel is especially true after hearing her tales of India and Indonesia. Regardless, I loved listening to Elizabeth Gilbert tell her own story, laughing along with her jokes, and loving her friends. While I do not feel like I was truly on the journey of self-discovery with her, I do feel like I traveled the world a little bit.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Liz Gilbert's life was a mess. She wanted a divorce, she fought off and on with her lover and she just wanted to go away. And go away she did to the three I's. Italy, India and Indonesia. She found food and friends in Italy. She found the love of God in an Ashram in India and she found herself in Bali, Indonesia.Liz's brave narrative is humorous and very informative. I found her descriptions of various meditations and the histories of the countries she visited to be very interesting. The people she met on her journey are friends for life and gave her very wise advice. I envy her guts to take off to the unknown and spend a year abroad. I wish I had the means to do that myself.A good summer read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I had heard so many great things about this book over the past few years, but I never had a chance to read it, or even see the movie. When I found a copy at my local library book sale, I had to pick it up. It's as though it was calling me. (Or, perhaps, some greater power knew that I would need this book in the near future and put it out specifically for me to discover.)Let me start out by saying that I am not necessarily a religious person, so, in general, quests to find God are not usually my cup of tea. However, that being said, I appreciated Gilbert's way of including her own beliefs in a way that didn't feel as though it was being forced down your throat. ("Just swallow Jesus into your heart!!") Instead, she left the idea of a greater power open to interpretation.Her autobiographical writing style is definitely more of a fit for me than her other book that I read. It was witty and light enough to make it a fun to read. Even though I wasn't super into the first part of the book (it started to feel like The Signature of All Things all over again), I was able to get through it easily enough and move on to the parts that really captured my interest. I also really liked how she linked the short chapters to meditation beads, giving it a harmonizing connection to her dedication to the practice.Each part of Gilbert's adventure was full of surprise, whimsy, and enlightenment as she educates her readers on the cultures of three countries (but, educational in a good way; like Bill Nye). The people she met along her journey were enthralling, beautiful, and eccentric. It was illuminating to see the humanity across the world and how relationships can span cultures because we're not that different.I will say, I am a bit jealous that she got to spend so much time learning meditation in an Ashram in India. It reminded me of the Bill Bryson book I finished a few weeks ago where I was a bit peeved of the upper-class privilege to be able to just up and leave the monotony of normal life for such a period of time. However, I don't want to be too judgmental since a similar trip is on my bucket list, and I hope to one day have that same privilege.Overall, this was an absolute delight that has inspired me to get back to my meditation practice...while eating lots of pasta.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Elizabeth Gilbert went through a messy divorce and needed to get away, so she traveled for one year. She went to Italy, India and Indonesia, where in each place, she focused on something different to help her heal. In Italy, her focus was on pleasure; in India, it was all about prayer and meditation; in Indonesia, it was about balance and happiness. Most people either seem to love or hate this book. I fall right in the middle, as I could give a completely different rating to each section! I really liked the section on Italy and if that was the entire book, it would have been 4 stars. Was quite bored with the section on India (I am also not the least bit religious, so...), wanted it to end, and would have given it 2 stars. The section on Indonesia, was good - not as good as Italy, though, so it gets 3 stars. So, average it all out, and even though most people either loved or hated it, I'm in the middle at 3 stars... In Italy and Indonesia, I really enjoyed reading about all the people she met.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I have never read Eat, Pray, Love before and I read it this time for a school assignment on inspirational books. I like how Elizabeth writes about her experiences and acknowledges that this was the right path for her and she was able to afford to do it, she does not preach about her choices in traveling or religion, but just tells them how it was for her. I give the book 3 stars because some parts, especially the parts where she talks to god or has awakenings, they come off over-exaggerated and just downright weird. I also would of liked her to explore more into the history of the areas she visited and more about what appealed her to yoga in the first place that inspired her to go to India. I enjoyed the book for the travel and finding herself parts and can see why inspired so many people.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This was my third attempt at Eat, Pray, Love (book, movie, audiobook) and I am really just happy I finished it this time. That said, I enjoyed it. The hardest part for me to get through was Italy and maybe it's just because I would never *do* that-- which I feel is especially true after hearing her tales of India and Indonesia. Regardless, I loved listening to Elizabeth Gilbert tell her own story, laughing along with her jokes, and loving her friends. While I do not feel like I was truly on the journey of self-discovery with her, I do feel like I traveled the world a little bit.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Great humor.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved it! Inspiring read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    beautiful.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Excellent read. Rich, funny, enlightening.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved this book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I went into Eat, Pray, Love not knowing much about it like I try to do with everything I read so I was able to maintain an open mind and suspend judgment. I can see many reasons why people would dislike the book and even dislike Elizabeth Gilbert based on things she said and did in Eat, Pray, Love. Gilbert gets an advance on Eat, Pray, Love from her publisher before she has ever written a word and uses the money to fund her trips. I enjoyed her descriptions of the places she went, the people she met, and what she learned about the cultures and societies of these places. The book is divided into three sections one for each country. The Italy section was the one of least consequence (for me anyway). The India section had me sometimes rolling my eyes at the spiritual bits because I am not a religious or spiritual person. Also it seemed like every time Gilbert wanted to have a certain experience, she did! It seemed too convenient. Perhaps there is something to all her wishing, hoping, praying, and thinking about what she wanted that works that I don't understand or miss out on as a non-spiritual person. Despite thinking some things were a little too convenient or annoying and silly, the India section (the Pray part of the book) was still the one filled with the most insights and the most meaningful section of the book for me. I enjoyed the book and really connected with parts of it. I have 10 page flags marking quotes throughout the last 2/3 of the book (the India and Indonesia sections).Reading this book before and after the Paris terrorist attacks, I sort of just wanted to escape and have something to take my mind off the terrible world news. But there is mention of 9/11 and then in the Bali section of the book part of the Balinese history is that there were terrorist bombing attacks in 2002 and 2005. Even in Indonesia where the majority of religious believers are Muslim, the Balinese are susceptible to these attacks being the largest group of Hindus in the country. Also, in the case of each terrorist attack in Bali, Elizabeth Gilbert had just left the country not long prior to the attacks. It all just sort of defies belief! I do recommend the book. I think readers who have a tendency to not like memoirs (think they're too self-absorbed etc. etc.) anyway should already know they probably wouldn't like this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I tried to read this book a couple of years ago and I didn't make it very far. I decided that since it was decent enough to be adapted for a film starring none other than Julia Roberts herself, I should give it another try. However, I found myself preparing for the worst when I read some of the reviews.

    I was surprised to discover that I really enjoyed reading this book. I think I was finally in the right place in my life where I could relate to the story. Elizabeth has come to a place in her life where she is really miserable and doesn't know where to go with her life. She goes on quite a journey searching for happiness and a relationship with God. I wish I could be well-off enough to take a journey like that myself. I appreciate that Gilbert includes histories and descriptions of each place she visits. I felt myself growing, at least in knowledge with Gilbert. The way she describes her experience with meditation is inspiring. Now I may even try meditation myself.

    It may not be my favorite book but I wouldn't mind buying a copy for my personal library.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed how this memoir made me feel like I was the author's long lost best friend, just catching up on the last few years. Her journey from desperation to health was truly remarkable and heart warming.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ms. Gilbert is a total spaz who is probably stressful but fun to know. I stopped reading halfway through the Indian woo-woo section, but I eventually borrowed the audiobook from the library to finish. Of the two, I recommend the audiobook. Ms. Gilbert is a very good storyteller, even if her problems do make you want to grab her by the shoulders and shake her every five pages or so.

    I appreciated the insight into how people like her view the world. I love how intimately she gets to know three places I will probably never visit, and how honest she is when sharing her experiences there. An interesting read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As a young woman, this book spoke to me. It covered a lot of the personal struggles and passions I have encountered in the last 5-10 years.I must admit, I started reading this book a long time ago and then set it down for a couple of years. At first, I was a little annoyed at Gilbert's voice. She seemed to be a little full of herself. Picking the book back up later on, I realized that I, too, had gone through a "selfish" phase, focusing on me, myself, and I, in order to balance out my life and gain the self-confidence I needed. It makes me wonder if most all women need to go through this seemingly "selfish" phase in their lives, especially since women are traditionally the caretakers of the world, making sure that everything and everyone is okay before they check their own pulse. This book is a great reminder that, especially as a woman, one needs to take care of themselves before taking care of others. By taking care of yourself, you'll have more to give to others, so it just makes sense. I'm very glad I picked this book back up and finished it, it's well worth the 4 stars.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is probably the story that is most like my life. I related to everything in this book. I have read this book about four times since I first picked it up! There is sadness, hope, love and joy all rolled up together in this book. Great job Ms. Gilbert!!!!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As a young woman, this book spoke to me. It covered a lot of the personal struggles and passions I have encountered in the last 5-10 years.[return][return]I must admit, I started reading this book a long time ago and then set it down for a couple of years. At first, I was a little annoyed at Gilbert's voice. She seemed to be a little full of herself. Picking the book back up later on, I realized that I, too, had gone through a "selfish" phase, focusing on me, myself, and I, in order to balance out my life and gain the self-confidence I needed. It makes me wonder if most all women need to go through this seemingly "selfish" phase in their lives, especially since women are traditionally the caretakers of the world, making sure that everything and everyone is okay before they check their own pulse. This book is a great reminder that, especially as a woman, one needs to take care of themselves before taking care of others. By taking care of yourself, you'll have more to give to others, so it just makes sense. I'm very glad I picked this book back up and finished it, it's well worth the 4 stars.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Gorgeous, life-changing book!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is one of my favorite books and I loved the movie as well.
    This is a book for anyone who is searching for themselves.
    I loved the journey she took.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Not a favorite
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Simply wonderful, optimistic...
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Pleasant reading.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Indulgent, smoothly-written, ultimately vapid.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Engaging, insightful, funny. Recommend it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    First off, I'm going to tell you what I did not like about the book. I did not like that she ended up with her "and they lived happily ever after" story. This is pure, flagrant, petty jealousy on my part. I fully own those horrid feelings. I had hoped the ending was fictionalized (this is a memoir you know - fiction mingles and flows in and out of reality) and went so far as to search the internet for pictures of Felipe to prove there is no way things ended up in such a nicely wrapped package. Since the ending is true but I am not yet over my pettiness, I'll just say Javier Bardem is much more yummy.

    Now, the second thing I want to get off my chest is to take issue with the common response to the book, which espouses, "This book changed my life." I am sorry to say this book did not change my life. I did not expect it to. I feel that placing such high hopes in a book is akin to worshipping a cat tied to a post. (Read the book, you'll understand the reference.) What the book did bring to my realization was that 1) my love of pasta is fully valid, 2) we are all big balls of emotional messes roaming this planet, and 3) the best thing we can do for ourselves is smile while we meditate.

    Moving on, let me say that this is a delightful read. Ms. Gilbert had me at her first sarcastic interjection. For me, if you have a sarcastic sense of humor, I will instantly adore you. It's automatic. Beyond that, it was just a lovely "me" book. This is the book you take with you when you want to disappear for awhile. This is the book I grabbed when I was ready to jump off a cliff (several cliffs, actually - emotional, academical (is that a word?), political, personal) last week and a good friend told me to, "Stop!" This lovely friend told me to immediately cease work on the project that was driving me crazy, to send her what I had completed, and go sit with a bottle of wine and a book. It was the best prescription I could have ever imagined. I am thankful for my good friend that took possession of my frustration (literally). I am thankful for the forces that led my hand to choose this book from amongst the other "to be reads" oozing out of the bookcase and beginning to arrange themselves in neat stacks on the floor. And, I am thankful for the wine that accompanied my Gilbert-ian travels.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I watched the movie first. The book is better! I enjoyed the book much more than the movie. It's funny, interesting and beautiful.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I was intrigued to read this memoir because it had been such a best-sellar, but having waded through it I am none the wiser about what caught the imagination of so many others.Elizabeth Gilbert comes across as insufferably self-absorbed, entitled, naive and at times deluded. In one passage she has not heard from a boyfriend in SIX MONTHS, yes SIX but nevertheless writes to tell him that it is all over...! And reading between the lines it seemed to me that she came across far more than one bull-shitter on her travels without being wise to the fact.I googled Gilbert, and watched a Ted talk and some interviews, and she came across as a thoughtful, self-aware, intelligent woman with interesting things to say, unfortunately I couldn't find that voice in these pages.