I recently finished Eat, Pray, Love. I wasn't going to read it--I don't know why. Sometimes I get all weird about books that are all the rage at the moment. I feel like it's too predictable to read a book that is all over the place. I mean, I read The Da Vinci Code and and a few chapters of the first Harry Potter book, just to see what all the fuss was about. I also own a few paperbacks with Oprah's Book Club stamp of approval on them--just a few. With 888 positive reviews on Amazon, I figured I couldn't be that disappointed.
But, I did pick it up, and I did read it. And I'm so glad I did.
The book is broken up into three parts--her stay in Italy, her stay in India, and her stay in Indonesia. At first, I was bugged by her writing style and sense of humor, but I kept reading. Soon, I was completely won over. I think it was her honesty that pulled me in. She describes her bitter divorce and the harrowing details of how she felt when she finally decided to leave. But, she does it without whining or asking for pity. She tells her story without trying to make excuses--I like that.
The following are some of my favorite passages:
" ... take care of the problems now, or else you'll just have to suffer again later when you screw everything up the next time. And that repetition of suffering - that's hell. Moving out of that endless repetition to a new level of understand - there's where you'll find heaven."
She meets Richard from Texas in India and he tells her:
"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change you life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it."
It is a lovely book and although Elizabeth Gilbert travels the globe on a sort of larger than life self-discovery journey, I could appreciate many of the lessons she learned and self-discoveries she made--lessons that don't necessarily require a trip to remote Indonesian islands if it's not in the budget.
I am
- Jennifer
- I live in California with Ryan and our babies: Lilly and Cal. I was a high school English teacher, but now I'm a mom. I like good books, laughing with my family, and pretty things.
5 comments:
Just had to say how ADORABLE the pic of Lilly in the white hat is! Not only is she the cutest thing ever but she has the cutest name ever!
I also liked Eat, Pray, Love. I wasn't all gungho about reading it either (cuz I didn't want to be "part of the bookclub")but was pleased I did.
Sorry you guys had such a sick streak..... Sure makes ya appreciate the healthy days!
That passage about soul mates was also one of my stand out passages from the book. I can relate to it. I thoroughly enjoyed the book - it's one I could read again.
Okay, so I sort of hated the book, but the passages you shared are so perfect...
My book club was quite divided on this one.
wow - so many posts since I last checked. Way to go! I am so glad you all are feeling better.
I haven't read Eat, Pray, Love because I don't agree with running away from your life and responsibilities to pursue a life of pleasure and self-centeredness (I saw the author on Oprah and wasn't impressed) but my mom has read it and said that there are things to learn from it, none the less. I might have to pick it up.
I love those quotes. Fine, maybe I'll read it.
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