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Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything
Ideal for intermediate and more confident learners of English looking to improve or practise their English. The book is filled with useful vocabulary that is carefully graded and easy to understand, it also comes with audio, so that you can listen to the story at the same time as reading.
Elizabeth Gilbert, a successful writer, had everything - a husband, friends, a big house in New York. But one day she realized she did not want any of it. A new relationship brought more heartbreak, deep depression followed, and in desperation, she started to pray. She decided to spend a year without any new relationships, and to travel in Italy, India, and Indonesia, searching for meaning in his life.
This memoir is the true story of her journey of discovery through pleasure, religion, and back to love again. It has also been made into a major movie.
Elizabeth Gilbert, a successful writer, had everything - a husband, friends, a big house in New York. But one day she realized she did not want any of it. A new relationship brought more heartbreak, deep depression followed, and in desperation, she started to pray. She decided to spend a year without any new relationships, and to travel in Italy, India, and Indonesia, searching for meaning in his life.
This memoir is the true story of her journey of discovery through pleasure, religion, and back to love again. It has also been made into a major movie.
96 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2013
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December 5, 2020I read the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The story is about the writer herself. She wasn’t happy with the life she had. She was a successful writer and she had everything! But she realized that she didn’t want any of those things. In the beginning she wasn’t happy at all. She was divorced, had an affair and left her friends and family to travel. She travelled to Italy, Indonesia and India. During travelling she learned to pray and find love again. Her first trip to Italy was not that easy, because she couldn’t find pleasure and she found that frustrating. The second trip to India was a little bit better, because there she learned to pray. But she did not find devotion at the beginning. After long research she found pleasure and devotion. The last trip to Indonesia was healthy, because she found love and balance. Step by step she found happiness.
For the first time in my life, I read an English book. I actually like the language, because while reading I learn English in a nice way! I like this kind of story: a true story about finding pleasure and love! It’s nice that in some parts you have feeling her feelings. Maybe not in the way that she felt it, but in another way. Before part 1 on page 13 started, I was already in love with Elizabeth, because it felt so honest and so deep. Then on page 24 she finds pleasure in eating Italian food, that really reminds me of myself, Because I also really like Italian food. When I eat pasta or pizza in Italy, my worries just go away. And that is just what happened to her! So, I like the way we look alike.
I would like to recommend the book to others, because you can relax while reading. The book isn’t too deep, but it is a book that gives you wings. It’s as if you are travelling with her through the world. It is a light book, so if you want some peace you can read this book with a lot of peace! You will actually enjoy it!
For the first time in my life, I read an English book. I actually like the language, because while reading I learn English in a nice way! I like this kind of story: a true story about finding pleasure and love! It’s nice that in some parts you have feeling her feelings. Maybe not in the way that she felt it, but in another way. Before part 1 on page 13 started, I was already in love with Elizabeth, because it felt so honest and so deep. Then on page 24 she finds pleasure in eating Italian food, that really reminds me of myself, Because I also really like Italian food. When I eat pasta or pizza in Italy, my worries just go away. And that is just what happened to her! So, I like the way we look alike.
I would like to recommend the book to others, because you can relax while reading. The book isn’t too deep, but it is a book that gives you wings. It’s as if you are travelling with her through the world. It is a light book, so if you want some peace you can read this book with a lot of peace! You will actually enjoy it!
June 16, 2024
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert is a contemporary classic of self-discovery, detailing the author's journey across three countries in search of deeper meaning and purpose in her life. This travelogue is a poignant narrative about healing from a devastating divorce and finding a renewed sense of self through indulgence, spirituality, and love.
A Journey from Despair to Renewal
Elizabeth Gilbert had what many would consider an ideal life—a successful career, a beautiful home, and a husband she adored. However, as she approached her early thirties, she felt a profound sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness. The natural instinct to settle down and start a family never materialized, leaving her more excited about her work than the prospect of motherhood. This internal conflict eventually led to the disintegration of her marriage, culminating in a breakdown on her bathroom floor, where she found herself praying to an entity she believed might be God. Over the next seven months, Gilbert engaged in deep soul-searching and reflection, which led to the agonizing decision to divorce her husband. However, post-divorce, she found herself lost and confused, moving in with a rebound fling named David. This tumultuous relationship, coupled with bitter divorce proceedings, only deepened her sense of despair. Amidst this chaos, she began to explore new avenues: learning Italian, practicing yoga, and contemplating an invitation from an Indonesian medicine man to live and study with him in Bali.
Embracing the Pleasures of Italy
In 2003, just weeks after finalizing her divorce, Gilbert arrived in Rome, beginning the first leg of her transformative journey. Her initial meal in Italy—a sumptuous plate of spaghetti alla carbonara—set the tone for her stay. Gilbert allowed herself to fully indulge in the culinary delights of Italy, enjoying the simple pleasures of life that she had previously neglected. She spent her days wandering Rome's cobblestone streets, sipping espresso, and indulging in gelato. Beyond the food, Gilbert immersed herself in the Italian language, conversing with locals and improving her skills. She even enrolled in a language school, embracing the joy of learning without any practical reason, a departure from her usual goal-oriented approach. Despite the indulgence, Gilbert's depression and loneliness resurfaced. She had impulsively stopped taking her antidepressant medication, thinking that the beauty of Rome would cure her inner turmoil. To cope, she started writing supportive notes to herself, creating an inner dialogue that acknowledged her pain and assured her of self-love. This act of self-care helped lift some of her emotional burden. As she continued her journey, Gilbert made new friends, including Giovanni, her language partner, and Luca Spaghetti, a foodie with whom she bonded over their mutual love of Italian cuisine. Through these relationships and experiences, she learned to appreciate the beauty of doing nothing and being present in the moment, a philosophy known as "bel far niente."
Seeking Spiritual Enlightenment in India
The second leg of Gilbert's journey took her to an ashram in India, where she sought to deepen her spiritual practice. At the ashram, she reconnected with her meditation mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya," and committed herself to the rigorous routines of the spiritual center. This included early morning chanting, meditation sessions, and performing humble tasks like scrubbing temple floors. Gilbert struggled with meditation, finding it difficult to quiet her mind. Her "monkey mind" was a constant challenge, but through perseverance, she began to experience moments of stillness and peace. She also engaged in the demanding Gurugita chant, which initially frustrated her but eventually became a source of spiritual growth. One of the pivotal moments in India was a conversation with Richard from Texas, a fellow ashram student. He encouraged Gilbert to view her journey as a sweet time of grieving and assured her that she had no idea how strong her inner love was. This perspective helped her embrace her emotional healing process. By the end of her stay, Gilbert described herself as becoming the embodiment of prayer, feeling a profound connection to the divine. Her spiritual journey in India taught her the importance of discipline, devotion, and self-compassion.
Discovering New Love in Indonesia
The final leg of Gilbert's journey took her to Bali, Indonesia, where she reconnected with Ketut Liyer, the medicine man she had previously met. Initially, Ketut didn't remember her, but after some prompting, their bond was rekindled. Gilbert agreed to teach Ketut English in exchange for his guidance in Balinese meditation and healing practices. In Bali, Gilbert marveled at the natural beauty surrounding her and immersed herself in the local spiritual traditions. She learned about the five elemental essences of the human body—water, fire, wind, air, and earth—and how to connect with these energies through meditation. A significant encounter in Bali was with Wayan, a traditional healer who treated Gilbert's knee injury. Wayan predicted that Gilbert would find new love, sensing that she needed to balance her spiritual quest with an open heart. This prediction came true when Gilbert met Felipe, a charming Brazilian man. Despite initial hesitations, their chemistry was undeniable, and they fell deeply in love. Their relationship represented a new chapter in Gilbert's life, blending her spiritual journey with the joy of human connection.
Elizabeth Gilbert's journey in Eat, Pray, Love is a testament to the power of self-discovery and healing. Through her travels in Italy, India, and Indonesia, she confronts her past emotions, opens herself to new experiences, and ultimately finds balance between worldly pleasures and spiritual connectedness. Gilbert's story is a relatable and inspiring narrative about the courage to break free from confining boundaries and create a life of authentic joy, balance, and fulfillment. This engaging travelogue encourages readers to embrace adventure, silence their inner critic, and open themselves up to life's infinite possibilities.
A Journey from Despair to Renewal
Elizabeth Gilbert had what many would consider an ideal life—a successful career, a beautiful home, and a husband she adored. However, as she approached her early thirties, she felt a profound sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness. The natural instinct to settle down and start a family never materialized, leaving her more excited about her work than the prospect of motherhood. This internal conflict eventually led to the disintegration of her marriage, culminating in a breakdown on her bathroom floor, where she found herself praying to an entity she believed might be God. Over the next seven months, Gilbert engaged in deep soul-searching and reflection, which led to the agonizing decision to divorce her husband. However, post-divorce, she found herself lost and confused, moving in with a rebound fling named David. This tumultuous relationship, coupled with bitter divorce proceedings, only deepened her sense of despair. Amidst this chaos, she began to explore new avenues: learning Italian, practicing yoga, and contemplating an invitation from an Indonesian medicine man to live and study with him in Bali.
Embracing the Pleasures of Italy
In 2003, just weeks after finalizing her divorce, Gilbert arrived in Rome, beginning the first leg of her transformative journey. Her initial meal in Italy—a sumptuous plate of spaghetti alla carbonara—set the tone for her stay. Gilbert allowed herself to fully indulge in the culinary delights of Italy, enjoying the simple pleasures of life that she had previously neglected. She spent her days wandering Rome's cobblestone streets, sipping espresso, and indulging in gelato. Beyond the food, Gilbert immersed herself in the Italian language, conversing with locals and improving her skills. She even enrolled in a language school, embracing the joy of learning without any practical reason, a departure from her usual goal-oriented approach. Despite the indulgence, Gilbert's depression and loneliness resurfaced. She had impulsively stopped taking her antidepressant medication, thinking that the beauty of Rome would cure her inner turmoil. To cope, she started writing supportive notes to herself, creating an inner dialogue that acknowledged her pain and assured her of self-love. This act of self-care helped lift some of her emotional burden. As she continued her journey, Gilbert made new friends, including Giovanni, her language partner, and Luca Spaghetti, a foodie with whom she bonded over their mutual love of Italian cuisine. Through these relationships and experiences, she learned to appreciate the beauty of doing nothing and being present in the moment, a philosophy known as "bel far niente."
Seeking Spiritual Enlightenment in India
The second leg of Gilbert's journey took her to an ashram in India, where she sought to deepen her spiritual practice. At the ashram, she reconnected with her meditation mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya," and committed herself to the rigorous routines of the spiritual center. This included early morning chanting, meditation sessions, and performing humble tasks like scrubbing temple floors. Gilbert struggled with meditation, finding it difficult to quiet her mind. Her "monkey mind" was a constant challenge, but through perseverance, she began to experience moments of stillness and peace. She also engaged in the demanding Gurugita chant, which initially frustrated her but eventually became a source of spiritual growth. One of the pivotal moments in India was a conversation with Richard from Texas, a fellow ashram student. He encouraged Gilbert to view her journey as a sweet time of grieving and assured her that she had no idea how strong her inner love was. This perspective helped her embrace her emotional healing process. By the end of her stay, Gilbert described herself as becoming the embodiment of prayer, feeling a profound connection to the divine. Her spiritual journey in India taught her the importance of discipline, devotion, and self-compassion.
Discovering New Love in Indonesia
The final leg of Gilbert's journey took her to Bali, Indonesia, where she reconnected with Ketut Liyer, the medicine man she had previously met. Initially, Ketut didn't remember her, but after some prompting, their bond was rekindled. Gilbert agreed to teach Ketut English in exchange for his guidance in Balinese meditation and healing practices. In Bali, Gilbert marveled at the natural beauty surrounding her and immersed herself in the local spiritual traditions. She learned about the five elemental essences of the human body—water, fire, wind, air, and earth—and how to connect with these energies through meditation. A significant encounter in Bali was with Wayan, a traditional healer who treated Gilbert's knee injury. Wayan predicted that Gilbert would find new love, sensing that she needed to balance her spiritual quest with an open heart. This prediction came true when Gilbert met Felipe, a charming Brazilian man. Despite initial hesitations, their chemistry was undeniable, and they fell deeply in love. Their relationship represented a new chapter in Gilbert's life, blending her spiritual journey with the joy of human connection.
Elizabeth Gilbert's journey in Eat, Pray, Love is a testament to the power of self-discovery and healing. Through her travels in Italy, India, and Indonesia, she confronts her past emotions, opens herself to new experiences, and ultimately finds balance between worldly pleasures and spiritual connectedness. Gilbert's story is a relatable and inspiring narrative about the courage to break free from confining boundaries and create a life of authentic joy, balance, and fulfillment. This engaging travelogue encourages readers to embrace adventure, silence their inner critic, and open themselves up to life's infinite possibilities.
January 5, 2022
Easy to read and good for English learner. The story was felt good and it warm my heart in some way. I also like the way she talk with herself in diary.
December 7, 2022
وجه جوليا روبرتس حاضر :)
September 12, 2023
made me want to travel tho
June 24, 2020
Was it a self-indulgent book for the writer? Probably. Was it full of first world problems? Probably. Did I enjoy reading it and love being transported to places in the world, as well as on the journey of self discovery it contains? Absolutely!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews