Eat, Pray, Love
discussion
puke hate rage
Horrid book, shallow and superficial. Pseudo spiritual for those who are left in the dark. Tries desperately to be worthy but ends up hollow, like a firework that looked so bright and colorful at first, sadly you're left with a dead stick that falls to the earth, wondering why the hell you bothered. Somehow I thought it was all going to get better. I was wrong and felt like a ning-nong.
Funny how so many people read it....lucky her she wrote a terrible book and made lots of money....
Sorry!! The book really really sucked!!! All 7 people in my book club hated the book. Writer was such a whiner and that she scammed people into buying or reading her book in sinnful. I have since decided that anything Oprah pushes is not worth reading. I did not believe Gilbert, that she spent all tht time in those countries. She got an advance to write a book so she created her little fantasy. We were all taken in. I for one tell anyone I know thinking about reading her book exactly what I thought and than they can decide if they wish to waste there time!! I felt duped and could of spent my time reading a better book!!!
Jennifer wrote: "I read about a quarter of the book and literally could not finish it! I just could not get into it, and I never do that with a book. I usually always finish a book I start. It is not that the book ..."
Agreed...I found it slow as well
Agreed...I found it slow as well
I think everyone has to remember that this book was published by traditional means therefore lots of money and advertising poured into it. That is the success! They pushed it on the public as the best thing at that time and we all fell for it.
If you want to be on the New York's best seller list, pay them! Sad state!
If you want to be on the New York's best seller list, pay them! Sad state!
Horrible book! I could not stand to listen to that author complain about her life for one more page. I'm so glad i bought it used at the library for $1. Must be nice to have the opportunity to travel around the world on someone else's dime while you bitch and whine about your "horrible" life. Completely self-indulgent, shallow, and this author set women back like 100 years. I was going to donate it back to the library but I think I'll just use it for the fireplace to have one less of this terrible book in print.
I did not like her whining attitude either. She wanted to have a pity party, but she is so fortunate to make the trek to exotic locales, and write about it. Sonia, I think the advertisers did a wonderful job in selling their product, which is the book and the film, but I did not buy the book, or see the film. Didn't feel the need to spend good money for this. I just borrowed it from the library and immediately returned it.
Hedda wrote: "I guess, well, yes, I think it is that bad. Some one gave it to me to read in order to heal myself after my long term relationship failed. The more I read the more puked, hated and raged, instead o..."Haha, Hedda, I definitely understand how you feel. In all honesty, I actually really liked this book however I also understand the problem a lot of people have with it. It just seems like the way that Gilbert sorted her life out if not the way any sane, middle-class, ordinary person would be able to deal with their problem. So essentially, all it was, was an example of a fantasy - something to marvel at, not something to engage in.
But I did think there were some interesting lessons in there, which is really what landed it in my good graces! :)
Sorry I disaggree! No lessons are to be found in her whining!!! I also believe that most of the book was fabricated by Gilbert.
Hedda wrote: "This book should be used to equalize unstable tables."Haha That is fantastic .. and true.
Hedda wrote: "This book should be used to equalize unstable tables.HA! Perfect comment!
Toni wrote: "hahahha I agree with you all the way Hedda, that book is terrible. It surely did not get a great review from me in my point of view the best place for it is left at the book store...."Hedda wrote: "I guess, well, yes, I think it is that bad. Some one gave it to me to read in order to heal myself after my long term relationship failed. The more I read the more puked, hated and raged, instead o..."
I absolutely agree! You've now validated my opinion! I thought for sure I'd be the only woman who hated the book!
I read the book before I got wind of all the hype. I enjoyed the eat part--it was almost a visceral experience. The pray and love sections--not so much. I don't know if others really got more out of it or if it was an emperor's new clothes kind of thing. But, hey I didn't spend any more for it than any other book I liked or didn't like.My approach to life is to whine and fuss, then find something to get me laughing. If you're currently looking for one yourself, I suggest Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards-Jones--loved it! In fact, it's back in my TBRA pile for this summer. Sorry for the diversion.
I have to agree with those who feel the book overrated. There were some interesting spiritual points, but because the author was not coming from some really traumatic background to some joyous and unexpected new found freedom, the purpose was lost. She came across to me as a very spoilt woman who just needed to do the next exciting thing. Be that as it may, I thought it well-written.
I loved the Italy section. I would have been fine, if the whole book was about her time in Italy. She lost me in India and I had a bitter taste in my mouth by Bali.
Hedda wrote: "I guess, well, yes, I think it is that bad. Some one gave it to me to read in order to heal myself after my long term relationship failed. The more I read the more puked, hated and raged, instead o..."COULDN'T AGREE WITH YOU MORE!!!
I made it through eat and was done with this book.
I totally agree with this thread and although I've tried to finish the book multiple times, I cannot bring myself to. She is vain, self-obsessed and speaks of "wisdom" which I personally think is full of crap - and I don't appreciate her condescending tone either. Sometimes I can almost imagine her sneery face and holier-than-thou expression as I read the bullshit she's preaching. Plus, am I the only one who thinks she left her ex-husband unfairly?? The fact that she never even TRIED to patch things up seriously sets me off. And then she "rewards" herself with a one year trip? Seriously? I hardly think she deserves it.
The ONLY thing I would take away from the entire book is the revelation of that secret pizza place in Italy. If I ever make my way there, then probably the money I spent on this book wouldn't have been a total waste.
ps : I read this book before all the hype, and was completely baffled by the whole commotion. I thought about donating my copy to the needy, but didn't want them to suffer from the poor writing that is Gilbert.
Alia wrote: "I totally agree with this thread and although I've tried to finish the book multiple times, I cannot bring myself to. She is vain, self-obsessed and speaks of "wisdom" which I personally think is f..."totally agree never really got into puke is a great word to describe feeling about book. The first time that I truly hated a book and found no value what so ever!
I thought I was the only one who was sorely disappointed. It did anything but console me or bring any wisdom or light my way. No revelation. Just amusement about her taking a trip around the world for a year. Something most people could never afford to do. And in the end, she just met some new guy. What was all that for?
So they could make a movie out of the book, and possibly rake in millions. Just my thoughts, and oh yeah, utilize Julia Roberts in the title role.
Oh, let's not even get started on the movie. I'd have thought that it couldn't possibly be as bad as the book, but I was wrong. It was two solid hours of pain I believe.
I didn't see the movie, since the book disappointed me. You should have gotten a refund from the movie.
Ehh, I don't know. I liked parts of it, but it must not have been THAT good to me, or I would have finished it. I enjoyed her description of traveling through Italy and India, but once she got to Bali, it was like "ok, this book is getting too long and same ol' same ol'...I'm done".
I agree with most of you in that it was a wasted trip on a pity party. I kept thinking how selfish and stupid she was throughout the read. Somehow I even made it through the movie, which was just as bad.
Rachel wrote: "I agree with most of you in that it was a wasted trip on a pity party. I kept thinking how selfish and stupid she was throughout the read. Somehow I even made it through the movie, which was just a..."
Agreed. I thought the movie would have been better, given Julia Roberts was the main character. Guess I was mistaken :P
Agreed. I thought the movie would have been better, given Julia Roberts was the main character. Guess I was mistaken :P
So here's the deal--I was really hesitant to read this book, because I'm someone who tries to hate bestsellers. But why I enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love is because I found the author to be humorous and insightful, even if she was self-absorbed. The book was a memoir, and all memoirs are SUPPOSED to be self-absorbed. The girl got paid to take a year off and go chill around the world? Awesome! It's an experience I will surely never have, and made me want to read the book.I loved being able to see Italy, Indonesia and India through Gilbert's eyes, despite the fact I have been to one of those three places. Her experiences were different and are different from others who have been to such countries. I actually went to a hairdresser last week who was from Indonesia explaining how divorce in Indonesia is so much easier than in America. Is that the tune Gilbert sang? Not even remotely.
Regardless, it was a great read for a plane right or a beach trip and I found myself wanting to strive as much for happiness as Gilbert does. In the book she writes, "Happiness is the consequence of personal effort." I can tell you, when I'm having a really crummy day and everything seems to be out of my control, I think of that quote and it at least brightens my day knowing some things are in my control.
Is this book the be-all end-all Oprah book club book? No. Of course not. But I legitimately understand women who enjoyed this book and can relate to an overtired, depressed woman who finds fulfillment in men. Not everyone reads Atwood and Lessing on the beach ;)
Sorry Kelcie, I totally disagree with you on all levels!!! :( Book was extremely boring and if I wanted to go to a pity party I wouldn't pick hers. I just don't believe her story is all true. Maybe part of it, but she got paid to write a book and she did. Maybe Oprah should find out if she really spent all that time in India and Indonesia. Ms Gilbert had really good advertising and big Publishers, that's why she was a sucess. Says nothing about the actual readability of her book. I had to read the book, because my book club picked it. All 7 of us when we met were extremely disapointed. Not one of us liked the book. We were suprised to say the least!!!
I think it's all about what your previous information was in regards to how you handle this book.Now, we all know everyone is entitled to their opinion and their feelings about the book. I enjoyed the book, but I took it for what it was...a paid trip someone got to take to "discover" themselves. Is this what I would do after a break up? No, I could never afford it...MOST people couldn't. But, you have to understand that this is a piece of writing...she didn't have any kids at the time, no husband (after she left him of course) she had no responsibilities to leave behind. She was free to go and indulge. Again, it's all about what you expected. This book was not meant to create an "aha!" moment in anyone's life...it's just like any other biography or memoir..she told her experience. You don't have to like her or what she did, but some of these comments are a little harsh. Especially if you take the book for what it was....a book. This wasn't a "guideline for women" book, or a "how to" book that set unrealistic expectations.
I think Elizabeth Gilbert wanted to show us that her life was always about her relationships and not developing her own identity...she said herself in the book that she was given an advance to take the trip so she jumped at the chance, and in addition, she mentioned that she couldn't remember the last time she wasn't in a relationship. This is a woman who was consistently dependent on a man to define her life. I believe that Gilbert wanted to tell us about how she pushed past her NEED for a man in her life and discovered things that she personally enjoyed on her own. The movie wasn't good at all, I will admit I was dissapointed in that completely.
But, I do understand that if someone gave you this book to "heal" you after a break-up....their heart was in the right place, but this was not the book to do that for you. I don't believe a book can "heal" or "fix" your perspective or your life. I think it can present new ideas, but I definitely think one of the main reasons you may not have liked the book is for the purpose in which the book was presented to you. If you were told that this book would heal you or help you feel better...they did a huge disservice to your perspective on the book.
Katie, YES!!! I read the book!!! We all did in my book club. Also 2 of the people saw the movie. One like the movie and the other thought it wasa aweful. When I started the book I was excited to read it. I heard all the hype and could start reading it fast enough. That's where my interest ended. After the first section, which by the way was tedious at best was the only section that I found mildly worth reading. After that it was same old same old me me me. And quite frankly I didn't believe her. She may have visited those countries, but trek out into nowhere with no one and little else but her self. Sorry I do not believe, and feel you are all duped. We all were duped into reading a very self centered and boring book. Goes to show you what the mass media can do for a writer. Just have Oprah like it and your golden.
I hardly believe that we aren't all duped by one thing or another. We watch reality tv shows which feature superficial people, outrageous lifestyles etc. The Kardashians, anything on BravoTV, the movies etc. It's a book...I have a hard time believing a lot of the books we read on real experiences are completely 100% true. You had to have known what the story was about before you purchased/borrowed the book so something must have caught your interest in what she wrote. Regardless of who recommends it. Take A Million Seperate Pieces for example. Oprah endorsed that book till she was blue in the face, and it wasn't until much after the fact, that the author came out and said, "I made a lot of that up to make the story more interesting" so if you went into this book believing every word she said...you have to understand that is a possibility in Gilbert's story as well.
I think some people are taking their "hatred" for this book way too seriously...
Nicole wrote: "I hardly believe that we aren't all duped by one thing or another. We watch reality tv shows which feature superficial people, outrageous lifestyles etc. The Kardashians, anything on BravoTV, the m..."It seems you have a vested interest in this book because you are defending her to the heavens. BTW In a book club each person gets a chance at choosing the book. The person who choose that book(not me) listened to all the hype and thought it was a good choice. You don't know how good a book is until you read it. That's why you read the reviews to guide you. All I'm saying is the reviews didn't fit the book. I hated the book. End of discussion. I've never dislike a book ever, before this one. Maybe I just expected more. She states that her story is factual. We have to take that at face value. Where as reality TV is TV. Come on I hope you're not that guilible!!!
Charlene, I'm not saying that you can't be dissapointed in how the book turned out because of the hype being misleading. I just think some people who posted are going beyond the hype of the book and that's the part I don't agree with. Also, I do not need a lesson on what a book club does...I'm well aware of the choices made but thanks for clearing that up. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with reviews not matching the book...some people were saying they didn't believe her, they felt she was selfish to take the trip etc. That part..I believe is personal opinion. I agree with you whole heartedly that with the hype the book seemed wonderful. I didn't absolutely love the book, but even if I came across a book I didn't care for...I felt like some reviews were a little harsh.
I got this book from the library and just could not get into it, did not like it, and returned it.
Nicole wrote: "Charlene, I'm not saying that you can't be dissapointed in how the book turned out because of the hype being misleading. I just think some people who posted are going beyond the hype of the book an..."Apparently you did agree with the hype. You rated the book 4 stars. I agree with all the people who felt that they got taken in with all the positive media blitz and are now angry because the book really was a scam compared to expectations. This particular discusion board is for all of us who are angry and disappointed. Maybe you need to find all those people who agree with you and got something out of the book. Here at this discussion you probably will only hear how we all disliked the book. I personally went on amazon and rated the book 1 star with a comentary. So no unsuspecting person would be duped. They could read with warning.
Katie wrote: "Charlene, maybe the book actually wasn't that bad- But you just expected WAY to much. I have to agree with you, this if someone starts talking about any book with Hype- You would think... Wow. This..."Sorry NO I really disliked that book. I never stop reading a book no matter how much I dislike it. But that book was my first encounter of where I was desperatly hoping to finish. If it was not for the book club I would of not finished. It was pure torture for me. Sorry I have never rated a book 1 star. That was a first. I've read many books with high expectations and may have been a little disappointed but never have I disliked a book as much as "eat pray love". Apparently there are a lot of people who agree with me. If your feeling bad for the author, she's laughing all the way to the bank. Maybe she can write another pity book about how a lot of people hated her book!!!!!!!
I loved the Puke, Hate, Rage comment the best!
Hedda wrote: "I guess, well, yes, I think it is that bad. Some one gave it to me to read in order to heal myself after my long term relationship failed. The more I read the more puked, hated and raged, instead o..."Not particularly fond of it myself! My 22YO niece liked it, but thought it was fiction. I did like the eating in Italy part. I should have just read it, but how did I know? I would call it "Eat"
Sandra wrote: "I'm relieved to learn that I'm not the only one who didn't care for this book. I can't even bring myself to rent the movie version."I watched about 15 minutes of the movie and totally lost interest--no one to care about.
I 'read' this book via audiobook, and I couldn't wait for it to be over. Self-absorption is not my cup of tea.
I read this book and really enjoyed it, but reading the comments here, has made me realize, that I can see both perspectives on this book.
On one hand I totally fell for the 'journey of a lifetime' that Gilbert experiences and I can appreciate her good luck, and bravery in going through it -- oh and the complete and utter ability to just walk away from her own life to pursue it.
On the other hand, there were times, when I was reading this book, that I felt like the ugly girl travelling abroad with her impossibly gorgeous friend who spends the whole journey talking about herself and her transformation and then ditches me for dinner with a hot European who we meet at the hotel. On the one hand I'm happy for my friend and enjoy sharing a little bit of her movie star lifestyle, on the other, I'd like to push her into the pool.
On one hand I totally fell for the 'journey of a lifetime' that Gilbert experiences and I can appreciate her good luck, and bravery in going through it -- oh and the complete and utter ability to just walk away from her own life to pursue it.
On the other hand, there were times, when I was reading this book, that I felt like the ugly girl travelling abroad with her impossibly gorgeous friend who spends the whole journey talking about herself and her transformation and then ditches me for dinner with a hot European who we meet at the hotel. On the one hand I'm happy for my friend and enjoy sharing a little bit of her movie star lifestyle, on the other, I'd like to push her into the pool.
Jessica wrote: "I read this book and really enjoyed it, but reading the comments here, has made me realize, that I can see both perspectives on this book.On one hand I totally fell for the 'journey of a lifetime..."
Jessica, your last paragraph summed it up for me. It's been a few years since I read the book, but I don't recall that she 'walked away from her own life'. Wasn't she getting paid to write about her adventures? That doesn't seem like walking away from her life. But maybe I'm not remembering this correctly.
Pamela wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I read this book and really enjoyed it, but reading the comments here, has made me realize, that I can see both perspectives on this book.
On one hand I totally fell for the 'journ..."
Hi Pamela,
You're totally correct, Gilbert was being paid for her adventures -- and no doubt handsomely. I was thinking more of the freedom (maybe callousness) to just walk away from everything else -- Family, friends and commitments. I'm a mom of 2 and the wife of a man with a huge family. Sometimes, I wish someone would pay me to pray in India for a month. Or at least let me finish a meal in peace for once.
On one hand I totally fell for the 'journ..."
Hi Pamela,
You're totally correct, Gilbert was being paid for her adventures -- and no doubt handsomely. I was thinking more of the freedom (maybe callousness) to just walk away from everything else -- Family, friends and commitments. I'm a mom of 2 and the wife of a man with a huge family. Sometimes, I wish someone would pay me to pray in India for a month. Or at least let me finish a meal in peace for once.
Glad to find this board - people know I love to travel - so I have actually been 'gifted' this book several times now - and I find it to be self-centered drivel of the worst sort.. It's almost condescending to readers, and one of few books that I threw away. (Lots of books get stuffed under the bed to be finished six months later, but the tone of this one irritated me - and I can read just about anything..) It seemed kind of preachy/ whiney at the same time. Probably not the world's worst book - but a waste of time for me.
Our book club renamed this one, "Eat, Pray and look at Me". We found it a little self serving.
K. wrote: "Glad to find this board - people know I love to travel - so I have actually been 'gifted' this book several times now - and I find it to be self-centered drivel of the worst sort.. It's almost cond..." K, I so agree. I listened to the audiobook, when I had lots of time in my car. If I had been actually reading it, I would not have finished it.
Linda wrote: "Our book club renamed this one, "Eat, Pray and look at Me". We found it a little self serving." LOL! That is great!
I did not enjoy this book at all, though the premise should have been grand. I much prefered Tales of Female Nomad, or Without Reservations, if one was going to look for a much better version of the same theme. Shame on you, Gilbert! I think the problem is that she just isn't that deep and insightful, so there wasn't a lot of material for her to write about.
Suffered through this book wondering and wanting to see what all the fuss was about. Very surprised that they would make a movie out of this one. Even Julia Roberts and Xavier Bardem couldn't save this one. Most of us can't run away to Bali to heal, we must do it while continuing daily routines and find the peace in that. My opinion, dear diary for her eyes only.
I didn't like the book and the film was awful (yes I went and watched it too, just to make sure) The hollywood hype machine did a great job.
Shallow and pointless."
Agree with all my heart. It had nothing to do with anything. Life in its simplest form too.