Eat, Pray, Love
discussion
puke hate rage
Haha I'm loving these comments. I was hooked by the beginning scene in Italy with the sexy twin and the Merman fountain. Thought it was hilarious. About a hundred pages in, I was going, enough already! You friggin' self-absorbed whiner! Like you're the first divorcee in the world! Get over it!!
Everyone copes differently, some people want to relax in a tub and cry, (well i think they are sad, if not they should have never gotten married)maybe Liz thought fountain. why not? hahha
Haven't anyone went through a situation, finish, and thought WHAT WAS I THINKING? Well maybe Liz had a couple of those to afraid to admit. When it happens to me I don't just go telling about it, I can say the craziest things that I have done but I wouldn't even want to hear EVERYTHING I have done. She shared enough where she doesn't have to explain her reasons.
My book club picked this book to read, unfortunately none of us could get through it. Self-absorbed doesn't even come close to what she was. This is the first book in a long time that I was not able to finish. I thought it would be an adventure, it didn't turn out that way. There are so many other great books I'm sorry to have wasted even a moment reading this garbage.
To complete the fairy tale, let's get Julia Roberts to play the unloved heroine! Our culture has turned into a self-obsessed, unhappy crowd--looking for love in all the wrong places (as they say).
First part: funny, cute, about food and big life changing.Second part: little bit borng, quite boring, start to skip 10 pages.
Third part: realy don't care about the story, skip 30 pages.
End of story
I loved this book! I read it before all of the hype so I really didn't have any expectations. I think that makes a big difference. Like the author, I went through a similar marriage experience the first time around, but I was far enough removed from the pain of that situation that it didn't bother me. I could honestly care less how she funded her trip. I was living vicariously through her and God knows when we are heartbroken and healing, we are all whiny bitches. I was one and I know several. It's just part of being human and hurt. I think it was an amazing opportunity to do what she did and other than than the Eat part, which sounded like heaven on earth, she really did a lot of inner work that most of us wouldn't take the time or effort to do, even if we had the funds to pay for it. Not easy to sit and learn to be still in a stinky, hot place like India. I don't care if someone funded my trip or not, I probably wouldn't have done it. I got a lot out of this book but if a book doesn't speak to you, then it just wasn't meant for you. Doesn't mean it doesn't have value or that it wasn't helpful to others. I've read lots of books that others raved about but they just didn't touch me. C'est la vie!
Shari wrote: "I loved this book! I read it before all of the hype so I really didn't have any expectations. I think that makes a big difference. Like the author, I went through a similar marriage experience t..."
Loved this comment. especially "Doesn't mean it doesn't have value or that it wasn't helpful to others."
Loved this comment. especially "Doesn't mean it doesn't have value or that it wasn't helpful to others."
Pam wrote: "To complete the fairy tale, let's get Julia Roberts to play the unloved heroine! Our culture has turned into a self-obsessed, unhappy crowd--looking for love in all the wrong places (as they say)."
This book wasn't a fairy tale. Not every love story is one, if you think so, then you're stuck in this self-obsessed, unhappy-crowd you think everyone else is in.
This book wasn't a fairy tale. Not every love story is one, if you think so, then you're stuck in this self-obsessed, unhappy-crowd you think everyone else is in.
Oh, and to be clear, I'm talking about the BOOK, not the MOVIE! Totally different.
Those I've spoken to who didn't like the book emphasize the author's self-absorbedness, acting like she was the only one hurt by divorce and heartbreak in the whole world. I didn't see that at all. I saw her wallowing helplessly in her grief (and I think we can ALL relate to that), and only later (in the ashram) was she able to pull herself out of it. What problem anyone could possibly have with that, I'm not sure.I learned that when you are overcome with grief, to look inward. The only person who can really make you miserable is you. I did not expect such a revelation after hearing so many bad reviews of the book. Looking inward would be a good thing for those who are loathe to take personal responsibility for their actions. I get how this can go over people's heads, though, so that they can only see how Gilbert is self-indulgent, when really, her only "crime" was to be in a relatively cushy situation that allowed her to take so much time off work and that financed her travel. For this - she became instantly and intolerably bourgeois. I think that might be a common problem with the book.
and by the way, Julia Roberts was an excellent choice to play Liz.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't like it...sometimes when you read all the hype about a book, you feel as though you're the odd one out. I found it far too introspective - I just could not relate to her at all. It's a while since I read it, so I can't be any more specific, but I was definitely left feeling disappointed when I finished it. Sorry, but it just didn't live up to all the hype - but we're all different, and I know lots of people who did like it. Not for me though...
I liked this book, I think it takes courage to write a book with "you" as the main character knowing people will be able to judge and criticize. I don't understand why or who decided that this was supposed to be a guide for others.... The movie was terrible.
Pato47 wrote: "I liked this book, I think it takes courage to write a book with "you" as the main character knowing people will be able to judge and criticize. I don't understand why or who decided that this was ..."I think I could have enjoyed it better if society hadn't already dubbed it as a guide for others by the time I read it. It was recommended to me by many customers at my store - generally ranting about how it changed the lives of so many in the book club... women who praised it to the heavens and were treating it as a new bible. If I am to be honest with myself, the author, and other readers, I have to admit that this was definitely a factor in it being so disappointing and why I have so many moral scruples about it. Enjoying something is one thing (again, I can't repeat it enough: I think Gilbert is an EXCELLENT writer), but people treating her life as a guide on how to live is a little bit disconcerting.
Maria wrote: "and by the way, Julia Roberts was an excellent choice to play Liz."I thought Julia Roberts was an excellent choice to play Liz, despite the fact that I hated the movie I think it is because I didn't like the book. I thought the film was a great adaptation that (for once) stayed true to the source. If I were to choose anyone other than Julia Roberts for that role it would have been Cynthia Watros (most of you probably know her as Libby from Lost).
Anakalia84 wrote: "Pato47 wrote: "I liked this book, I think it takes courage to write a book with "you" as the main character knowing people will be able to judge and criticize. I don't understand why or who decided..."I loved the book, but that is crazy that women looked at it as a new Bible! That's definitely setting it up for failure! lol I think too many people took the book too literally. I don't think it's saying to literally go to Italy, and India and Bali. It's about women learning to care for themselves and finding their connection to God or source, whatever you want to call it. This happens to be Elizabeth's story and how she healed herself and found a deeper meaning for her life. After my 1st marriage, I went through a similar process, but had to do it within the confines of my little town and life. How amazing to be able to travel like she did!?! Although, you can keep the smelly, hot climate of India and Bali. Give me Italy...and pasta. :)
Thank goodness, I don't feel so alone in hating this book. Perhaps it's because, gee, I sure would have liked to have the money to go on a spiritual quest to beautiful places. Fortunately for me I was able to learn the lessons she found in her journeys right here at home.
Maria wrote: "Those I've spoken to who didn't like the book emphasize the author's self-absorbedness, acting like she was the only one hurt by divorce and heartbreak in the whole world. I didn't see that at all..."I think its because her wallowing, her being crushed by grief, seemed all self inflicted. Sure, there is probably a lot more to her story than she let's on. But the fact that she was grieving at all was her own choice. It wasn't something that was done to her or something that was out of her control. She *chose* to leave. So I don't feel sorry for her when it hurts. It should hurt when you break your vows. As for women learning to care for themselves, I think that's all she did was care for herself. Caring for other people was definitely not a huge theme in the book. Even when she helped others it didn't seem like she was helping to help, it seemed like she was helping for the sole purpose of making herself feel better. Like a trial and error, maybe this will make me happy... that's how the whole story felt to me, a trial and error on how to make yourself feel good. Screw this guy? Nope, that didn't work. Pray? Eh, it kinda works. Buy a house for someone else, yeah, now I'm little happy. Have sex with this man in this country, that's works for a little while. Its a constant chase and I don't anticipate the Liz presented in this book will ever be satisfied. Again I say, I'm going to have to read something else by her and see how that pans out.
I maybe speaking out of ignorance because I didn't totally finish this book. This is because I would have ripped it to shreds first if a colleague hadn't passed it on. I really couldn't give a flying frig what happened to this character. So overblown, so dull, so middle class and wallowing. Hated it. Even More than I hated 'One Day', which for me falls in the same category.
This book is not for self help it is just to read to be enjoyed.
Leslie wrote: "I agree with Karencilla--I don't think the author thought she could heal people with her book. I notice a lot of people have a strong negative reaction to this book and I'm not sure why. Unrealis..."Beautifully said Leslie. puke hate rage is all just a waste of precious energy if you ask me...
Parts of this book I loved, and parts of it I really, really hated. The relationship I was in at the time felt like it was going down the pooper and here I was with this book that really nailed how I was feeling. The whole time she's going thru divorce and Italy I actually really loved and enjoyed reading her personal account.But, once she got to India ... I wanted to throw up and I just got really, really annoyed. Essentially, I just felt like she was saying "Oh look at me, lookw here I am and look what I've done. I'm so special and you should all come to this place to heal yourself too." Pfft. We all deal with pain and emotional turmoil in different ways and I just felt that she got really preachy - spiritually speaking. That whole section made me wanna gag. I can appreciate a person faith and spirituality, but this to me just felt so ... over the top.
The end wasn't as painful as the middle - mainly because I knew the end was in sight. She found her happiness and you know what ... good for her. She felt like she saved the world, and found a man who was what she needed, not to mention who and what she wanted and needed in her life. But it still made me gag a little.
I might try to read this again at some point, I don't know. But it was pretty painful the first time around.
Alanna wrote: "Parts of this book I loved, and parts of it I really, really hated. The relationship I was in at the time felt like it was going down the pooper and here I was with this book that really nailed how..."I agree Alanna, I actually found the middle section in India rather boring and very introspective and not my kind of thing at all...it was one of those books where you are glad you have come to the end.
She just started to sound so full of herself that it got irritating. I only glimpsed maybe 15 minutes of the movie or so, which looked promising.
But this book was dreadful in parts. Even at one point in the beginning where she's curled up ion the floor crying and she says she heard some voice talking to her, telling her that everything is going to be okay ... just sounded a bit well, flakey.
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 enjoyed the first part of the book (Eat), Prayed the second part would get better (it didn't), and couldn't gag down the third part. Really self-indulgent dribble.
Really self-indulgent dribble.Precisely. The author starts so far down the developmental ladder that the rung she reaches after all her self-discovery might (just) be interesting enough as the starting point for real growth (part 2 maybe)?
I see this discussion has been going on for quite a bit.All I can say is I thought the book was a total bore... I still regret the money I spent on it and the time I wasted reading it... I kept reading in case it got even just a bit better, which made me angrier with myself when it didn't.
I haven't read this one yet but I really enjoyed the movie!
I also, felt it was very self indulgent. I kept wondering how in the heck she was able to walk away from her life and eat, pray, love her way around the world. What a spoiled brat!
My book group read this book and we all did not like it, but for different reasons. However, I watched the author's TED Talk and she's delightful. So maybe I'll give her next book a try.
Paula wrote: "My book group read this book and we all did not like it, but for different reasons. However, I watched the author's TED Talk and she's delightful. So maybe I'll give her next book a try."Oooh, I like TED Talks. I might just give that a whirl. Thanks for making us aware.
I enjoyed the book while reading it, but reflected after and decided I did not like it. She is so self-absorbed and not many people could take all that time to travel to exotic locations. I've seen Ms. Gilbert on TED and she's an engaging speaker. But I have to tell you when I read "puke hate rage" I laughed my butt off! I'd give it a toned-down version of: puked in my mouth- yawn - narcissist. :-)
I enjoyed the book simply because I received a profound message in it. Her life is what it is, if that was her path to come to full circle so be it. Who am I to judge the decisions she made. In the end she found her peace. How many women are still in horrible marriages and bearing children they did not plan? I do not see where all the hateration is coming from! I admire women who are honest about their lives and are not afraid to change it. Yes, the husband got hurt be got most in the settlement, he remarried and moved on and she found her way!!!! Not everyone is cut out for certain traditional roles that are place upon us! If she had to go to 3 countries to find myself then it is okay. Obviously her profession allotted for her to go to three different countries why hate someone for that? I think too much focus is placed on her path and not seeing the whole picture.
ROFL!! I am soo glad someone feels the same way I do about this book. ha ha!!For those who think one needs to sink deeper to get this book...trust me I sink very deep. It was just... another way for someone to make money. Period. Bottom line.
I thought it was self involved tripe...you left your marriage and you had enough cash to piss off overseas travel around and find yourself...boo hoo for you!Some people are trapped in loveless marriages, abused, destitute there are bigger things going on in the world. I do see why some people like it...I am just not one of them.
I didn't enjoy the writing and or the story...but each to their own...that's what makes this crazy ole world turn!!
I wonder if more people would have enjoyed the story if it had been a novel -- if the story were fiction, instead of true? The fact that the author was self-indulgent, perhaps, is not the same as whether the book is any good. I read it, several years ago, and enjoyed it a lot, but have no interest in seeing the movie. Not literature, but engaging and interesting. And who cares if the author is self-indulgent -- aren't we all? Just a little bit??? Or maybe, a lot?
I think the problem was that many people were expecting more from this book. To some degree the title suggests that something life changing or really important is contained inside. There was a publicity drive that made this book popular with a certain crowd, in that there are many who needed a copy on their coffee table or somewhere others could see it. I have actually encountered very few people who have read it. Have encountered some who will fake it, or give me a movie version. What if the title had been different, "A Woman's Wanderings Across Three Cultures." Or what if people hadn't felt pressured to have read this book? The combination of these two forces in my opinion created expectations that few books and especially this one cannot live up to.
Am very happy to read all these negative reviews . I thought it was just me .
I got part way through 'pray', thought what the hell am I doing here and lobbed it out the window (into the back garden from which I eventually went to retrieve it) I had to put it in the recycling, I couldn't bear the thought of someone picking it up in a charity shop and being subjected to it. Awful, awful, awful, I really hate not finishing books, as generally I feel that if someone has taken the trouble to write it, and I've chosen to spend my money on buying it, the least I can do is finish it, but this I just couldn't, I just kept thinking what a self centred muppet she was. (please feel free to replace the word muppet if you wish)
Leslie wrote: "I agree-I think the hype is the problem. People read this book thinking it was so much more than it was, then felt angry and disappointed that it fell so far short of their expectations. I enjoye..."I totally agree with you--I wasn't going to finish the book, not because I hated it, but because I found some other books that were more immediately interesting to me--but I went back to finish because people had such varied and extreme reactions to it.
It's another hyped book in my opinion. The author loves her own voice but I, unfortunately, didn't like the author. Gave this one away after reading! No regrets!!
Laura wrote: "I got part way through 'pray', thought what the hell am I doing here and lobbed it out the window (into the back garden from which I eventually went to retrieve it) I had to put it in the recycling..."I love that you used the word muppet.
If I had been a little smarter, I would have tossed mine out the window as well. I *might* try a re-read on this one but who knows ...
first half of the book is not that bad,then it's goes down
down
and down
Karencilla wrote: "is really that bad?"YES!
Leslie wrote: "I have to disagree...I felt she was totally self-obsessed! I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and say "Get a grip sister! Drop the pity party." Bits and pieces were somewhat interesting...but ..."Well said! That was my feeling!
Wow, I thought I was the only one who didn't like this book. I didn't want to say anything to anyone about it. Lol. I only read about 50 pages and couldn't read anymore. I just won't read a book that I don't like. Life's too short. I thought maybe I would like the movie more. Nope. I couldn't watch the whole movie either.
Well I answered anyway:) Thank you for understanding someones perspective. I meditate often because of this book and I think I found myself. Not what Liz learned but what she taught me. I am grateful for this experience, I felt lost (of course who doesn't in high school so glad that's over)and this book was a big part of how I would the treasure through my glasses. For Diane, um you know your on a site about books/novels which are usually over 300 pages+, no wonder you are didn't finish the book, it was way to big:) I understand....:)