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CC.Carnes
Pretentious & self-absorbed author breaks sacred vow of marriage and pursues a journey of carnal excess in a vain attempt to find spiritual fulfillment.
The book is beautifully written, but I found the author/protagonist shallow, self-absorbed and pretentious. I was turned off at the opening, and reviewer Wanjugu nailed it when she wrote “The only thing that I could not get past is her leaving the marriage, and that she did not understand why her husband who thought she would never leave him could not forgive her! Many people say it was courageous for her to leave him, but the word selfish kept coming to my mind. Also thought about the DOUBLE STANDARDS in the American culture because a man who leaves his wife because he is sad in the marriage I bet would not sell so many books."
Joseph
Whiney and self-indulgent
Beginning with an inexplicable renunciation of her promise to stick with her husband until death, this book is one narcissistic, self indulgent episode after another. She needs to grow up, be responsible for her own life, and do something useful with her time and talent.
Chris Giese
Wasn't really what wanted to read
When I first read the info on the back of the book, i thought It would be just what I wanted. But like others have written, it became boring. I think her husband was lucky to get rid of her and her employer was stupid to give her an opportunity to report from abroad and I don't think she had a real good sense of food - which is the only thing she sounded interested in. I did not finish the book-but I did buy it.
Chana
Boring
I found this book to be slightly on the boring side. Yes, it was engaging at times, but she really didn't delve into what I was curious about, and I really wanted to know why she left her husband after so many years. Yes, she gave some reasons such as, not satisfied...not wanting to be a mother, but that was vague and maybe because this is how she chose to write the book.
I really have no interest in reading books that focus on spirituality/Eastern Religion. I could see how this book would fascinate one, especially if they have an interest in mediation, yoga, and Guru stuff. The author seems to be very confused about her beliefs/core values.
I suggest borrowing the book, instead of buying it- save your money.
Ro
I just don't get the rave reviews
This author is so insulting to Italy that the first part was such a turnoff that I am having difficulty finishing the book. Her constant sarcastic remarks and condescending attitude toward the Italian people makes me sick. She should consider the positive reviews a generous gift...
Schupz
Self-Indulgent!
I'm glad I read "Eat, Pray, Love", just because it's part of our culture right now. However, I didn't enjoy the book at all due to EG's self-indulgence. In fact, I found several, "book chucking" moments where I almost threw the book across the room. The most egregious part was when she remarked that well-heeled attendees at a meditation retreat were far more brave than National Geographic reporters who had risked their lives for their work. I understand it takes bravery to endure days of self-reflection, but come on. Could a person actually die meditating?
I honestly think the reason this book is so popular is shear vicariousness. Who wouldn't want to spend an all-expense paid year of eating, self-reflecting, and falling in love? She had a couple good insights and her writing was conversational, so it was an easy read. I think you'll know within the first 10 pages if this book is for you. Give it a try, though. Like it or not, it will give you real insight into the people who love this book.
SCP
eat, pray, love and wallow in self-indulgence
I couldn't stand this book for all the reasons previous readers mentioned and then some. Clearly this book was intended to be a bestseller and never would have sold had it not been written by a celebrity who knows how to sell books! We had to wait for weeks in our bookclub to get our hands on a copy only to find this fluff. Cleverly written, I will say, and the title is catchy. BUT, I found the story overall to be an affront to people who truly go through serious crises in their lives, and an insult to those seeking true spiritual guidance at such times. Half the ashrams in India prey on idiots who think they can chant their way to inner peace - while they empty the victims' wallets. I say this with shame, as I am Indian, and have had this happen to those near and dear to me. had Elizabeth Gilbert not been tall, blonde, beautiful and successful, I doubt this seeker of inner wisdom would have gotten either the youth of Italy or the old men of Bali to have given her the time of day....if you haven't read this book yet, don't waste your time....
Kim
Not my cup of tea!
Now, I know this book has been wildly popular, but I just don't get it! This woman goes in search of herself, but never grows! She ends up in exactly the same place she started. It's more travelogue than a journey of self-enlightenment.