What readers think of Eat, Pray, Love, plus links to write your own review.

I was excited to buy this book but wanted to put it away several times. There were a few moments of great writing but most of the book is extremely dry and boring. I did not finish the book and I would not buy anything else from this author based on this sampling.

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...

I actually ended up reading this book as well - never thought I would read a book like this in a million years! It wasn't as good as I had anticipated, but it had some redeeming moments. More than anything I think the book is decent since it tells us to take a step back from ourselves and fix whatever is wrong with us internally.

I respect everyone's opinion regarding their reviews of this book, but I think some reviews are way too critical of the author's tone. I believe she made it clear that it is about her journeys, both physical and spiritual, and isn't a guide or a 'how to' book, but a personal chronicle of her life experiences. She is aware of her privilege and good fortune. She becomes aware of her ego. Despite these things, I believe she was able to connect with herself and the people around her and to relate her experiences in a compelling and inspiring way. It was, for me, an honest examination of the work she did to achieve balance and happiness in her life. I enjoyed it immensely.

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.

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....

Ok as a travelogue. Not realistic for most of us. How many may drop everything to spend a year traveling, much less do it financially? I am glad that EG had the opportunity to do her much needed soul searching. Choices that we make lead us down different roads and we need to become comfortable with those choices. I wish that she had spoken a little more about the food part. that aspect fell apart after leaving Italy and was hardly mentioned in Bali. I guess she was just living on love by then.

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.