eat pray love

[Beach Mama]

The title of this book made me think - mmmmm this sounds like the kind of book and life I want to lead! I've just finished reading it, had been wanting to read it for ages and finally spent soe Christmas vouchers on it, but Im not sure how I feel about it yet.

I LOVED her descriptions of Italy - the food, the people, the fountains and her way of dealing with her relationship breakup. A woman of my own heart! Italy is my dream! I was so happy for her by the end of her time there.

Reading about India made me want to join an Ashram, learn Yoga, meditation and I almost (note ALMOST ) wanted to get up at 3:30 every morning to find my spiritual self. Again by the end of reading this part of the book I could almost feel her peace radiating through the book to myself, it was that palpable.

I found her description of Indonesian culture a real eye-opener, particularly Balinese culture I guess, so many things I didn't know and I love the description of the ceremony for 6 mths olds, who by that age have never had their feet touch the ground!

I also loved her description at the beginning of the book when talking about God and describing a dog she had that was a mix of 10 different breeds, if people asked what kind of dog it was she would say a brown dog. When asked about God, she said "I believe in a magnificent God" I love that simple earnest description.

The end of the book however left me feeling a little empty and Im not sure why. Maybe because she didn't end up with who I thought she would? ( I briefly thought she was going to end up with Wayan when she first met her! ) Mmmmm not sure - maybe I need to re-read it in a few weeks time.
So overall I did enjoy it and it definately made me think about my own spiriturality and pureness of heart.

Has anyone else read this book?? What did you think?? Love/hate???

[AnyDream]

I've been wanting to read this ever since I saw her on Oprah (*NB Marydean's careful use of daytime television for 'self improvement' ROFL*)...I've got in on reserve at the library (along with a million other ppl as it hasn't come in yet)...I pretty much know what the ending is, but it sounds like the journey there's pretty amazing.

[Beach Mama]

at Oprah Marydean! I have secret soft spot - sssshhhhhhhhh. Anyway - it is definately about the journey! Maybe I was just upset that the book ended! I hope you get it soon!

[Amie]

I knew I'd find a thread on this book in BB!! I read it on a recent trip after much hesitation because I've sometimes found that once a book is hugely popular it can be a little disappointing in reality. Definitely not the case with this book!

tanstar - I think I'm the same as you wrt the ending; I'm thinking maybe it's because the whole book felt like a conversation or a visit with someone (cheesy, i know!) and then it was all over in such a mild, normal way without any fireworks at the end!

Still, great book!