So many of my friends were telling me that I needed to read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert that I began to believe them. Normally, best sellers don’t do it for me – they’re seldom exploring anything new, but are popularizing ideas that have been around for a while.
When one friend finally showed up with the book in her hand, I put down all the other volumes I was in the midst of (don’t you read several at one time?), and started in.
Elizabeth has blended in the food, the spiritual practice, the intimate love in new and interesting ways. She is willing to say out loud what most of us would not, and is a willing experimenter. So while she’s popularizing ideas, she’s doing so in a new format. Which I really enjoy.
In addition, I like the layout of the book. Each section includes 36 stories of many lengths. The 3 sections mark the 108 segments on a string of prayer beads, which is its own kind of spiritual journey.
Elizabeth refers back to previous materials, winds in and out of her stories, weaves threads from various pieces together. Intriguing and interesting. Her spiritual experiences ring true.
The only weak part is the very end, where she has indeed found love in Bali, and is likely not quite so honest with herself – and with us.
A great read, overall!