Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I usually enjoy memoirs and travel but really struggled through this one. I think its because she has so much privilege yet fails to acknowledge it. Not everyone has the luxury of spending three months each in Italy, India, and Indonesia JUST TO "FIND" THEMSELVES!!

Maybe I haven't found myself yet and that is why I cannot relate (someone please find me so I don't have to). I looked forward to this book because it has been well-reviewed and on the NY Times Bestselling list but I just see Gilbert whining, complaining and not fully appreciating what is in front of her.

Why is it that 20-30 something women are breaking down and having to find themselves through trekking abroad? I'm starting to think this is a new genre! I can think of three other books off the top of my head just like this! "Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure" by Sarah Macdonald, "A Year in the World" and "Under the Tuscan Sun" both by Frances Mayes. I want to read something happy, light, or challenging. I don't find "finding yourself" escapades challenging--its a luxury most people will never have.

However, this book is an interesting look at how one woman lost nearly everything she had and renewed her spirit and life. I also appreciated greatly that she recognized a relationship was something she DID NOT need and kept her celibacy within focus. Realizing that a relationship won't fix anything or parts of everything is something most people don't think through when trying to get their lives back in order. I really respect her for that.

B+ interesting comments on mediation and renewing one's self-esteem and confidence /more self help or spiritual than travel