Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Genre: Self-help; travel-adventure narrative
Length: 445 pages (compact version)
Purchase here (used: $3 ; new: $8)

You've probably heard of this book. I'm not a girly-girl, but personally I found it helpful--even comforting to read. It reminded me that I don't have to be traditional if I don't want to be. It reminded me that I don't HAVE to get married and have kids by age 30--or by any age for that matter.

I can relate in so many ways to Gilbert's journey, reflections and her most cherished role--that of a writer. After a bad breakup--and much deliberation and desperation-- she chose to temporarily leave her life in New York City and travel to Italy, India and Indonesia for one year (4 months each). I too was seeking something more in 2009 when I went to South Korea for one year. The events that lead up to my travels mirrored Gilbert's story in many ways. So, this story spoke to me on a sincere, personal level. But I believe Gilbert's message is so universal--anyone can embark on a similar, soul-searching adventure, (and without the international travel). This is what I took Gilbert's message to be: If you're stuck in a rut and you can't find your way out, take a bold leap and create a new path for yourself--one that might defy convention--one that feels right for YOU. Search yourself and your surroundings--or change your surroundings--be willing to work at it. Don't hold onto your possessions and your attachments so tightly. Be yourself and allow time, space and people to help heal you.

I wasn't much a fan of Gilbert's quirky, informal writing style at first, but I came to appreciate it as her own. She added a lot of needed texture by researching the histories, evolution and etymologies of the things she wrote about and including her findings along with her personal anecdotes and musings--which were oftentimes hilarious. She at times revealed details of her darkest hours--something to which every reader can reach out and connect. I eventually came to like her writing style, but I do think it was very "Sex and the City" at times, too. (Only more cultured, with less drinking and much less sex).

Something that still strikes me as a little peculiar is how "perfectly" everything seemed to evolve throughout the story. I find myself asking several questions. 1. Had Gilbert not had a wealth of prior international travel experience, would she have adapted so well to living in 3 foreign countries for a year during her writings? 2. Had she not had financial support and abundant resources to pull from, would she have been able to fund such a wild, luxurious and therapeutic journey? However, I believe her message is that we should each create our own journey--whatever works for each person's budget and personal needs.

Verdict: 4 stars out of 5.