Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Published: February 16, 2006
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir
Quick Thoughts: A divisive yet thought-provoking memoir that explores self-discovery, spirituality, and the freedom to choose a different life. Gilbert’s journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia sparks both admiration and criticism—but it’s that complexity that makes the book so compelling.
I purchased this book myself. There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating. All views are my own. I remain entirely impartial.
READER INFORMATION:
Recommended for adult readers, especially women navigating life transitions, emotional healing, or identity exploration. Ideal for fans of memoirs with a spiritual or introspective bent. May be frustrating to readers sensitive to themes of privilege or self-centeredness but also rewarding for those willing to wrestle with imperfect characters and questions of personal growth.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Eat, Pray, Love follows the true story of Elizabeth Gilbert, a successful writer who finds herself in the middle of a spiritual and emotional crisis. At 30, despite having what many would consider “everything”—a husband, two homes, and a thriving career—she realizes she doesn’t want the life she’s built. This realization propels her into a year-long journey of self-discovery across three countries: eating and indulging in Italy, praying and meditating in India, and seeking balance and love in Bali, Indonesia.
Each section of the memoir represents a part of her journey: pleasure, devotion, and balance. Along the way, she meets a series of people who influence her thinking, challenge her beliefs, and help guide her toward healing.
FIRST THOUGHTS
This is one of those books that’s hard to rate—even after multiple reads. I finished it with both admiration and frustration. On one hand, it’s an honest and beautifully written memoir. On the other, Gilbert’s perspective often comes off as tone-deaf and privileged. That duality is probably why this book has stuck with me over time.
MY BOOK REVIEW
What makes Eat, Pray, Love stand out is how openly flawed Elizabeth Gilbert is willing to be. She’s often selfish, emotionally draining, and seemingly unaware of the privilege that allows her to just pack up and take off to three different countries in search of herself. At times, it felt like she expected everyone she encountered to serve her healing in some way—which made her both frustrating and deeply human.
That said, I appreciated that she didn’t try to make herself look better than she was. This was her journey, and she told it the way she experienced it—messy, emotional, and at times deeply self-centered. That honesty made it feel more authentic than inspirational memoirs often do.
Despite my criticisms, this book left an impact on me. I may not be 30 or going through a mid-life crisis, but the questions she asks about fulfillment, identity, and happiness are ones that resonate at any age. This book forced me to reflect on my own life—what I want versus what I’ve been told I should want. It made me realize that I’ve been so focused on school and the responsibilities of life that I’ve put off my own inner journey.
Eat, Pray, Love reminded me that self-discovery doesn’t need to be perfect or pretty. It just needs to be yours. I haven’t fully started my own spiritual or physical journey yet, but finishing this book reminded me that maybe it’s time. Maybe it’s long overdue.
