Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert was a 30-year-old successful journalist with a perfect life (husband, fancy New York City apartment, fabulous weekend home) when she realized she was miserable. After surviving an acrimonious divorce, Gilbert sold her remaining possessions to spend a year abroad--four months each in three countries with nothing in common except starting with the letter "I." The author's reading of this memoir adds depth; she's obviously not a professional narrator, but her vocal presence provides vivid color and quirky humor as she eats (in Italy), prays (in India), and finds love (in Indonesia). This is a delightful memoir that explores exotic countries as well as the author's heart and soul. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

November 15, 2006
At 30, Gilbert had everything an American woman was expected to want in order to be happya husband, a successful career, a house. She should have been ready to start a family, but, instead, found herself panic-stricken, anxious, confused, and miserable. On the night she lay sobbing on her bathroom floor, Gilbert made the decision to seek a divorce, which became painful and expensive. In order to regain balance in her life, she embarked on a yearlong journey around the world. Selling all of her belongings, Gilbert planned to spend four months in each of three countries that started with the letter I: Italy, India, and Indonesia. Her first stop is Rome, because she loves the language and wants to experience the exquisite cuisine. She gains pounds and friends before moving on to Mumbai, India, where her goal is to meditate in an ashram. From India, Gilbert travels to Bali, where she hopes to achieve balance. Gilbert recounts her experiences in a mostly upbeat, exuberant manner that is almost infectious. An award-winning, critically acclaimed author, she does a very credible job of reading her own book and lends a degree of authenticity that another voice might not bring. Recommended for all public library collections.Gloria Maxwell, Penn Valley Community Coll., Kansas City, MO

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.