Product Description

A funny, tender, utterly beguiling story about a woman's
search for happiness

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #69 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Britney Spears, Glamour
`It's a good read. I can't get away from it'

New York Times
`If a more likable writer than Gilbert is currently in print, I
haven't found him or her ... irresistible'

Easy Living
`A witty, honest account of loss and new beginnings, this will be
enjoyed by anyone who's realised "having it all" isn't all it's cracked up
to be'

Customer Reviews

Forget the life coach and management books and just read this
I'm nearly at the end of the book but couldn't wait to say what a thoroughly enjoyable, funny, and thought provoking read this book has been. I've read this as an atheist with an always enquiring mind. I've not felt pressured into following Ms Gilbert's beliefs - this is not a "Try this at home" or a "How to be successful" book, nor is it judgmental of any religions. This is Gilbert's very personal journey and it explains ideas and practices from most religions. I have an understanding of where she's coming from. It hasn't changed my views of the practised religions, but it has encouraged me to read further.It could also be titled "A tourist's guide to searching for God" as the descriptions of the places Gilbert visits could rank with any good book on tourism.
I read the 1 poor review this book was given on the Amazon review pages and was surprised to find the person thought the book "very American". After reading the intro chapter I was expecting the author to be British. The humour is self-deprecating - not something I usually associate with American authors.

I think Gilbert's next book and the Eat Pray Love film should be boycotted
I am APPALLED by the fact that this book made it to the New York Times bestseller list and, apparently, will be made into a movie with....Julia Roberts (is this true?)

What does this tell us about American culture and values??? Why should such a shallow piece of work written by a self-absorbed narcissist receive such fame and accolades? I am truly mystified. This book was all about HERSELF. Poor little me who received an ENORMOUS advance to write this book before she even left the States. Who whinged and moaned and felt sorry for herself while in Italy, can you imagine??? She had no interest in visiting the fabulous museums, art galleries, churches, etc. but rather spend hundreds of Euros buying lingerie and eating amazing meals (by herself) in restaurants.

Here is an immensely PRIVILEGED young woman (yes, she is talented, she can write) who provides us with insights on what? Herself and her insecurities. What did we learn about Italy? Niente. Perhaps where to find the best pizza in Naples.

I couldn't get through her ramblings and vapid non-stop chatter in India (she talks too much). Nothing on the poverty or living conditions there or the plight of Indian women which I would have been interested in reading about. Indonesia was just more of the same. Did anyone notice that she didn't even touch on the tsunami disaster only to say that - thank god - it didn't reach her island when she was there??? So engrossed in HERSELF she doesn't notice, really, what's going on around her.

I wonder if she has read THREE CUPS OF TEA, that marvellous book about building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Is THAT going to be made into a movie???

I would love to see Gilbert being sent to Iraq to cover events there. Amidst the dire reality, would she be moaning about having a bad hair day? Or, perhaps, she'd write 5 pages about her ambivalent feelings towards a soldier (or maybe an Iraqi) she thinks she has a crush on.

Gilberts is now an immensely wealthy woman because of the sales of this book. This saddens me because it illustrates how skewered values are in American society. All I can hope for is that she's donating a lot of her money to charities and very good causes.

Refreshingly addictive
I couldn't put it down. It was well structured, inviting, funny and came across as a very genuine book. Well worth a read.