Elizabeth Gilbert (1) (1969–)

More like 3.5 stars but I round up on GP. Don't get me wrong, I liked it - I am a fan of the author and this was written just beautifully. On the other hand, it was long. Now, I do love long books, but this was long because the story just wouldn’t end. It just kept twisting, or worse, just continuing when there was really no reason to. I liked alma but she could get tedious, I liked seeing her in all her ages but she really didn’t change. Really didn’t understand the binding closet and its resolution in Tahiti, didn't really appreciate the waffling over her theory (though I get that had to be that way because, well, what happened). But in the end Gilbert brings us back to the beginning (or rather the point at which the novel took a downward turn for me) and relative satisfaction.… (more)

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is a spiritual memoir. While at times engaging and interesting, it also tends to be whiny and annoying at times. It is always well written though. If one can get past the first half to two-thirds of the book, the end does pick up a bit. The descriptions of place, food, and moments in time are enticing. Gilbert's honesty about her struggles with meditation and silence will resonate with many readers. Her struggles with indulgences and her vows to herself are honest and raw almost to the point of leaving the reader feeling like a voyeuer.… (more)