marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This book is full of wise words and good advice. I enjoyed Gilbert's writing style, although sometimes there got to be too many metaphors. Of course this is a memoir of her year of traveling across the world, detailing her experiences and lessons learned, so it is non-fiction. Even so, I have to describe the writing as very realistic, but not dry. It's a very interesting and engaging read.
I liked the India portion the most. I thought it showed the most growth and progression and achievement in her search for everything. Italy and Indonesia seemed more like opportunities to detach herself from what was going on in life and pretty much let everything go (Italy), then focus on bringing it all together to re-enter the real world (Indonesia). I felt like India was more about the self-discovery, empowerment, finding confidence, and accomplishment of what she set out to do.
Warning, there is some swearing that some may find offensive.
I liked the India portion the most. I thought it showed the most growth and progression and achievement in her search for everything. Italy and Indonesia seemed more like opportunities to detach herself from what was going on in life and pretty much let everything go (Italy), then focus on bringing it all together to re-enter the real world (Indonesia). I felt like India was more about the self-discovery, empowerment, finding confidence, and accomplishment of what she set out to do.
Warning, there is some swearing that some may find offensive.
_sarah_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I enjoyed it. But it also felt a little bit like a rollercoaster ride. The first section, on the author's travels in Italy, was absolutely hilarious. I laughed out loud on nearly every page. But then it got a little...well, let's just say the the first portion of the book is not representative of the second two sections (on India and Indonesia). The god talk just doesn't interest me.
bree_1019's review against another edition
1.0
Honestly this book was such a 1 star from me. It was an emotional rollercoaster trying to complete it. I tried with all my heart to finish it but I just couldn’t. It put me in such a reading slump. Not what I am used to reading so it could just be a preference thing, but maybe not since it seems like there’s lots of bad reviews.
lennyloo's review against another edition
4.0
This book, excellently written, left me feeling inspired on one page, and rolling my eyes at the other. The things that are documented seem straight out of a movie, it seems like a too good to be true story, and it baffles me how this grand adventure really did happen. Negative first: in some chapters towards the end of the ‘pray’ section, I almost wanted to skip them, frequently making peeved annotations about how unrealistic for the average person her road to happiness through meditation is. I don’t think there was enough recognition that her found enlightenment in India was entirely privileged , and when people are facing real problems, especially with financial burdens and having a family to care for, this all felt so out of touch. Butttt, I understand completely that this book was not written to be ‘in touch’ with the average American. It is her own personal narrative. Positives now!: although I have my qualms with some aspects of the book, I will choose to take the messages of balance and self-reflection with me. During some parts of the ‘eat’ segment in Italy, I felt overwhelmed with inspiration to enjoy the world around me, especially applicable because I am spending the next few months in Spain. Overall, I liked her writing style and I sure do wish that I could travel like this someday!
mfabiano726's review against another edition
I began this book with much trepidation because there were several people who had read it before me and did not like it. Well...I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this book. Italy was an inspiration, India lost its luster and I thought that I was not going to enjoy the rest of the book, but then Bali came along and brought it all back again. I thought Gilbert's sense of humor shined in this book and I felt refreshed as she grew throughout the book. I am looking forward to her next memoir, which is coming out in 2009 and is a continuation of this book.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
I enjoyed this combination spiritual journey/travel memoir. At first I thought the author was a bit bizarre, but I came to appreciate her voice and her unique view of life. While I have a very different spiritual life, I found her book thought provoking and worth the time.
As I am re-reading my summary (11 years later), I have a feeling that I would have a much harsher review if I read this book again. I won't re-read it because the book would likely annoy me now.
As I am re-reading my summary (11 years later), I have a feeling that I would have a much harsher review if I read this book again. I won't re-read it because the book would likely annoy me now.
bldinmt's review against another edition
3.0
I read the print book and listened to the audiobook in tandem. It was nice, especially with the beautiful foreign words.
marksameh's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
3.0