Eat, Pray, Shove, Part One

Once in a while, if I'm very lucky, I'll come across a book that totally alters my perspective.  And before you ask, yes, I read all the time and yes, there are plenty of authors I flat-out adore, but it's rare when the written word has the power to change the way I think or behave.

When I read Ayn Rand's magnum opus Atlas Shrugged, it forever altered the way I looked at the relationship between industry and government. (Some of you may argue it turned me into a conservative, compassionless douchebag.)  (Some of you might not be wrong, but we're not debating that right now.) When I read Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, I developed my own concept of Utopia and Catcher in the Rye brought out the foul-mouthed cynic I never knew lived inside me.

Of course, what I read doesn't have to be Classic Literature to cause a change or prompt action. I mean, Bridget Jones's Diary made me think maybe there was a market for stories about chicks just living regular lives so I started jotting down details about my own life for use later.

This brings me to my latest inspiration, Elizabeth Gilbert's beautifully written memoir Eat, Pray, Love.

To preface, let me be real clear that I'm not abandoning my life to live in an Ashram or to study under an Indonesian healer or to eat my way across Italy, although this facet of her journey is fairly tempting.  I'm not about to embark on an around the world soul-search to discover my own connection to The Divine.  Faith is hardly a topic for a blog post, but I will say this - I don't need a miracle or a stigmata to convince me of the presence of God in my life.  I see evidence of Him every day in a million tiny ways in events as simple as watching my fat-assed German shepherd Loki try to walk backwards up the stairs because he's afraid of the cat on the landing.  (Sure, some could argue it's not God highlighting the humor in what would otherwise be a mundane existence, and counterbalancing all that makes me angry, yet that's how I've chosen to interpret Him.) 

I'm about to veer dangerously off-topic, aren't I? 

Anyway, despite not having to go to Bali to find God (because He's obviously already waiting for me in line at Target in the form of the surly cashier's misspelled neck tattoo) that doesn't mean Eat, Pray, Love wasn't powerfully motivating. 

As Gilbert moved from country to country seeking fulfillment in body, mind, and spirit, she began to notice the huge cultural differences between Americans and everyone else. She pointed out how Americans have a terrible time relaxing. We're always moving and shaking, achieving, just going and going. And even when we're at rest, e.g. perched on the couch watching Rock of Love 2, we're still texting and talking on the phone and figuring out how many calories we need to burn to make up for the unfortunate incident with the banana cream pie and worrying about work and folding laundry and mentally repainting the kitchen because, really, what were we thinking with that shade of yellow?, and so on and so on. Even when we go on vacation, we can't seem to unhook, unwind, unplug. 

Kind of sad, right?

One of Gilbert's goals in embarking on her journey was to find a way to rid herself of this trait.  She sought the ability to let go and relax enough to quiet her mind in order to experience enlightenment.  So, ten paragraphs later, I can finally make the point that Eat, Pray, Love inspired me to do the same thing. 

That is, if you substitute "find enlightenment" for "not be so tightly wound I'm going to punch the next asshole I run into right in the throat." 

And that's how I ended up wearing nothing but underpants in front of a perfect stranger.

TO BE CONTINUED

(Next up, Eat, Pray, Shove, Part Two, AKA an important reminder about why I never, ever get massages.)

Comments

[Liz]

I loved that book, it made me think and I'm honestly not usually that deep ....

[TheBabblingHousewife]

You went and had a bra fitting, didn't you...

[Stacey]

EPL is on the shelf, suppose it will be my next read...working on To Kill a Mocking Bird now...ho hum. BUT just finished Water For Elephants...right up there and following behind your books Jen! Truely a great read!

[Jenny]

For Valentine's Day, can we have the second half of this story?!?!?

Love everything about you!!! =)

[Sara]

Does this bother anyone else when starting to read a new book?

For example, I've started reading Atonement. Saw the movie, loved it and I got the same effect as Jen did with EPL - as in, "Wow - this movie really makes you think about your actions." So I wanted to then read the book.

I go to the bookstore and buy it. It has at least three pages of "raaaaving" reviews. "Magnificent," "Wonderful," "Breathtaking." This annoys me. Let me form my own opinion rather than ultimately being disappointed because the book doesn't live up to the reviews.

I am only into the first chapter and so far it's a very good book, but because there is such a setup for magnificence, I'm waiting for the ball to drop.

What is the purpose of the reviews in the book? I've already bought the damn thing, why do you have to ball-bust me in to loving it?

Just thought I'd share. I have not read Eat, Pray, Love. Not sure I'm going to yet - sounds a little too "mother earth, ohm" deal. I may give it a chance.

BTW - Can't wait for Such a Pretty Fat!

Sara

[Jennifer]

I am definately going to pick this book up now, I've been debating about reading it for a few weeks. Thanks for the insight!

[Karina in T.O]

So many comments about the book, that now I will have to buy it! I was eyeing it at my bookestore last week, but was very much on the fence....I'm in, now that all you gals have had so many varying comments, I gotta check it out myself.

Regarding the underpant-in-front-of-stranger-phobia, I am SO THERE!! I've only ever had a massage once, and was so overly consious of my flabby-bits that I didn't even enjoy it, I had to go for a facial after, to calm the hell down....Now that was okay, but I'm very much of the un-nerved set when it comes to spas and the general state of undress. As it seems even if going in for a manicure everyone is walking around NEKKED except for terry cloth robes. What the hell is with that?

...but then I think, am I far too tightly wound as well? Hmmmm, deep thoughts...

[Sahori]

Has anyone in here read Tuesdays with Morrie before? Simply put, it's about life. It is one of my favorite books ever since I was in high school. Of course your books are my favorites of all times, but this particular book has been serving me like a "bible".
My comment may not be relevant to your story, but I just wanted to share this great book with you all.

[Lacy]

I loved that book, too. I never wanted it to end. Glad you read it and commented on it. My husband read it and he loved it, too. I totally enjoy your blog and your books....keep them coming.

[Jessica]

Excellent! Can't wait for the follow up. Also, I'm pretty sure there's a copy of that book with my name on it. Thanks for letting us know about it! I'm always looking for interesting things to read.

[Eleanors Trousers]

I read E,P,L and found a lot to like. I'm a little too east coast for some of her new agey spiritualist stuff. I like my revelation a little less mystical. But it did make me think about where my life might be out of balance.

[Karen]

ROTFLMAO! Not only can you write wonderful fiction.... You're also capable of writing reviews! You have summed up Eat, yadda, yadda, yadda perfectly!!!

[Karen]

ROTFLMAO! Not only can you write wonderful fiction.... You're also capable of writing reviews! You have summed up Eat, yadda, yadda, yadda perfectly!!!

[Janet]

I wanted to address the question from Jenn about whether someone who's "spiritual but not religious" would get anything out of this book. I definitely put myself in that category, and I loved the book and found it very enlightening. I didn't feel that the author was preachy at all, and nothing was in there about Jesus or being Saved or any of that stuff. I'm very picky about that sort of thing, and I didn't find anything at all in the book that bugged me.

Also, as far as Elizabeth doing this only for the book, she freely said in her interviews that she DID do this because of a book deal. She got an advance to do this and write a book, and that's what she did. I agree that most of us don't have that luxury, but I don't fault her because she did. And she doesn't try to say that everyone should do what she did. It was merely her own spiritual and emotional journey, and she encourages each person to find their own path.

[KS]

I first read about E, P, L in an interview with Julia Roberts, long before it became a major success. I'll read it now that Jen has recommended it. I put off reading The Glass Castle and loved it.

Ayn Rand's philosophy, called Objectivism, is similar to libertarian philosophy. I don't see how someone who appreciates Rand could vote for the party of bigger government.

I thought that I would like My Sister's Keeper, but I couldn't finish it. Maybe I read it too soon after I read The Lovely Bones--both are narrated by young girls.

[SnarkyMommy]

I actually called bullshit on the author of Eat, Pray, Love. I think she did those things only for the book possibilities. I dunno, there was just something "off" about the whole thing. (You remember Christine from our book club? She said the same thing.)

[LJ]

I love this book too, and took away some similar things from it. I am definitely curious to see part 2 though with the way you left your post! Intrigued...

[AJ]

3 things:
1. Love love love that you got something from this book and that you are sharing it with others.
2. Everytime I am in an airport, I see 6-10 women reading EPL. I sat next to a woman on a flight in October as I was finishing the book and we were on the same page. Weird.
3. The most profound things I learned from the book came from Richard from TX- I was stunned at his explanation of sole mates and it really changed my views on past boyfriends.
Glad you wrote about it and can't wait to hear pt 2!

[Pammer]

A great book. Not so much for the purpose but for her writing. Caught her on Oprah completely by accident and it was amazing how her written voice was just as her spoken one.

I can still read the part about her sitting at the soccer game translating the screaming Italian fan behind her and crack up out loud.

[mamikaze]

I enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love. I read it as a fantastical journey as it is not possible for most of us to replicate even one third of what she did. I found it inspiring. Her insights are a bit over-the-top in my opinion, but it deepened my interest in yoga and spiritual balance. It was well written and the audiobook version is rather soothing. It is read by the author herself.

[Alexandra Townsend]

I didn't love this book. I found the author to be kind of whiny. I really like the India part though. I thought it was the best part of the book.

[Pam]

I just finished this book last week and was so moved! I agree, I'm not ready to uproot my life to move to India, but it definitely did make me take a look at my life and decide I need to become a kinder, gentler version of me (at least some of the time). So glad you liked it too!

[Kim M.]

I trudged through E,P,L because I have friends who liked it. I loved learning about the cultural aspects of the countries Gilbert visited and would love to recreate the world's best Italian pizza about which she writes. The guru in Bali was even interesting; however, I found Gilbert so narcissistic and humorless that I didn't enjoy reading about her spiritual journey, nor where it finally led her: female problems from excessive sex. TMI.
Your stories in Bitter & Bright Lights may be irreverent, cynical, and mean at times, but they show a spiritual journey, too; furthermore, one that is much more believable, much funnier, and one that shows, not tells, real growth! Please keep writing!

[R. C. Beck]

"Brava!"

[Tess]

Eat Pray Love? not so much, but I agree with the poster who recommended 19 Minutes. I loved it.

As an aside, we ate our way through Italy on a bike tour (a van followed us with our gear, and for people who just couldn't complete the day's ride). I only gained 3 pounds, which I am claiming as "muscle weighs more than fat" as opposed to "I ate a bazillion pounds of pasta at every meal."

Is it weird that I'm mostly looking forward to books this Spring? The new Sophie Kinsella, then the new Jennifer Weiner, then the new Jen Lancaster, then summer!!!

and I second everything that Angeelew said...

[Amy :)]

I've just started reading your blog (finally I'm all caught up!!) and want you to know that you TOTALLY have that effect on people too - what you just described - or at least I get that from you. So far I've only gotten to read Bitter and I have to say that it was absolutely amazing and made me realize even more daily that I can't take the things I have for granted (b/c more than likely at some point something will come, probably Karma, and bite me in the ass for something I did and then I'll be screwed!!). So THANK YOU for that, you've also made me realize I can laugh at myself a lot more than I could before, b/c really? If you can't laugh at yourself what's the point? (I'm not sure if that made ANY sense, if not I'm sorry!!) Can't wait to read more (both on here and your other books!!)

[SeattleGirl]

I was completely shocked to find out some people found the book offensive or just plain annoying. I found it inspiring and enlightening and it has encouraged me to make some changes in my life as well.

[angeelew]

I love, love, love that you are a fan of ATLAS SHRUGGED. It is hands-down my favorite novel ... and I'm a total bleeding-heart, as far-to-the-left liberal as you can get! But that novel made me think about the people who are hanger-ons, who take credit for things they don't do, who don't want to be productive members of society ... and I appreciated what Ayn Rand created and how it made me question some of the things I believe in. I may be a liberal, but I'm an open-minded liberal!

P.S. I'm so excited for your new book! Squee!

[Samantha]

Hi Jen- I've been reading your blog for about a year now. Love it.
I also read Eat, Pray, Love and the book couldn't have come into my life at a better time. I recently moved to Austin and started my own speaking business. I have about 15 clients now, and more all the time. Knock wood. Plus, my husband and I are seriously thinking about moving to Spain for an extended period of time. I'd love to talk more, but don't want to hog the comment section. I think your writing is so witty, even though you are a R%&#*@()can.
Sam

[patricia]

I have a couple of friends who are pure book snobs and don't think you can learn anything or be inspired by any writer who hasn't been dead for at least a hundred years or so. So I like to share with them that Sophie Kinsella's first Shopaholic book was a lifesaver for me. I went through a period in my early 20s (well, who didn't, right?) where I wasn't very good at managing money. Thankfully I worked through it and got better. Or did I? Reading Kinsella's book made me realize I had only altered my bad habits and learned to disguise them. Whew. Lesson learned and through a book with a neon pink cover at that! Go figure. :D You just never know when something is going to grab you, spin you around and knock some sense into you. That's the beauty of reading I think.

[Tara]

Jenn,

I regard your two books in my top three of my favorites of all the time - the other one that makes the list is "Eat Pray Love." I have turned all of my friends on to your books and your blog. In fact, I gave eight different people from my godmother to my best friend a trio of books for Christmas - it includes both of yours and Ms. Gilbert's. For awhile now, all of my friends have been saying that you are my better dressed and slightly more funny twin, and this confirms it. Thank you for your constant entertainment and ability to write what all of us are thinking :)

[Tracy]

One of my favorite books ever... I loved her, I loved the book, I loved it all.... I have the Oprah episode with Elizabeth Gilbert on saved on my DVR and will probably never erase it. I think she's writing a "sequel" (but not really... more of a follow-up about travels with her husband) So glad you liked it!!!

[Becki]

Nellie, can relate to your Jodi Picoult issue. However, maybe try "19 Minutes" just released in paperback. Riveting. Especially with so many school shootings in recent years. And totally noformulaic, imo, this time.

[Becki]

Nellie, can relate to your Jodi Picoult issue. However, maybe try "19 Minutes" just released in paperback. Riveting. Especially with so many school shootings in recent years. And totally noformulaic, imo, this time.

[Fe]

UGH! Didn't care for that book. Maybe I'm missing something, but I just found it boring. Barely made it trhough the Eat part... your blog entry about the book was far more enjoyable.

[nellie]

I loved this book, too, Jen, and am so glad you wrote this post. The other members of my book club thought she was self-absorbed, and were pissed that it was billed as a travel book (did they think they were reading "Lonely Planet"? Come on, people!) Anyway, I have passed it on to many others as I felt it was a "must read".

Marcia, I'm sorry, but "My Sister's Keeper" made me want to gab a fork in my eye. It was my first of her books, and won't be reading any more. I really hated it and fail to understand her popularity. It felt very formulaic and manipulative, and she just isn't a very good writer.

But I love you, Jen, and am counting down the days until the new book!

[nellie]

I loved this book, too, Jen, and am so glad you wrote this post. The other members of my book club thought she was self-absorbed, and were pissed that it was billed as a travel book (did they think they were reading "Lonely Planet"? Come on, people!) Anyway, I have passed it on to many others as I felt it was a "must read".

Marcia, I'm sorry, but "My Sister's Keeper" made me want to gab a fork in my eye. It was my first of her books, and won't be reading any more. I really hated it and fail to understand her popularity. It felt very formulaic and manipulative, and she just isn't a very good writer.

But I love you, Jen, and am counting down the days until the new book!

[Marcia]

I just read (listened to) the best book that I have read in at least 10 years - next to yours of course. It was MY SISTERS KEEPER by Jodi Piccoult. I would never have guessed the ending in a million years. I bawled and bawled at the end. Everyone that I told to read it has also loved it. I can't wait for your next book. It is such a great beach book.

[Jen]

I just recently "discovered" you, having gotten tired of the same old boring literature in my major (eng-lit), You have become my new black. I am 22 and curvy and beautiful, I "discovered" you like magellan discovered the pacific and got "super excited" at your every paragraph that enticed my little brain into reader's extacy. Now, the important part is I have just been diagnosed with a Pseudo-Tumor in my brain, effing crazy..Anyway, I read your books andyou helped me get through one of the most hellish times in my life, for that I couldn't thank you enough..You made me laugh when I didn't think I could, I am still sick, they stick me with needles all the time, and put me through MRI's like its my duty to the world being in a friggen machine for an hour, but hey, as soon as i got out from the blood work, the machines, and them feeding my veins with salene salution, i went straight to you. It may sounds stupid but it's true.

[Lisa]

That book was fantastic, and I've been passing it around my circle of friends for the past year. I love passing out a book to the point where it looks all worn and used when you get it back.
If you like memoirs, you should read "If You Lived Here I'd Know Your Name" by Heather Lende. Stories of a small Alaskan town written by the local obituary writer/gossip columnist. Another one that's made its way to many a bathtub. .

[Jules]

Currently reading EPL and have about 40 pgs left. Enjoying the book but not in LOVE with it. She's a bit self-indulgent in Italy. I thoroughly enjoy India when she reaches her meditation climax and Indonesia where she is achieving balance. She has enlightened me on how to and what to pray for.

[Heather in Texas]

OK, really, have no interest Eat, Pray, Love (the pray part completely turns me off..Eat and Love? I am so there!)

Anyway, Ayn Rand is one of my favorite authors (you are up there to, Jen, I swear!)and I have read all her books and the philosophy is completely mind blowing for me. My mom also thought the same as my middle name is Ayn; and I gave it to my daughter as well.

Now you became a Republican out of the whole thing and I became more of a rock solid Democrat. How did that happen?!?

[sally]

I HATED this book. I spent three months trying to read it, got to the third section (Indonesia) and finally gave up. I found it so whiny. I just chalked it to the fact that 1. I've never been divorced (or married) and 2. I am not interested in yoga, could never see myself sitting cross legged for hours at a sitting and would never chant anything, let alone something in another language.

[Ginny]

Is this a book that someone who's spiritual, but decidedly NOT a religious fanatic (or really very religious at all), would like? Until now, the only people I've heard discussing it are big frequenters of Bible studies, prayer groups, etc., therefore I have ruled it out as anything I would find interesting, but am wondering if I need to reconsider?

[Jenn]

You've inspired me to pick up Eat, Pray, Love again. I have to admit - tried it twice and can't get thru Italy...

[Jenny]

I loved that book, too... and also want to eat my way through Italy (although that's been a dream for awhile)-- a walking tour, though, so it would kind of make up for gorging myself on pasta!

Can't wait to keep reading...

[Sister Honey Bunch]

I heart you.

[Becki]

TOTALLY laughed out loud at WORK at the vision of Loki fearfully backing up the stairs. We have a "fierce" German shepherd Tasha who barks ferociously at outsiders but should one actually step in the yard, she disappears. I mean practically up a tree disappears.

I enjoyed the "Eat" and "Love" parts of the book - thought the "Pray" bit got tedious.

Love your blog. If I had to pare down I HAVE to keep yours. Consider it as essential as Target, Traders and Barnes n Noble.

[Jessie]

I am so, so with ya sister. I'm headed to Bali next year solely based on her amazing descriptions of the people, the sights, and the pervasive "balanced" atmosphere...

We crazy Americans are waaaaaaay too stressed out. Me being among the most so.

Lovely post!

[AtlantaDebbie]

Whine. I can't find the book tour schedule. And my head hurts. I don't feel like looking hard for the schedule. Please just tell me where to find it. Whimper.