Eat, Pray, Love

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you already know I'm involved in a monthly book chat. I just finished this month's read, 'Eat, Pray, Love.'

Sadly, although it rates very high on the reader review list on Amazon, this was not one of my favorite books. I struggled to get through it, and basically had to force myself to complete it. (Probably not the best use of my time, but I do like to complete my book chat reads, so I know what I'm talking about at the actual chats.)

It will be interesting tonight, to hear what the other book chat members thought.

There is a BIG saving grace though. For anyone who has read this book, the main character travels from Italy, to India to Indonesia. One of our book chat members had a most delightful idea--all attendees are to bring an Italian treat to pass.

Here are some of the dishes on tonight's agenda:

Artichoke Grantinata
Crispy Pancetta and Spinach
Mozzarella Fondue
Garlic bread
Mushroom Parmesan
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Roasted Pears with Ice Cream
Gelato and canolli
Wine

Yum! I can't wait!

Comments

[Laurie]

Are there recipes for any of these dishes available? Our book club is reading this book this month and we also do a pot-luck.

-------------

NOTE FROM MARIA GRACIA: If you Google each of the recipes by title, you will likely find the exact recipes online. I found mine on the Food Network web site.

[Kathy Sena]

Maria, I have to admit, the Italian portion of Eat, Pray Love was by far my favorite. I want to go eat that pizza she described in such wonderful detail!

Please report back on what others said about the book. I'm wondering if they will agree with you. Gosh, when Oprah devoted her show to the book, some women said it was now their bible. I thought that was going a bit far!

------------------
NOTE FROM MARIA GRACIA: Out of the 20 women present, it averaged to a rank of 3 out of 5 points (1 being the lowest, 5 being the highest). So, the people in attendance were split--some loved it; others didn't like it at all. :)

[NancyL]

I have just finished listening to this book on CD and was completely captivated!I look forward to reading it now that I know the story. Her ability to capture the essence of each phase of her journey was greatly heightened by the reading (it was read by the author so this was not an actress' interpretation).
Friends have been urging me to read this book since it was published. It is much better than I could have imagined from the title or the subtitle.

[Janice]

Dear Maria,
I'm so glad to hear someone else did NOT like this book either. I bought it because a friend recommended it, I just can't seem to get through it. I've read two other books and I am only 1/3 through Eat, Pray, Love. Personally I think it's really booooring! Do you have any books you can recommend to me, it seems we have the same taste in books.
Thanks, Janice :)

[Paula]

I am currently listening to the audio version during my workouts and am having trouble getting through it also. I keep switching over to podcasts. My audio attention span is not as good as when I am reading a book-in-hand, so that could be part of it. The good part is that I can skip a few chapters and it doesn't seem to matter.

[Christine Flynn]

Marcia I knew you would not like the book. You're not at that place in life. You're still involved in a small child and involved in community of friends, school and neighbors but, as you move through the stages of life, caretaking yourself only becomes very attractive.

[Deb]

I have just started reading this book and am just not enjoying it at all BUT was going to go ahead and read it because I did pay for it and I always think MAYBE it will get better. Well, thanks to this chat site - I will not waste my time finishing it. Off to ebay it goes. Thanks!!

[luantwo]

I also am struggling to finish this book.Listening to the author on Oprah was much more interesting but I haven't finished yet.

[Terri]

A friend told me about the book (she saw the Oprah show) and I immediately rushed off to buy it. The Italian section was ok...I too read it through thinking it would get better. It did not. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who did not enjoy it. The friend who told me about the show is currently trying to get through it and agrees!

[Tami]

I am currently reading this book. Perhaps my idea of a good book is different than others. I am finding it to be a good read but it could be that I am in that time in life where I am looking for something as my kids are grown and I am divorced.