Welcome to Eat, Pray, Love Book Club! About This Page:

[TinkerBelz]

Hey, I'm 'trying' to read it (finding time is hard), but I'll join in as well.

[Danielle Harmon]

I got my copy from Amazon in the mail today! I only ordered it about 4 days ago!!!!!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by TinkerBelz

Hey, I'm 'trying' to read it (finding time is hard), but I'll join in as well.

Welcome TinkerBelz!

Glad to hear you got your book, Danielle.

[BelmontBelle]

I just picked up a copy at Sam's Club yesterday. I'm looking forward to joining in!

[Danielle Harmon]

I am ready to go! Already started reading! When will we begin posting, etc? I have to work 2-3 June and 6 June, but I will join in when I can.

[Sandra Bostwick]

We can start tonight!

I'm going to suggest that for June 1-7, we discuss beads 1, 2, 3 and 4. That is only about 10 pages of text. We can change or modify from there as we like. I thought we'd start veery slowly so new readers can join in and catch up quickly. Please feel free to post any time! I am so happy we are doing this! :-)

If you refer to anything specific, you might want to refer to the bead if you think that is important. If it is general, don't bother to mention the bead.

[Danielle Harmon]

Okay, well...I guess I'll start. First, I have to say that I am so glad that we are doing this as well.

My first discovery with this book was in the introduction. I grew up in an Italian-Irish family. My Italian side is Catholic, my Irish is Anglican/Episcopalian. It was kind of onteresting growing up in both churches. I have always loved Rosaries and I collect them, but I was never taught, nor did I think to question the origin of them as it applies to Christianity. Now that I do kno, it makes them all the more beautiful, because it proves that "religion" has nothing to do with it. The Crusaders saw something in another "religion" that they fond meaningful and began utilizing it to enhance their walk with God. That is admirable and I will be keeping my favorite Rosary beads with me as I read.

Bead 1 for me was very soothing. I could imagine sitting in the piazza with Giovanni, learning Italian. One thing I have always wanted is to visit Italy...now that I am living in Europe I will. This just clinched it for me.

Bead 2 made me weep. I realized how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family life. Yes, there are times I look at DH and ask "Who are you?" Yes, there are times he looks at me and says 'What was I thinking?" But...we get through it because under everything, we are best friends, and truly the other half of each other's soul. My heart broke for her and for anyone who goes through this searching about a relationship they entered intending it to be forever. I can not imagine, even with her words of desperation, the sense of total loss of yourself in the loss of love.

Bead 3: What is "religion?" I have always, though I am a very devout Christian, been wary of man's interpretation of how I should relate to God. Why? Because we are human and we screw up...want evidence...look at the state of the world in general not to mention all the awful things that have been done in the name of God. I truly appreciate her take on a relaitonship with God, and a conversation vice a conversion. My walk wih God is personal and intimate, a conversation between the two of us that is profound. Do I adhere to the religious teachings of my childhood, Yes, because they are comforting and they provide fellowship with other believers. Do I allow them to define my walk, or limit my understanding of others' religious beliefs? No, because some of the best teachers of spiritual matters have not been those affiliated with Christianity.

Bead 4: I have been in the same state wher I have prayed exactly like her. It was humbling and exhilirating at the same time. I love that she accepted the direction given her. Our prayers are not always answered in the way we would see them answered...at least not immediately, and most times never. I also liked the fact that the voice she heard was her own. What if that is the voice in which God speaks to us? Perhaps many of us are to intent on hearing the booming voice from the burning bush to pay attention to that still small voice that is comforting us in our times of deepest desperation.

Anyway, that is what I got out of the first few beads. I really think this will be a soul searcher for me and in a very uplifting way. I hope it is for others as well.

[Sandra Bostwick]

WOW! Danielle, those were some amazing thoughts! Thanks for the post!

Before I start, I have to tell everyone that I have an odd sense of humor and it often translates strangely in writing. Oh, and it is pretty common for me to say something really stupid and, when it's in writing, well, there it is. I try to edit, but, since my thinking seems just fine to me when it is in my head, I miss alot...OK, Here are my reflections.

During the introduction, I was intrigued by the author's focus on the number three, which is very meaningful to me. I thought it was interesting how the Rosary beads originated from the japa malas. I found it validating that the devout needed the beads for staying focused during prayerful meditation. As someone who often suffers from a form of spiritual ADHD, it would be nice if a string of beads could keep my thinking on track! The author says she finds it helpful to hang on to the beads to keep her attention on what she is trying to accomplish. I have a few front burner goals and I think I am going to promise to remain focused until they are accomplished. I also liked how the author mentioned the bead that reminds us to thank our teachers. I have some amber beads that a friend brought back from Greece...maybe they can help! But, before I go further let me remember the thank you bead and ...thank you to all who have taught me!

Bead one, I was struck by the theme of solitude. I like the author's appreciation of that state. I like how, after saying "I am alone, I am all alone, I am completely alone," she drops to her knees to offer a prayer of thanks. I like that, rather than go towards desperation, she chose appreciation.

Bead two struck me as something very common. When the author said "I had actively participated in every moment of the creation of this life-so why did I feel like none of it resembled me?" I hear that alot. I suppose that, whenever we create something that is permanent, decisive and definitive, it could feel foreign if our perspective shifts. A good argument for being a committment phobic?

Mainly in this bead, I reacted to where she says she has had to be a writer somewhere in her stolen moments. I've been struggling to find the right stolen moments for myself.

I also found her description of having the eyes of refugees to be very moving.

Bead 3 found me reflecting on my role in this book club. She offers explanation on her beliefs so people can decide right away how offended they need to get. When I actually looked closely at the book and thought of all the potential problems with the underlying topic of spirituality, I got a little antsy. Talk about leading a first hike though a minefield! I love that the author addressed it so directly. I liked the author's approach to the whole issue of differing opinions.

Bead 4 was amazing to read, or re-read, since this is my 2nd time. It still strikes me with perfect simplicity. Please tell me what to do?!?! Go back to bed, Liz. Sort of reminds me of the Zen student asking the monk what he needs to do for enlightenment. "Did you eat your lunch? Then wash the bowl." Life needs to go on no matter what answers we seek. I absolutely love the author's depiction of the reality that, sometimes we can only focus on what the next right thing is to do. I love the comfort in shifting my focus to what needs to be done right now when I am spinning days, months, or years ahead of myself. I love the concept of giving myself a break in spite of the fact that trouble may be ahead. I like permission to take rest even though there is plenty of work to do and much of it is urgent.

I also agreed with alot of what Danielle posted, so I just added my "other" thoughts. I can't wait to hear from everyone else.

[Sandra Bostwick]

I did some investigative journalism here (Can you say wannabe??) and found Liz Gilbert, the author's web-site for her NJ import business. It is VERY interesting and it gives some interesting insights into our author.

Since the website itself has a form of a spoiler in it, I'm going to suggest that those who have not yet read the book NOT click until we are finished with the book. I think I'll contact the author and see if she'd like to pop in and visit us some time.

Spoiler website. Do not look here until you've already read this book OR if you don't care that you may find a clue about the ending.
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two buttons import

[Danielle Harmon]

Sandra, your thoughts are fabulous. I too was a tad worried about the subject of religion, but, I think, as in many hot topic issues, open, honest dialouge without judgement is what dispenses with most of the anxiety. Maybe that is what the author is trying to get across. Don't be afraid to talk about it. There are many differing religious views in the world, including non-religious views; on the surface they clash, but underneath, if you look at common goals, common tenets, you find a lot of similarity. Even folks who hold to no religious observance can be very spiritual people and have many of the same life goals we all have.

Regardless, I am taught to love, not judge. I hope everyone will be very open, honest and loving in this particular part of the discussion.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Danielle Harmon

I am taught to love, not judge. .

Words to live by!

[pea0470]

ok I want to join too! I just found this! I will go to the library and check this book out and start reading tomorrow if that is ok with you guys!
Thanks! My husbands mother wanted me to read this book so this must be fate!

[DDuff]

I ended up buying another copy of this book. The friend I loaned my copy to really needs this book right now so I didn't want to ask for it back but I wasn't sure how I could participate in this discussion without having a copy in hand. Six months is a long time for a 40 year old to remember bead for bead what was happening in the book.

My reflections:

Bead 1: The author really gives us a great deal of information about what kind of woman she is in this bead. She has decided to spend an entire year in celibacy and then chooses Italy as the starting point of her journey. She is really testing herself. I think that due to the divorce and immediate affair she is really questioning whether or not she can survive without a man in her life. Let's face it we all knew or know women like this. The have to have a man no matter what kind of man he is in their life. Instead of heading straight to the ashram and safety, she heads to Italy, where she knows the temptation will be great. Baptism by Fire!
Side Note: This time when I read bead 1 - Giovanni looks just like Dante, Samantha's neighbor in the new SATC movie.

Bead 2: My respect of author really grows in this bead. I can feel that her journey has been complete when she says, "the chronicle of our marriage's failure will remain untold here." She gives an excellent description of how marriages fall apart. The decision is never an easy one, whether you decide to stay or to go.

Bead 3: "the loaded word - GOD-" Boy does she have it right! I remember when this book was discussed on Oprah and there was a huge backlash from the more conservative Christian viewers. I really have never understood the need to be so closed-minded in your view of spirituality as opposed to religion. Amen to Danielle and "I was taught to love, not judge." I am a Christian because Jesus is my Savior not because I feel like I've chosen the right religion. It breaks my heart that outsiders view Christians as judgmental and not loving. "I" also "believe in a magnificient God."

Bead 4: My recollection is that this is one of my favorite beads in this book. I love the meditative quality of her prayer. Last year I began meditation as a practice and like Elizabeth, I learned that simple is better in terms of your mantra. The concept of prayerful meditation requires a "pocket of silence" without the silence one would not be able to hear the voice. Of course the voice was her own. I believe that God abides in each of us and speaks through us.

[Danielle Harmon]

Originally Posted by DDuff

I really have never understood the need to be so closed-minded in your view of spirituality as opposed to religion. Amen to Danielle and "I was taught to love, not judge." I am a Christian because Jesus is my Savior not because I feel like I've chosen the right religion. It breaks my heart that outsiders view Christians as judgmental and not loving. "I" also "believe in a magnificient God."

Bead 4: My recollection is that this is one of my favorite beads in this book. I love the meditative quality of her prayer. Last year I began meditation as a practice and like Elizabeth, I learned that simple is better in terms of your mantra. The concept of prayerful meditation requires a "pocket of silence" without the silence one would not be able to hear the voice. Of course the voice was her own. I believe that God abides in each of us and speaks through us.

Amen and Amen! An old hymn my grandma loved went like this:
"Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer
that calls me from a world of care
and bids me at my Father's throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter's snare
by thy return sweet hour of prayer."

That is exactly what Bead 4 reminds me of...and I hope that everyone, through prayer or meditation or both, expereinces the peace that it can bring.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by pea0470

ok I want to join too! I just found this! I will go to the library and check this book out and start reading tomorrow if that is ok with you guys!
Thanks! My husbands mother wanted me to read this book so this must be fate!

Welcome pea0470!