Sometimes we reach a point in our lives when we find ourselves saying, is this it? Especially if we have everything a modern American woman could want: a husband, home, successful career, but instead of feeling happy, we may feel consumed by panic or confusion. Kind of like reaching for the last pair of size 7 stilettos at a Nordie’s sale, complete panic! When feeling like this, one may even want to run away to a different culture to find pleasure, devotion and a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. Well, before you decide to jet-set yourself to find what you may be looking for…eat, pray and love!

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat. Pray. Love., is about one woman’s search for everything across Italy, India, and Indonesia. In her early thirties (what may be seen as mid-life crisis range for some), Elizabeth Gilbert has everything a woman could want. However, instead of feeling happy, she finds herself being unfulfilled and confused. Following a divorce and depression, Gilbert sets out to three different cultures: Italy, India, and Bali. She takes us through her journey of her own wrong choices that are very relatable and insightfully shares the damaging side effects of contemporary mores. As I flip through the pages of the lessons she learns, I find them entirely importable. I caught myself saying “I know how you feel”, as she describes her longing for the handsome Italian man to kiss her. What girl wouldn’t want that! Even if you are not a big reader, the book is very readable; or should I say ‘compulsively readable’. I can’t seem to put the book down…ugh…is it illegal to read a book and drive at the same time? Tsk tsk…

I am not in my thirties nor am I married, but I find as I read deeper and deeper into the engaging and highly entertaining pages that I can relate to what she is and was going through. Everyday choices must be made, what career path to take, should I buy the black pumps or the red pumps. Sometimes we make the right ones, sometimes we don’t. Confidence is what helps us make the choice. This book has shown me the true meaning of inspiration. I encourage every modern American woman on her journey through life to read this fun and inspiring book. However, do NOT read while driving, it is highly illegal and dangerous.