I couldn't stand this book for all the reasons previous readers mentioned and then some. Clearly this book was intended to be a bestseller and never would have sold had it not been written by a celebrity who knows how to sell books! We had to wait for weeks in our bookclub to get our hands on a copy only to find this fluff. Cleverly written, I will say, and the title is catchy. BUT, I found the story overall to be an affront to people who truly go through serious crises in their lives, and an insult to those seeking true spiritual guidance at such times. Half the ashrams in India prey on idiots who think they can chant their way to inner peace - while they empty the victims' wallets. I say this with shame, as I am Indian, and have had this happen to those near and dear to me. had Elizabeth Gilbert not been tall, blonde, beautiful and successful, I doubt this seeker of inner wisdom would have gotten either the youth of Italy or the old men of Bali to have given her the time of day....if you haven't read this book yet, don't waste your time....