Elizabeth Gilbert’s Must-Read Book Recommendations
Elizabeth Gilbert, the renowned author of bestsellers like “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Big Magic,” has a passion for reading that rivals her love for writing. She once said, “If I could read while driving, showering, socializing, or sleeping, I would.” Today, we’re excited to share a curated list of books recommended by this celebrated author. These books are not just worth reading; they’re experiences waiting to be had.
“David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield” is often referred to as his “favorite child” and is considered somewhat autobiographical. The novel follows David’s journey from his childhood days to his quest for a vocation as a successful novelist. The vivid characters, drawn from real life, evoke a mix of love, nostalgia, and guilt. Gilbert calls this her favorite book, adding, “This was Dickens’ favorite novel too. Can there be a better recommendation?”
“Rising Strong” by Brené Brown
Sociologist Brené Brown delves into topics of courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness in her groundbreaking work. “Rising Strong” reveals a profound truth: vulnerability is the only path to great love, creativity, and joy. Brown explores the phenomenon of “rising from falls” and interviewed hundreds of people—CEOs, artists, military personnel, couples in long-term relationships, parents, and teachers—for her book. They all shared stories of risking, stumbling, and getting back up. Regardless of the scale of the failure or the circumstances, we live in a constant process of wrestling with this world and continually revolutionizing our lives. Gilbert advises never to underestimate the true value of failure. Brown shows how we can rise after falling, becoming kinder and stronger.
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum
A terrifying tornado sweeps Dorothy Gale and her dog away from Kansas to the magical land of Oz. This story, familiar to us since childhood, is worth revisiting as an adult to see it in a new light. Gilbert says that such books always turn her into a traveler. Especially if you have a little girl in your house, forget about Disney movies and just get this series of books with original, magical illustrations.
“Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel
England in the 1520s was shaken by constant catastrophes. If the king dies without leaving a male heir, the country could be torn apart by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his twenty-year marriage and marry Anne Boleyn, but his father and most of Europe oppose this. His advisor and an opposing political genius enter the game. The author, in an inimitable style, paints a picture of a society on the brink of change. A multitude of vivid characters affected by the incident and a true recreation of the era will brighten your evening. Gilbert says this is the best contemporary novel about political intrigue you’ll ever read. “It’s like a literary ‘Breaking Bad.'”
“State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett
The novel has a non-trivial plot: its events unfold against the backdrop of the Amazon River and real jungles. The main character is searching for a miracle, and her intuition tells her that she will find her happiness in the vicinity of the Amazon; the main thing is to follow her goal. This book is not about travel or adventures in a dangerous world. It’s about love that constantly has to overcome obstacles and about people who are strong in spirit.
For more book recommendations and insights, visit Heroine’s book section.
