I couldn't put this book down! I loved the scope of the story, the character development, some unexpected surprises, the intersection with history, the AMAZING research that Elizabeth Gilbert obviously did, the fact that this is nothing like Eat, Pray, Love (which I also liked),...get it? I loved this book. One caveat, the rated "R" material made me a little uncomfortable, but it did not overwhelm me. In fact, it was integral to the story and supported the very real truth that we all want/need to be interconnected with life. Enjoy!