The fantasized notion of leaving everything behind to travel the world in pursuit of clarity and happiness became a reality for New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert after she hit what seemed like rock bottom.

    In her 30s, Gilbert had a painstakingly honest talk with herself and God one night on her bathroom floor, when she realized she no longer wanted to be married, live in a house in the suburbs, or have children. Three years after this realization, Gilbert finds herself depressed and lifeless, enduring a traumatic divorce and the failure of another intense love affair. Choosing to move onward and upward, Gilbert decides that to find happiness, she must find herself in the “3 i’s:” Italy, India and Indonesia.

    Gilbert humorously, candidly and sincerely chronicles her travels as she experiences pleasure in Italy, indulging in rich food and the romantic language; finds devotion in India by worshiping and living at an ashram; and finds a balance of both in Indonesia, including another shot at love.

    Not everyone can travel the world in times of uncertainty, but this book lets you vicariously enjoy Gilbert's road to happiness with a few laughs and self-realizations along the way.

    “Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia,” by Elizabeth Gilbert (Penguin Books) $15, 334 pages).

    Colleen Corkery is a regular contributor.