If you don’t know Elizabeth Gilbert, you’ve probably heard of her memoir, Eat, Pray, Love, or at least the 2010 film version that starred Julia Roberts. But if that’s all you know of the author, you’re missing out on some excellent works of both fiction and nonfiction.
Gilbert had no formal writing training, and instead of graduate school, opted to build her own education through work and travel.
Those experiences certainly paid off, as she continues to use those memories, along with her tireless research, to craft memoirs and novels full of life and adventure. In this post, we’ve summarized all 8 of Gilbert’s books so you can select your next inspiring read and start living your own adventure.
Fiction Books by Elizabeth Gilbert
Below are four award-winning fictional works by Elizabeth Gilbert:
1. City of Girls
City of Girls was one of the best-selling novels of 2019. It follows 19-year-old Vivian, who has just been expelled from Vassar and sent to live with her Aunt in Manhattan. At her aunt’s theater, Vivian is introduced to fun-chasing showgirls, sexy actors, and all other sorts of characters.
Vivian’s personal mistake leads to a professional scandal that turns her new world upside down, but in the process, she realizes the life of freedom she craves and what it takes to achieve it. Filled with glamour, sex, love, and adventure, this book offers an unforgettable coming-of-age story, and a riveting summer read.
2. The Signature of All Things
Gilbert’s second novel is set in the 19th and 20th centuries. It follows Alma, the daughter of British enterpriser who made a fortune in the South American quinine trade and became the richest man in Philadelphia.
Alma is a botanist and dedicated researcher. In the course of her studies, she meets and falls in love with Ambrose Pike, an artist. While her scientific mind couldn’t be more different from his artistic one, they’re united by their need to understand their world and the complexity of all life.
3. Stern Men
This was Elizabeth Gilbert’s first novel. It follows Ruth Thomas, an 18-year-old who’s just returned home to Maine after boarding school. She decides to join the “stern men” of the lobster fishing boats.
However, the feisty, determinedly unromantic protagonist is herself destined for both greatness and love in this much-acclaimed debut novel.
4. Pilgrims
Pilgrims is a short story collection, and the first book Gilbert published, back in 1997. The protagonists of these stories are everyday people are brave and unforgettable, and Gilbert’s great ear for dialogue is evident in this debut.
Nonfiction Elizabeth Gilbert Books
Of course, Gilbert is also known for her deeply honest and relatable nonfiction books, including the best-selling sensation that follows:
5. Eat Pray Love
In this bestseller that became a sensation (and a feature film starring Julia Roberts), Gilbert traces her personal journey of self-discovery after ending her marriage and leaving her seemingly ideal life in her early thirties.
She travels through three different countries, where she explores pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence on the island of Bali, which is where she also finds love with a man named Felipe.
6. Committed
Several years after Felipe and Elizabeth—two survivors of divorce—swear to love each other forever but never marry, they find themselves in a situation where marriage is the only option for staying together, as Felipe must obtain a visa or never enter America again.
In this nonfiction book, Gilbert meditates on the idea of marriagenand interviews women and couples from all over the world in an effort to answer her own questions about what marriage really means, why we marry, and how we can avoid screwing it up, all in preparation for her own impending nuptials.
7. Big Magic
Big Magic gives readers an inside look at Gilbert’s creative process, as she shares her tips for creative living by embracing curiosity and letting go of negativity.
You’ll learn how tackle what you love and face down what you fear, including the habits you’ll need to live your most creative life, whether you want to write a book, find more creative solutions at work, or simply be more mindful and passionate in your everyday life.
8. The Last American Man
Her authorship of Eat, Pray, Love has led many to erroneously associate Gilbert with “chick lit,” but her first nonfiction book was actually an examination of contemporary American male identity.
Here, she explores the true story of Eustace Conway, who left his family’s suburban home In 1977 at the age of 17 for the Appalachian Mountains. He has lived there for over two decades, making fire with sticks, wearing animal skins, and trying to convince Americans to give up their materialistic lifestyles and return to nature.
Are Liz and Felipe Still Together?
After following their budding romance in Eat, Pray, Love, and their unconventional entry into marriage in Committed, many readers may wonder whether Elizabeth Gilbert and her husband are still together.
The two married in 2007, but in July 2016, Gilbert announced that they were splitting amicably for personal reasons.
Is Elizabeth Gilbert Working on a New Book?
In an interview with Elle in April 2021, Gilbert revealed that she is currently working on a new book, but she has not yet revealed any details or discussed the premise. We’ll have to stay tuned!
More Books by Inspiring Women
If you like books by Elizabeth Gilbert, which feature strong female characters or follow the author’s own personal journeys, then you might enjoy these 10 feminist books designed to empower women.
And if you want to keep up with Gilbert’s book club and real-life adventures, you can follow her on social media, along with these 15 talented authors on Instagram.
Do you have a favorite Elizabeth Gilbert book? Share your pick in the comments below!
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As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
