Elizabeth Gilbert’s follow-up to ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ coming in January 2010

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Elizabeth Gilbert, whose memoir ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ was an Oprah pick and runaway bestseller, has penned a follow-up, publisher Viking announced today. ‘Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage’ is coming to bookstores in early January 2010.

Picking up where ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ left off, ‘Committed’ details Gilbert’s life after falling for Felipe. In a reversal of the classic romantic tale, the two want to remain unmarried -- but, due to international bureaucracies, must wed. Advance copies of the book aren’t yet available, but that’s the gist of the press release, which explains:

‘Having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert and Felipe spent the next ten months wandering haphazardly across Southeast Asia waiting for the U.S. government to permit them to return.

‘During this time, she tackled her fears of marriage by studying it intensely, trying with all her might to discover through historical research, interviews, and personal reflection what this stubbornly enduring old institution actually is. ‘Committed’ tells the story of one woman’s efforts to make peace with marriage before she enters its estate once more.’

At her TED talk about creativity earlier this year, Gilbert acknowledged that some might think that her best work was behind her. But the new book seems like it may sidestep that issue by hewing closely to the travel, romance and personal-growth narrative that resonated so well with readers in ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’

And that book is heading to movie theaters in 2011, where it may secure even more fans. ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ is currently shooting with Julia Roberts in the lead, costarring a number of drool-worthy actors. Felipe -- he’s played by Javier Bardem. Maybe there will be a movie sequel too?

-- Carolyn Kellogg

Photo: Elizabeth Gilbert at TED2009. Credit: jurvetson via Flickr