sathyadgs95's review against another edition
2.0
Different to what I expected. Before reading this book, all I knew about the story was there's a boy on a boat with a tiger. Seeing the movie advertised, I was under the impression that it was some kind of adventure story, possibly a fantasy. How wrong I was. The story deals with complex theories and perspectives on religion, which was pulled off well although some of it was a little over my head. There is also a lot of gory descriptions of events that I was completely unprepared for - e.g, a vivid description of a zebra being eaten while still alive, among others. I didn't really enjoy those parts and there were quite a few, while the actual event being described is usually important to the plot I don't think so much detail was necessary. Some of the events are quite bizarre. Despite there being a few times where I felt like not continuing the story, somehow I was still driven to keep reading, which I suppose is testimony to a great writing skill.
Overall I would say the book is good, but I would also see if the person about to read it had any idea what it's actually about because it's quite intense.
Overall I would say the book is good, but I would also see if the person about to read it had any idea what it's actually about because it's quite intense.
kdtoverbooked's review against another edition
2.0
What is all the hype around the book? It was just so...bleh. I kept pushing through because so many people loved it. The very best part of the book, out of it finally concluding, was the end interview. I have heard a few people questioning the first 130 pages and I thought those really set up the next 235 pages. Without it, those would have been even more tedious. I will not be recommending this book to anyone outside of my friend Shane who has an odd sense of being.
lisahelene's review against another edition
4.0
Kind of confusing for me at first, but highly recommended.
chooper454's review against another edition
1.0
just super boring. not for me at all. couldn’t even get to the part about the boat
sweb's review against another edition
5.0
I first encountered this story when I was around 14. I watched the movie on a plane and was exasperated by the ending and its ambiguity. A decade later, I quite enjoyed the ending. This is a story about the stories we tell ourselves, the stories we tell the world and the stories we choose to believe.
heyhannahrae's review against another edition
3.0
I’m glad I read it, and there were parts that I rather liked, but overall... I didn’t really get into this one.
abbruzzese's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I was giving up. I would have given up - if a voice hadn't made itself heard in my heart. The voice said "I will not die. I refuse it. I will make it through this nightmare."
i get it. i understand it now, the hype around this book, the reason it's touched the shelves of white women in book clubs everywhere, why it's shown up on every list of "100 books to read before you die" i've ever looked at.
the writing was high-quality. the plot was enthralling. the philosophical and religious bits were so beautifully communicated that, not only did i not mind reading them, i actually enjoyed them. before i started reading, i was worried i'd grow bored of reading about a monotonous struggle, but this wasn't the case at all; the story is structured in such a way that the events of pi's journey are, yes, told in regards to particular days, but also largely in chapters that focus on types of events or certain themes, rather than repetitive day-by-day recaps. this book has my most favourite element of any kind of story: a character facing the most bleak and unlikely odds of survival, yet doing so with grit and determination and an unrelenting refusal to die. call me old fashioned, but a human hellbent on surviving is my favourite kind of human.
i have nothing but praise of the highest order for this book. i can't even express in words how moved i am by it, how grateful i am that i decided to read it.
i get it. i understand it now, the hype around this book, the reason it's touched the shelves of white women in book clubs everywhere, why it's shown up on every list of "100 books to read before you die" i've ever looked at.
the writing was high-quality. the plot was enthralling. the philosophical and religious bits were so beautifully communicated that, not only did i not mind reading them, i actually enjoyed them. before i started reading, i was worried i'd grow bored of reading about a monotonous struggle, but this wasn't the case at all; the story is structured in such a way that the events of pi's journey are, yes, told in regards to particular days, but also largely in chapters that focus on types of events or certain themes, rather than repetitive day-by-day recaps. this book has my most favourite element of any kind of story: a character facing the most bleak and unlikely odds of survival, yet doing so with grit and determination and an unrelenting refusal to die. call me old fashioned, but a human hellbent on surviving is my favourite kind of human.
i have nothing but praise of the highest order for this book. i can't even express in words how moved i am by it, how grateful i am that i decided to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Blood
Moderate: Excrement, Cannibalism, Child death, Violence, and Death of parent
the middle of chapter 99 has graphic descriptions of death, violence, blood, cannibalism, murder, and death. skipping that part does not (in my opinion) affect your experience or understanding of the story.rlspires08's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. Nicely written. It hits you like a fist in the gut at the end. Author makes statement about faith. This book leans toward agnostism.