Finished 8-24-11, rating 4/5, fiction, 319 pages, pub. 2001
I must say a word about fear. It is life’s only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life. It is a clever, treacherous adversary, how well I know. It has no decency, respects no law or convention, shows no mercy. It goes for your weakest spot, which it finds with unerring ease. It begins in your mind, always.
Chapter 56
Pi, an Indian teenager, was raised by loving parents who ran a zoo. He didn’t feel like he had to choose between religions, he studied them all. He was a Hindu, Christian, and Muslim and no one could convince him this was contradictory. When his family decided it was best to leave India, they packed up all of the animals (the ones they didn’t sell) and headed for Canada. They didn’t make it.
Pi finds himself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with Richard Parker. Richard Parker is a 450 pound Bengal tiger. Day after day he must work to survive, and his only chance is to keep Richard Parker alive too. From early on you know that Pi is at sea a very long time, but you also know that he survives, so it isn’t that uncertainty that keeps you reading. The day-to-day struggle is compelling and outrageous. If you are taking an ocean voyage this book will teach you everything you need to know about staying alive.
This is a consideration of religion, a compassionate view of zoos, and at some points, a test of your ability to listen to/read about savagery of killing, even of only for food. I listened to the first half of this one on a road trip with Jason and Gage and read the print for the rest. I have nothing against the audio, but I much preferred reading it. The play-by-play of animals ripping each other apart is much easier to read than to hear. Not that this book can be reduced to that, only that’s what made the reading more enjoyable for me. It is a book about belief and how what you believe can make your life meaningful and livable.
I really loved Pi’s story and grew to love Richard Parker too. I was nervous that RP would meet the same fate as Wilson in the movie Castaway and I was very nervous for him. I won’t spoil it by telling you. I wasn’t crazy about the ending. Jason loved it. I’m not sure if my opinion will change after it’s had some time to settle. I know I’ll be thinking about it for the next several days, but these are my initial thoughts. The imagery was beautiful and obviously thought-provoking since I know I will be thinking about it, re-evaluating the whole based on the end.
This is from my personal library and chosen by Heather (Gofita’s Pages), Carol, Staci, MsMazzola, Heather (Book Addiction), Kerri, Alita, Julie, Rebecca and Rhapsody in Books. Here’s what they had to say…
“It will blow you away.” Rhapsody in Books
“I thought I was the only one left who hasn’t read it yet!” Julie
“Some people didn’t like the unexpected ending, but I did and I would love to see what you think, too.” Rebecca
“I’m going to attempt it next year as well” Kerri
“It is on my TBR list, so I put it on your’s too.” MsMazzola
“My brother bought it for me and I never read it, but encouraging you to relieves some of the guilt.” Carol
“It’s on my TBR pile and I hear it’s amazing!” Heather (Gofita’s Pages)
Stacy's Books 
Glad you enjoyed this one. I had a hard time with it. For one, I just have a hard time with animal violence. His philosophy is interesting and it’s definitely thought-provoking. But it just didn’t resonate with me the way I was hoping. So glad, though, that I helped pick one you really enjoyed!!!!
I do feel like I missed a lot of the symbolism that others loved but I did totally love it for the adventure story.
I read this book a couple of years ago and loved it. Not just the story, but how well written it is, how the author manages to describe so accurately the fear, the loneliness and the thirst of that boy. I loved the part when Pi finds water for the very first time and how he describes the joy of drinking it.
The writing provided a wonderul image, everytime, even if I didn’t want it too!
I may be the only person that hasn’t read this book… and I know there’s a copy around here somewhere. Glad you liked it!
Liked it, didn’t love it.
I read this book a while ago and really liked it until the ending. The ending kind of ruined the rest of the book for me.
That’s what I told Jason! The end just made me sad.
I listened to this book during a long car ride, and remember being bored with all the fishing scenes. I should read it again.
I think that may be why reading is better. You can read faster 🙂
LOL, Stacy, I thought the ending was what made the book so compelling. Glad you enjoyed the book nonetheless.
You are in Jason’s camp. That was his favorite part 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it. Not sure it’s for me though.
I just can’t get myself to read this one.
Same comment as Debbit – it was the ending that made the book for me! LOLOL
Jason was glad to hear there was someone else with his correct opinion 😉
I have yet to read this one and now I’m so curious about the ending that I might just make the leap.
I think you might like it.
I never knew this is what the book was about. I will definitely read it based on your review. It sounds fascinating and it’s outside of my usual fare. Thanks Stacy.
I have only heard or read positive comments and reviews of this book but I couldn’t read it because of the animal killings. I plan to try it again one day. I’m glad you enjoyed it aside from th nding. I thought your review was wonderful and if I hadn’t already tried reading this book I would be anxious to get my hands on a copy now!
Oh how funny! I thought the book was just okay UNTIL the end. I was so surprised and thought about it long after closing the book.
I just loved this!!! And the ending just made the book for me.