A bit slow to start, but enjoyed it after I got into it. A thought provoking, interesting read.  ( )

This book is amazing. Simply amazing. I hated it in the beginning but loved it in the end. I don’t think I’ve ever had such an extreme response to a book before.

The beginning frustrated me because of the lack of logic. If Pi wants to practice universalism, then by all means, he should go ahead and do so. But then he has no right to criticize agnostics for not making up their minds whether or not there is a god, since he cannot make up his mind as to which religion is true. Is Jesus a Savior or a prophet? Do we receive multiple lives or just one? Pi does not even consider such questions. He simply wants to “love God.” It frustrated me that Pi lived in the same ambiguity that plagues agnostics, but with just a slightly different flavor.

The ending was simply terrific. It made me reexamine the entire lifeboat experience for symbolism, which was there in abundance once you are looking for it. For those of you who may be confused by the ending, especially Pi’s statement, “and so it is with God,” here is a little thought that may help you out.

I once heard this alternate interpretation of Jesus’ miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. The interpretation states that since there were most likely mothers and children in the crowd, and since any good mother will not travel with her family for long distances without bringing some food along for her children, there was probably food already available in the crowd. The example of Jesus and the disciples sharing all they had inspired the people in the crowd to share all they had, too. Therefore, there was enough for everyone and plenty left over.

Now on first glance, this interpretation seems misleading and even seems to downplay the miracle and insult the Son of God’s power. However, with a little more thought it is truly miraculous. Think about it. What would be harder for God to do – to rearrange molecules or create matter (which He originally did just by SPEAKING, mind you), or to persuade people whom He has graciously granted free-will to happily share the little sustenance that they have with complete strangers? I think the second is more miraculous.

However, the wow factor of the miracle is in the telling of it – the implication of the original interpretation. It’s amazing to us because we, as humans, cannot rearrange or create matter to multiply bread and fish to feed a crowd.

So does this imply deceitfulness on the part of the storyteller? I don’t think so. I think that the way the story is told enhances and amplifies the truth behind the words, just as the right seasoning can enhance and amplify the flavor of a meal. In the end, does it matter whether there were animals or a cannibalistic cook in the lifeboat? Isn’t the result the same? Which story is more beautiful and reveals more of the character of Pi? And ultimately, which story do you prefer? ( )

Very original, almost mythical account of a young boy shipwrecked with a tiger, an oranguatan, a hyena and a zebra. Woven into the plot is a philosophy of life and a lengthy discussion of the common grounds between the world's major religions. ( )

I admit it, I thought there's just no way that Yann Martel can pull off his premise of a teenage boy and a tiger stranded together in a lifeboat for 277 days. But, I was so wrong! He can, and he does, and you will love this utterly charming and unforgettable book. ( )

This is one of my all-time favorite books and I recommend it to everyone. However, a friend who recently took me up on that recommendation reminded me that the beginning is painfully slow and somewhat dull. It's true. The build-up and background is definitely longer than it needs to be and sadly, I wonder if many people give up before getting to the part of this book that is so gripping and unique and well-written. Please don't give up on this book! It is a remarkable story and so different than anything I've read before or since. Skim through Part I if you must, but don't put this book down before moving on to Part II. I've read it twice and this story is one that continues to stay with me. ( )