Goodreads All Sorts discussion

We will discuss Life of Pi by Yann Martel in this thread. Please remember to mark your spoilers!

Here's a few questions to get the discussion started:


Have you read the book before? If so, what did you think of it?
Have you seen the film?
What are your feelings about reading this book?

I have not read this book.
I have not seen the film.

Because I have heard so much about this book, and had to buy a new copy because my first copy went home with my daughter, I am demanding that it satisfy me. That's not fair to the book or the author, but I have to remind myself of my perspective as I begin my read.

Happily, the first chapter is leading me on to the second. I will soon suspend my unwarranted expectations, I think.

I'm finding the beginning very boring and very lo moving. How about you guys?

Jack wrote: "I'm finding the beginning very boring and very lo moving. How about you guys?"

I'm 30% through and I feel more like like reading a lecture than a novel. Nothing so far is making me invest in the story (other than wanting it to get better).

That's exactly how I feel Bryon. Sometimes I'm forcing myself read on.

I read the book years ago when it came out. I found it a nice simple read, but nothing mind blowing. I have now seen the film and absolutely loved it, mainly for it's stunning visuals. However it doesn't make me want to read the book again.

The movie's visuals were amazing. It wasn't mind blowing, I agree.

I found th first half of the book slow moving too. But it picked up.

It did pick up, I must say. But it was never a page turner for me.

I have it out fromt he library, havent' read it yet

I'm really enjoying it. A good friend of mine and reading buddy said that she found it very boring. I disagree but I can see how some could feel that way because it is slow. I feel like the pace of it allows me to really think and mull everything over. I like that.

I read the book a while back, and I loved it. I found it to be enthralling and beautiful. My favorite part was when they reach the island.
I also saw the movie and loved it as well. I thought the movie followed the book pretty accurately, which can be somewhat rare. Also, the movie's cinematography was completely breathtaking. Is the movie better than the book? Well, no, in this case it's a tie.

p.s. If I ever have a chance to spend time with a tiger, I'm naming him/her Richard Parker.

Here's my review from 2009:

"Starts off a bit slow, but stick with it, the end is pretty amazing. I did like the beginning, though, slow as it seemed at the time. I found the inter-workings of the zoo awesome and the whole conflicting religious practices very insightful. The mysterious island had a certain "Stephen King" eeriness to it. This novel was part adventure/ horror/ philosophical/ instruction manual. My viewpoint on zoos have definitely changed after this book, also, now I know how to properly kill a sea turtle. All and all it was utterly astounding."

I listen to this on audio book last month. I haven't had a chance to see the movie but I really want too! I enjoyed the book,although I agree not a page turner and it some parts right down boarding.

Kerry wrote: "I read the book a while back, and I loved it. I found it to be enthralling and beautiful. My favorite part was when they reach the island.
I also saw the movie and loved it as well. I thought the ..."
I like your assement of the book. I also enjoyed the information on the running of a zoo.

Going to see the movie tomorrow.

Back from the movie.
They did a good job staying true to the book and the visual effects were very nice (saw it in 3d). I agree with what Kerry wrote.

Ok. Have to get the book

I am almost finished reading this book, I've had it for a while, but didn't pick it up to read because I thought it was going to get too philosophical and wordy without much happening, because how much can you do stuck on a small boat in the middle of the ocean? But it is amazing!! I love the way the author is narrating in the first person, he makes Pi so likeable and friendly. His faith is also amazing - who cares about what form his prayers take? He definitely has a connection with God. I plan to finish the book today and can hardly wait to watch the movie tomorrow!

Consistently listed as one of my favourites, I think this novel is awesome. The twist at the end was really surprising, and I did NOT see it coming. My family and I had some very lively debates over the dinner table as to what really happened. :)