Reading 1001 discussion

Comments here.

Part 4: This was ultimately a fun and fulfilling book that I rated as 4 stars. It was certainly more fun compared to last year’s annual (Pilgrimage), but ultimately it felt less deeply resonating as well. But, I do stand by my assessment that I would watch a cartoon based on this epic. 100%.

Standouts were:

- Love the continuing animal characters motif, especially the Jade Hare and the rhinoceros fiends in this part.

- It was satisfying to read about the promotions all the main posse earned after reaching Vulture Peak, meeting the living Buddha, and returning to the Tang Empire. While I think it’s satisfying to hear that Monkey and Tang achieved Buddhahood, I loved that the Dragon horse becomes a naga (which sounds awesome), and Pa-chieh ends up being appointed to eat the excess offerings at alters (lol!) a very fitting end.

I have just started into Vol. 4 and am continuing to be fascinated with all the fiends and monsters that our intrepid group finds on their way. The tales have become somewhat more complicated and it is interesting to see when Monkey turns for help from the heavens and when he is capable through his many transformations to outsmart the monsters on his own. It is also interesting to see how many of the monsters and demons are just wayward animals who have escaped their rightful place in heaven to come down to earth to have some fun. In this early part of the book we have a white deer and mouse spirit that rightfully belong in heaven...but who have been very very naughty on earth. Also, evidently the story about eating 1,000 boys for an everlasting life elixir is based on a true story...or maybe, more truthfully, a well known tale from even more ancient times.

I agree, definitely more fun than Pilgrimage! This was a nice departure from the typical downer books from the 1001 list. While this one was very long, it was light-hearted. I have a feeling next year's book will be a lot more serious.

Glad to have another huge 1001 entry behind me.

I finished! Journey to the West did manage to continue to be entertaining and the Monkey and Idiot interaction really set the standard for all stupid buddy tales and movies going forward didn't it?
I loved the fact that in this one Monkey was able to trick a confession out of the wife who wanted to get back at the 4 of them. I also enjoyed the fact that even in Paradise with the Buddha there were squabbles and the need to pay a bribe to get the scriptures.
Also, that the Tang priest had only suffered 89 challenges and needed to go through one more before going home....

Just finished. Started this last year and finished with audio this year. That is a great point Gail that this is a precursor to tales and movies with the smart and stupid partners.

There was a TV series. I never knew about it but I found it by searching. I also read a YA novel last year that was based on this. I would also comment that this book has had a lot of influence so therefore does belong on the list and is truly a classic.