Finished: June 4, 2023
Why I read this
This one was a recommendation from my Mom. She had read it a long time ago and has always spoken highly of it. A few years back they also released a film of the book that I still have not seen because I insisted to myself that I would read it before seeing the movie. Finally I guess I can go watch it if I want, but it’ll be hard to beat the book!
What I learned
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was learning more about the natural and the spiritual world at the same time. The early emphasis on theology mixed with zoology really inspired a different way of viewing things. Especially the moments discussing Islam hit deeply in today’s climate. I know almost nothing about Islam, but the description of it as a peaceful and beautiful religion is not in line what with what I experience looking at the challenges in the Islamic world looking as it from an outsider. This makes me realize more and more that everything is not always what it seems and we should all be more open minded to other cultures or ways of thinking.
What I didn’t like
Honestly, the only thing that I didn’t like was the ending of the book. Although thought provoking and interesting to think that maybe there were two stories of how these events passed, I loved the story of the tiger and wanted it to be true more than anything. It is still possible that it was the true story of the two, but the doubt this sowed in my mind makes me scared of what could have been a much more brutal and evil experience for poor Pi. This ending elevates the book, but sometimes I would love an unquestioned happy ending, which I think was deserved for Pi.
Questions I asked
Can you really be a practicing member of multiple religions? If yes, why are there so few people that do it?
What is the place of animals in our society? The book cautions the reader to not personify animals and to realize they are not the same as humans. Why do we so often put animals in such high positions of respect, or such low positions at the same time?
What still exists in this world that could still be discovered such as a floating island of carnivorous plants?
My Favorite Quote
“So tell me, since it makes no factual difference to you and you can’t prove the question either way, which story do you prefer? Which is the better story, the story with the animals or the story without the animals?”
Pi Patel
Books I liked like this one
The Coward by Jared McGinnis (for the struggles of the human soul through tragedy)
Hearts in Atlantis by Stephen King (for the challenging of the status quo)
Book Reviews for Mom 