Usually when I read books, I stick to two or three genres. These consist of fantasy, mystery, and sometimes science fiction. So as one can expect, when I picked up this novel, I expected to either stop a few pages in or read it over the course of a couple months and never think about it again. I never expected to read it within a day of picking it up. Nor did I expect to absolutely fall in love with the author's voice and the main character's whimsical view on life.
At the beginning of the book the author somehow managed to take Pi's childhood and, although it wasn't anything too special, make it funny and interesting. Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the book was the explanation of Pi's name and how he got both his true name and his nickname. It was written in a way that made me pity Pi and laugh at the same time. I also loved all of the other characters. Pi's father with his businessman attitude that led him to think of a radical solution to the dangers of running a zoo with two young children, his mother's reluctant support of his religious views, and his brother's behavior towards him are some of the things that make the book relatable. Due to the fact that they weren't flat characters, when Pi lost his family I could sympathize with him much better than I would have been able to if the author had just revolved completely around Pi and left them undeveloped and undetailed.
When Pi was trapped in the lifeboat with a tiger, a hyena, a rat, and an orangutan I found myself clinging to every word and even when the book was dark and suspenseful, there was always a moment of humourous relief to make the suspense bearable. The book is like a batch of perfectly flavored salsa: Extremely intense with just enough salty-sweetness to give it a delightful tangy taste that tickles the back of your throat as it goes down.
Since I usually read books with the same genres as you I think that this book maybe would be something for me too! Thank you for making a book review about it. I saw the movie and was fascinated but now where I hearing about the book it sounds even better. In the movie the family, sadly, is just a small part and not really as you describe them. Did you watch the movie? When yes what is your opinion of the movie after reading the book? :)
ReplyDeleteYou should read it Michelle. I saw the movie after reading, and I liked it...the visuals are beautiful, but it can't beat the experience of reading the book. You kind of have to hang in there for the first few chapters though.
DeleteThatGermanaGirl: No I haven't seen the movie. I had to read the book for Honors English 10 so it was a little more of a forced read and since my teacher has given us several terrible books to read, I was a little afraid I might not like it. I plan on watching the movie sometime soon and when I do, I'll probably post a review about it.
ReplyDeleteI like how you used a book review in here!
ReplyDeleteNice review. I'm excited to start reading more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteVery nice review and well written.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading my blog, John.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! Glad you liked it too. The movie is really beautiful as well.
ReplyDeleteNice review! Picture at the end made me smile as well :)
ReplyDeleteThat pie cake looks so good!
ReplyDeleteNever read the book tbh, but liked the movie!
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