Classics Without All the Class discussion

Please keep your comments to the chapters 1-18.

Wanted to read this for a while. Seems ok so far. Not blowing my socks off yet. Honestly all the references to the hindu myths makes me feel like taking up the mahabharata sometime soon.

Well I reached the end of chapter 18. So far it's not really blowing me away either - kind of prefer the film actually. I really don't think the way it keeps slipping into present tense for descriptive passages works. Hate the present tense. Also not liking older-Pi very much, he seems very hung up on how great an accademic he is and seems to think everyone should care as much about religion as he does - '[agnostics] get stuck in my craw'. Bleh.

I don't dislike it though. I like the zoo stuff and I know that the interesting bits all happen a bit later so hopefully I'll get more into it. At the moment though it's falling into the 'eh, it's alright but pretty overhyped' territory.

I love it actually! I have to search the different allusions to the Hindu myths but that's interesting as well.

I love the description of the animals, their behavior and the "animal" behavior of the zoo visitors. The author also teriffically comments on world religions. So far so good!

I'm curious to hear whether people who saw the movie first will like the book. I haven't seen the movie yet, but read the book before (maybe five years ago) and was looking forward to reading it again. I would agree that it's starting out a bit slow, though I do find the zoo stuff (and even the religious stuff) interesting.

How about the way his dad taught them that wild animals are to be feared -- cruel and over the top? Or merely an important practical lesson for kids whose lives would be in danger if they hadn't internalized the lesson?

This is the 1st time I'm reading a book AFTER seeing the movie. I am on chapter 16 and am really enjoying the book. I like Pi's character. He intelligence and open-mindness make him a likeable character. I appreciate his faith and laughed at his description of agnostics. (I never thought of agnostics as "choosing immobility as a means of transportation" but may now.)

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and hope the book follows suit.

I found the "zoo" stuff interesting. It didn't take long to figure out why we learn so much about captive animals. I connected with this.

I saw the movie first. I liked it but I was suprised that it takes a looong time to get to the "important part". However, reading the book I see that the movie actually cuts a lot of this.

I found really interesting and "defying" the insight on what is a zoo. I'm not a fan of them and keeping animals in other habitats but their natural ones (I also understand that they help species that are in danger), but Pi has very strong arguments in favour of zoos and they are interesting at least.

So far, my favourite thing is how Pi reflects the importance of God more than religion itself and, if we talk about the structure of the book, what I like is how it combines the chapters when Pi is the narrator with the chapters with the writer's impresions. I also love all the long enumerations, they are so full of images that you can recreate.

And, one small detail that I liked is in the introduction how the author created a story to make us belive that his book is based on a true story (It also reminded me of Borges)

Michael wrote: "Wanted to read this for a while. Seems ok so far. Not blowing my socks off yet. Honestly all the references to the hindu myths makes me feel like taking up the mahabharata sometime soon."

please trust me that it will get better.

I really enjoyed the introduction, too. I thought it was an interesting touch.

I purposely have not seen the movie in anticipation of reading this and I am loving it so far! I have often felt the same way as Pi, believing in that all religions are right, not unlike Papu Ghandi said!

Sonia wrote: "I purposely have not seen the movie in anticipation of reading this and I am loving it so far! I have often felt the same way as Pi, believing in that all religions are right, not unlike Papu Ghand..."

I did just the opposite. This is the 1st time I've read a book AFTER seeing the movie. I am really enjoying the book. The movie was great. You're going to love it!

I've just started but so far it's not holding my interest. Part of the problem is that I'm also reading Les Miserables for another group (and because I've been wanting to) and it is so good I want to spend all my time reading it. But your comments are helping me to persevere.

Margaret wrote: "I've just started but so far it's not holding my interest. Part of the problem is that I'm also reading Les Miserables for another group (and because I've been wanting to) and it is so good I want ..."

keep on keepin on! trust meeeee part two is where everything starts falling into place and you get hooked.

Michelle wrote: "I really enjoyed the introduction, too. I thought it was an interesting touch."

The introduction was a very big incentive to read the book! I love it along with everything :D

Karu wrote: "I saw the movie first. I liked it but I was suprised that it takes a looong time to get to the "important part". However, reading the book I see that the movie actually cuts a lot of this.

I foun..."

I have enjoyed Pi's reflection of God as well. I have always found religion/world religion extremely interesting. I enjoyed seeing the different religions through his child-like eyes. I wish humanity could be as accepting of one's faith as he was of so many.

Ever since I was a child, I have adored animals. I was actually a vet tech for a little while. Reading the zoology and animal care parts have awakened that passion in my heart again. It is one thing to be a pet owner but it is completely different level when you are a caretaker providing medicine and doctor care for one.

My view of zoos has always teetered but I found his points on why they should exist pretty powerful. While I love seeing animals in their natural habitat, his point about them not being infested with worms/ starving made me think differently.

Great book! Can't wait to read more!

I'm reading this for the first time.
Haven't seen the film.
I, for one, live the character development.
Pi is a very interesting man.
I also like that many times, Canadian cities are front and centre. I especially liked reading the Québécois dialogue, regardless of how little of it there has been so far.
Looking forward to the rest of part 1.

Like many people, I think the story is a little slow, but I am truly enjoying the book. I'm listening to it, and I am sad when my drive is over because I have to turn it off. I really enjoy all of the descriptions. I could do without the other guy. I feel like it is just breaking up the story too much.

I definitely didn't think the beginning was slow at all! I felt draw in immediately! I was like a sponge sucking up what he had to say about animals in zoos. Ok, the religion part I could have taken or left, but over all I am really happy to the start of the book :)

Jeane wrote: "I definitely didn't think the beginning was slow at all! I felt draw in immediately! I was like a sponge sucking up what he had to say about animals in zoos. Ok, the religion part I could have take..."

I am not religious at all, but his take on it, intrigued me. I'm listening to it and I'm enjoying the idea of the zoo and this Indian boy. I am not finding it boring at all either.

Yes I agree. How he basically says "why can't I be all religions. Why can't I just be RELIGIOUS" that's how I feel I am. Why can't I just believe without being labeled?

Karena wrote: "Jeane wrote: "I definitely didn't think the beginning was slow at all! I felt draw in immediately! I was like a sponge sucking up what he had to say about animals in zoos. Ok, the religion part I c..."

His take on religion was rather interesting, and I preferred his take on it much more then a vast majority of other philosophical religious discussions. Plus it is important to know his religious stance for further reading.

Jeane wrote: "Karena wrote: "Jeane wrote: "I definitely didn't think the beginning was slow at all! I felt draw in immediately! I was like a sponge sucking up what he had to say about animals in zoos. Ok, the re..."

I agree. :)

I am loving it. The descriptions are colorful, and I love Pi's sense of humor. Loved the description of the xoo animals, and his defense of zoos was fascinating. I loved his commentary on Christianity.....I found the "outsiders" viewpoint fascinating.

Am loving this story.

Upon first impressions, I was immediately taken by his writing style. I found it very fun, light, and wonderfully descriptive. Im not much of an animal person and I found myself really enjoying his descriptions of the family zoo along with all the unique traits of all its animals.

Although not an animal person, I cannot side with him on his opinion as a zoo being a better alternative to the wild. I would like to think living free is worth the risk of parasites and predators. Id take my chances out in the wild. Who are we to make these decisions for them?

As far as his religious choices go, it was really interesting to read about and I wonder why more people dont take this same stance. I am not at all religious but I like to see what sways people and see the different lifestyles they choose. Also, cant go wrong in joining many religions, better chances in securing a ticket to heaven. Its a safe bet.

I really look forward to diving into this book. I wasnt sure about it at first, with all the hype and I probably would have never picked it up on my own.

Brittany wrote: "Upon first impressions, I was immediately taken by his writing style. I found it very fun, light, and wonderfully descriptive. Im not much of an animal person and I found myself really enjoying h..."

On that last paragraph, Brittany, you and I were on the same page. :)

I think I agree with Brittany about the descriptions. Martel's ennumerations are just really beautiful and imaginatives.

I also don't agree about the zoo beeing better, but, as Caitriona said, it has very powerfull arguments. And also I think this arguments are there, not for us to change the way we think about zoos, but to open our minds to oder views of the world (the same with religion)...

I with both of you Karu and Caitriona, it is refreshing to see the different perspectives and there were some very powerful arguments that made me think on it for a bit

Loving this opening third. It's a re-read for me, and I'm getting a lot more out of it this time around. I think what the author is doing is using zoos and religion to ask the same questions about us as humans: they are both complex artificial constructs that give the multifarious 'inhabitants' security and space to thrive. When he's talking about animals he's actually talking about people, and the people in the story are all aspects of an individual's personality ... or maybe not. Either way, Pi is a charming wee spirit.

I like it so far. I mean, yeah, I found that it was kinda slow and I think a couple of parts might have bored me, but I still like it. I like the descriptions and Pi's open-mindedness the most, I think. Also, I fell for what the author did. I thought it was a true story >_<

Alex wrote: "I've never read so many commas. I'm finding the technique of exhaustive lists rather repetitive e.g. in Chapter 8: "The obituary of zoo animals that have died from being fed foreign bodies would in..."

I am now really glad I chose to listen to the audiobook this time. That would have driven me nuts. I read this one book once that every time the characters talked they used exclamation points. It was some crappy romance novel I had picked up out of boredom so it wasn't anything important, but how annoying!

(see what I did there? lol. Ok I need to get offline if I'm being corny.)

Martin wrote: "Loving this opening third. It's a re-read for me, and I'm getting a lot more out of it this time around."

I just finished reading the book for the first time last night. During the first part, I had thoughts very similar to what I see from many other posters here. It was interesting reading his thoughts on religion, zoos, and animals but it wasn't blowing me away.

Now that I'm done, I want to reread it. I'm sure Martin is right that I would get much more out of the second reading of Part 1 now that I know where the book is going.

Martin wrote: "When he's talking about animals he's actually talking about people"

Indeed. I also think now that Pi's thoughts on zoos being "better" than freedom in the wild is a metaphor for what we do to ourselves with religion. Are we better off allowing ourselves to be constrained by religion or being truly "free" and recognizing the frequently bleak reality of an existence without God? I suspect I would get a lot more out of rereading Part 1 with this in mind.

Thomas wrote: "Martin wrote: "When he's talking about animals he's actually talking about people"

Indeed. I also think now that Pi's thoughts on zoos being "better" than freedom in the wild is a metaphor for what we do to ourselves with religion."

I second that. Despite the slow start and long narrative of the introduction, but it came handy later on. Actually, what I found intriguing the most is how he managed to tackle a subject as subtle as Religion, that needs a lot of tact to go through, in the most light hearted manner. Religion over history was a reason for conflict and lead to more division, when it essentialy existed as a way for bringing humans together. It gets clearer that it's not the fault of Religion, but the human perception/misperception of it.

Marwa wrote: "Thomas wrote: "Martin wrote: "When he's talking about animals he's actually talking about people"

Indeed. I also think now that Pi's thoughts on zoos being "better" than freedom in the wild is a m..."

This is what I have been trying to figure out how to say and not knowing how. Thank you for that, lol. I agree 100% and I think it is one of the most intriguing/beautiful parts of the story.

I'm on chapter 17 now and it's very interesting so far ...i love how he describes the behaviour of the animals from the Zoo and also i like how the author directly adresses to me..i hope it will be even more interesting

Andreea wrote: "I'm on chapter 17 now and it's very interesting so far ...i love how he describes the behaviour of the animals from the Zoo and also i like how the author directly adresses to me..i hope it will be..."

IT DOES! I feel like the first half of the book was boring but trust me, the second half of the book is amazing! It turned out to be one of my favorite books. When you get past a large chunk of the religion section, it gets better. Once you reach the part of him getting on a ship - this book will blow your mind.

Karena wrote: "Alex wrote: "I've never read so many commas. I'm finding the technique of exhaustive lists rather repetitive e.g. in Chapter 8: "The obituary of zoo animals that have died from being fed foreign bo..."

I see what you did there!!!! haaaa

Martin wrote: "Loving this opening third. It's a re-read for me, and I'm getting a lot more out of it this time around. I think what the author is doing is using zoos and religion to ask the same questions about ..."

Exactly! I find it interesting how many ways the author reinforces the idea that the talk about the zoos and the ideas of religion are really one and the same. For example, Chapter 1 page 3, he lets us know that he "took a double-major Bachelor's degree. My majors were religious studies and zoology."

Chapter 4 is loaded with comparisons between how (and why) people behave the way they do and making the argument that animal's behavior and priorities would mimic people's behavior and priorities.

Then, on page 19 near the end of Chapter 4, after he shared many reasons why zoos are not so bad, and perhaps even preferable to being in the wild, he equates religion and zoos again. "I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain illusions about freedom plague them both."

I'm going to keep this last quote in mind as I read the rest of the book. It seems significant to me.

I have watched the movie, and this is my first time reading the book. I think having watched the movie will help me get more out of the reading of the book. There is much more to think about in the book than the movie, so I am glad that I saw the movie first, as a kind of primer.

This is a re-read for me also, I read it about ten years ago when it first came out and I wasn't impressed at all but thought I would give it another go. I am SO glad I did! This time round, I am absolutely loving it! Its been such a turn around for me, I can hardly believe it. I also found the zoo/religion parts very interesting, and some parts made me chuckle. The thought of a sloth being described as having a good-natured expression on its face is just too funny.

I think it's fascinating that everyone feels so differently about this first section. I was drawn in from the very beginning (though my audio version did not have the introduction and I went back and read it after just a few pages. I'm glad I did!) and am fascinated not only by the vivid descriptions but also by the "other point of view" on zoos and religions.

I liked that the father took them through the zoo and showed the dangers. A bit harsh? Perhaps, but also effective. Frankly, we live in the real world and their real world is a zoo. Too often we hear about some tourist climbing over a fence or sticking their arm where it doesn't belong even though there are signs and boundaries clearly marked. Education is the best safety net.

I also listened on audio and am very glad of this. The accent is there but not overdone and brings the story to life as if he's really sitting there telling it to me. The little English phrases he uses playfully are much funnier when listened to in the accent and the whole story just takes on a more far off land, good yarn kind of feel with lots of playfulness in it. I LOVED how he went about inventing his nickname! How clever and adorable!