The Next Best Book Club discussion

Please welcome our host for Life of Pi, member Chelsea!

Be sure to mark your spoilers!

What a great choice... While I likely won't re-read the book I found the the explanation of the metaphors by the narrator very powerful.

I have to be honest, I'm hesitant about this one but I'm open minded enough to know ill be so glad I read it when I've finished. So glad this group read is on to encourage me.

I'd started reading this book after being blown away by the film, but I fell out of my 'reading mode' a few pages into it. That was several months ago though. I'm looking forward to the group read and getting back into it.

Cheers to the moderator for organising. :-)

I absolutely love this book.It is one of my all time favourites.I was enchanted with the story and the profound emotions and experiences of the protagonist on his journey of survival against all odds.Wonderful book.

Kate wrote: "I'd started reading this book after being blown away by the film, but I fell out of my 'reading mode' a few pages into it. That was several months ago though. I'm looking forward to the group rea..."

That is exactly what happened to me, so I am glad it is this months pick to help keep me reading to the end. I have heard so many good things about it and I loved the movie.

I read this one really fast and loved it. The movie was good but I feel like it glossed over or completely skipped some of the things that made this book so deep. I loved the part where he compares running a zoo to running a hotel-it cracked me up!

Another part I really liked was the part where the narrator was defending zoos. We so often hear the other perspective-that it's cruel for animals to be in a zoo and that those animals cannot be happy. Disney movies pound it into our young minds. A lot of people believe that that it is cruel, and yet still visit zoos. So this completely different perspective was interesting to hear. Do you agree with Pi's family?

I have taught this novel for years in my English 10 class, and am very much looking forward to being in a book club that is discussing it! I absolutely love this novel and can't wait to hear what everyone has to say!

Chelsea wrote: "I read this one really fast and loved it. The movie was good but I feel like it glossed over or completely skipped some of the things that made this book so deep. I loved the part where he compar..."

I agree with what you said about the movie. They definitely glossed over some of the key points, such as religion and why it meant so much to Pi!

I read this book a few months ago, and loved it! Agree that the movie was good, gorgeous cinematography, but of course, it glossed over some key points of the story. But that happens a lot in movies, I've found.

A long while since I've read it, but here are my thoughts (they were strongly felt at the time).

The opening I fell in love with. India as a setting was beautiful and the writing reflected a fine tradition of wonderful Indian writing. The setting, the characters and the discussions were really engaging and a delight.

As soon as the boat sank (and I assume that's not spoiling anything for anyone) I became quickly bored. The description felt hugely over-the-top and I didn't care what happened.

The ending was a revelation, of course. Quite superb. It made me want to alter my opinion of that very long middle, but sadly it couldn't.

My overriding opinion - rather dull.

Have not read the book or seen the movie. Guess I'd better get started, looking forward to it! Hopefully I can keep up I'm all ready getting a late start.

When I started this book, I was not impressed. As the book progressed, it became more interesting but I still kept asking myself why I persisted in reading this strange, little story. And then there was the completely unexpected ending (for me at least). So, when I finished the book, I had to flip back through the book from the beginning with a new perspective. It was indeed deeper than I expected. If you want to set it aside, as I almost did, keep pushing onward. It is only once you get to the end that you begin to really understand the story, IMHO.

I really enjoyed reading life of pi, it was an insightful, humorous and adventurous novel!

No takers on my last discussion question? Here's another...(view spoiler)[At the end we hear Pi tell of another tale. Which story do you think actually happened? (hide spoiler)]

Nigel wrote: "A long while since I've read it, but here are my thoughts (they were strongly felt at the time).

The opening I fell in love with. India as a setting was beautiful and the writing reflected a fine ..."

I also find most of it not very interesting except for the ending, which imo is brilliant.

Chelsea wrote: "No takers on my last discussion question? Here's another...[spoilers removed]"

Spoiler alert, of course: I think that "actually happened" is an interesting phrase to use in a book of fiction that is also, at its core, about the theme of faith. The word "actually" doesn't have a lot of meaning in these circumstances, but I think that anyone who has read the book understands that the author himself *wants* us to ask ourselves this question. In a world where there's no "proof" of what happened, we literally get to choose the story that has the most meaning to us. In the same way, in a world in which we don't know much about the origins (or even day-to-day administration) of existence, we get to choose the narrative that makes most sense to us.

This may seem more like a literary device than anything else, but I wonder if there's "actual" truth to it. We live in a bizarre universe, one that is extremely weird not just at the quantum level but, as is increasingly understood, at the human-scale level. For a look at some of the recent science, see this TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/aaron_o_conn...

Ok, but back to the original question, which I don't want to dodge. I choose to believe that the main narrative is what actually happened within the universe of the book.

Ummmmm I have given up. Waaaay too much discussion on religion (not that I'm against religion by any means) and just too tedious - for me. I got to 21%. Maybe I'll pick it back up in the future.

Although I didn't spell it out, I meant in the universe of the book as it is all obviously a work of fiction. I love that we are free to use our imagination to pick which of the two stories to believe. I choose to believe the second story that is told. When Pi is being questioned, I think the men make some good points when they are critical of the first story. Which ties into my views on religion. There are things that I believe in that I have not physically seen, but I do have a lot of doubt when things get sketchy. I need a lot of "proof" for lack of a better word to back up my beliefs. Plus, I love to imagine that when Pi (view spoiler)[talked about Richard Parker, he was really referring to a part of himself that had to come out to survive. It ties into the theme in the beginning of the book-man being the most dangerous animal in the zoo. This story shows how much we are capable of, when it comes down to necessity, that we never would have dreamed possible of ourselves under normal circumstances. (hide spoiler)]

Chelsea, I understand your point. What really amazed me more of this book, is that when I picked it, I knew it was about a boy surviving in a boat with a tiger and I was sure I could not believe that. I thought it was just impossible. After more than 200 pages explaining the process, I finally believed it possible. Probably not any boy with any tiger, but I believed it would be possible in this case. Then at the end of the book Pi (view spoiler)[ tell us a different story, shaking me again! I feel I don't need to chose one of the stories as the real one. I like to be in this "shaking" state. (hide spoiler)] I think is amazing the way Martel did it. And since Pi question (view spoiler)[ is not which is the most believable story, but Which is the best story, I chose the story with animals, because is definitively beautiful (hide spoiler)] (Hope you got my point. My English is not native, sorry)

I know what you mean-I thought the same thing about it taking you by surprise. It seemed impossible and yet felt so believable for most of the book. There were two points in the story when I started to question the believability. One was when he (view spoiler)[bumped into another life boat with someone who was also stranded at sea. The other was when he was on that crazy island. The island part really threw me for a loop. I remember thinking-why is the book suddenly turning sci-fi? (hide spoiler)] Which brings me to my next question for the group...What do you think was the significance of the island?

I think that both (view spoiler)[ the island and the boat with other blind guy (hide spoiler)] were delusions in Pi madness.
In the specific case of the island, I think could be even a writing tool to allow everybody rest for a while. (view spoiler)[ What I mean is that at some point you feel exhausted of all being ocean, hunger, thirst. I needed a break. Pi needed a break. Probably the author needed a break too!
And in the encounter with the blind guy, of course I didn't buy it. Only as a delusion. But at the beginning of this part Pi thinks is Richard Parker speaking to him, and I loved the idea. I would prefer the episode go on this way. A delusion, of course, but I would be great "listen" the tiger voice in all of this at least for a moment. Don't you think? (hide spoiler)]

What do you think was the significance of the island?
I think the island not only presents a respite but a major choice: (view spoiler)[I suspect that there comes a time in most of our lives when we're faced with choosing between a safe haven and a risky journey. The former is physically safer but spiritually dangerous, whereas the latter is physically dangerous but spiritually necessary. The island represents this choice for Pi. (hide spoiler)]

Chelsea wrote: "Another part I really liked was the part where the narrator was defending zoos. We so often hear the other perspective-that it's cruel for animals to be in a zoo and that those animals cannot be h..."

I think that zoos have their place in society. They strive to keep endangered populations from the brink of extinction with their reproductive programs. Also, if one didn't have zoos, the vast majority of people would never see these animals in real life. Personally, I can only visit zoos every so many years, because it is difficult to witness captivity and not feel empathy with the animals. But conversely, I am thrilled to see them up close.

I am getting it from the library tonight!! Can't wait to start reading my first book from the club!!

Tina wrote: "Chelsea wrote: "Another part I really liked was the part where the narrator was defending zoos. We so often hear the other perspective-that it's cruel for animals to be in a zoo and that those ani..."

Agreed. It's good to be reminded of the benefits of zoos, but I haven't been to one for years, for the same reasons you state.

I read the bit regarding defense of zoos last night. Interesting take. After seeing the film, I was wondering how the author handles the zoo philosophy in the book. I'm not buying it 100% when he says wild animals are just as happy there as in the wild, but I appreciate the purposes zoos serve to protect endangered species.

I actually really enjoyed the discussions of religion. I know little of religions other than my own so i found it refreshing. I also enjoyed the way Pi navigated the three religions.

Korene wrote: "I actually really enjoyed the discussions of religion. I know little of religions other than my own so i found it refreshing. I also enjoyed the way Pi navigated the three religions."

I also enjoyed it. And it's pivotal to the plot and theme of the book, including the ending. In a sense, this book is all about faith.

I read this a couple of years ago and found it initially bewildering. I looked up some of the symbolism and began to find my way through. I'm looking forward to following the discussion. I enjoyed it and the movie.

I found the parts about religion to be interesting as well. Why do you think Pi wanted to be faithful to more than one religion?

Chelsea wrote: "I found the parts about religion to be interesting as well. Why do you think Pi wanted to be faithful to more than one religion?"

I'd say because he found them all to be true and relevant to his life. It's part of his character to think beyond the binary. Reminds me of Whitman: "Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes." Pi definitely contains multitudes.

It's been a while since I've read this book but it's still one of my all time favourite books. Martel is also one of my favourite authors.

I watched the movie recently and while I found it visually stunning it failed to capture the awe and raw emotion that I felt reading this book.

Looking forward to the discussion!

Mark-that Whitman quote really fits this story! So true. I love the innocence of Pi. It never seemed to occur to him that the leaders of these religions would have an issue with him practicing more than one. I think he just wanted to love God in all ways possible. Each different way of worshiping made him feel closer to God even though they were not all from the same religion.

Dani- I totally agree. That one particular scene in the movie where Pi is on the life boat at sunrise and everything is so yellow-absolutely beautiful. It was so artistically done. But at the same time, the movie didn't go into the depth and meaning that the book held. So typical of movies.

Dani wrote: "I watched the movie recently and while I found it visual..."

I agree, but with a caveat. I've seen the movie twice (long story), once in 3D. I thought the movie was done about as well as it could have been. I think it's crazy they were able to pull it off at all. Some of the scenes are astonishing! I do recommend it, for those who haven't seen it. But, in the end, I'm more of a book person, especially for a novel this internalized.

when this book came out years ago I read up on the blurb and put it back down, I mean a boy on a boat with animals? No way was I reading it. When I did a '100 books must read' challenge it was on it abd WOW was I impressed. I loved the storytelling, pulled you in from page one and kept you hooked the whole way through. Rich with symbolic and yes religious tones but not overtly so and what an ending! I for one had to read that last bit twice and sat opened mouthed for a while. Massive book hangover with it. Loved loved loved it, highly recommend.

I think the reason (view spoiler)[ the island was included in the story is that people have the tendency to get comfortable at things that are satisfying and not take any chance to do something with larger risks. As it turns out, people who kept on being in their comfort zone would not be able to 'live' again, they rot in their own comfort zone alone, just like in the book. (hide spoiler)] IMO, Martel has done a good job on portraying it.

The reason why Piscine holds different religion is as what he described in the book, (view spoiler)["I just want to love God." I think he found, in every religion he holds, a part of himself.
It's kind of hard to explain but it's like when we believe on some parts of Christianity, but not all of them, then we believe on some parts of Muslim, but not all of them, then we believe on some parts of Hinduism, but not all of them, then what we TRULY believe in is the combination of the three of them, like Pi does, each religion containing different beliefs. (hide spoiler)] I think this is also the case in the majority of people, like people who believes in not lying, but also believes in lying for the greater good.

I loved loved LOVED the beginning half of the book. Once on the boat, it felt a little too long & drawn out to me. I realize this may have been the point, however.

One thing - (view spoiler)[Does anyone think Pi's grisly second story told at the end to the Japanese men was actually the true one? It is definitely the more realistic one. (hide spoiler)]

Karly wrote: "One thing - [spoilers removed]"

You might want to skip up to message 17 in this thread and read some of the responses in regard to that point.

In regard to your first point, I never grew very bored during the voyage, perhaps because of all the dynamics - both external and internal - occurring. Still, I think you're right in that the author is sometimes trying to illustrate how tedious such a situation must be.

N-I loved your phrase- a book hang over-that's exactly how I felt! Totally blown away and I had to just sit there and think about it all for a while.

Oh thank you, Mark. I didn't notice someone else had the same question.

Kimberly - I think you bring up a few good points. Pi makes religion a deeply personal matter for himself. He finds it hard be 100% committed to just one, because he sees no reason to be exclusive and shut out humanity's many other ways of "loving God." He also was not raised in any strict orthodox faith or following, and it seems to be the case that sometimes people who never had religion forced upon them end up seeking it out on their own & being more devout than those who grew up in a particular belief.

How did you like the flash forewords in the first half of the book? (view spoiler)[ We find out these are Pi years after he survives on the life boat. (hide spoiler)] Do you like knowing or being in suspense?

Chelsea wrote: "Do you like knowing or being in suspense?"

Oddly enough, I didn't find these two things to be mutually exclusive.

Karly: I agree, more people who are brought up with a religion usually just sees it as a habit we must do instead of a necessity for the soul.

Actually, the first time I read the book I did not read the Author's Note, so I was quite confused when (view spoiler)[ several chapters in italic (in my copy) were totally two different stories. So, I used to skip those chapters and did not quite know that Pi survived. (hide spoiler)] Looking back, I felt that without the suspense, I would not be as vigorous as I was trying to finish the book. But when I re-read again, I'd love to have the flash forewords to understand further the themes and symbolism that the author has used.

I loved this book! I read it in under 24 hours! I thought it was impressive that a child that young was so into learning and practicing three types of religions. A lot of children today don't show that type of drive to learn.

I'm finally on the ship...er, was on the ship.

I've read through the discussion and suspect I'm a minority, but I'll just ask. Did anyone else struggle a bit to stay interested in the first third of the book? I'm not a religious person but am nevertheless slightly surprised that I'm not feeling more interest in the spiritual aspect so far. And I must admit that following three different religions doesn't make sense to me, nor am I particularly inspired that someone else does. Am I meant to be inspired?

I don't think religion was the point, more the belief in something. The storytelling was set up from the beginning with the tale of his name - in my opinion the book is asking "what is your belief, what actually happened?" not going into spoilerville but I hope you find out what I mean!

Kate: I read this with several other friends of mine, most of them struggled in part one, so don't worry. As for the religion, I believe the book is saying we all have our own individual beliefs, like Pi says about (view spoiler)[atheists and agnostics (hide spoiler)] in the beginning.

Kate wrote: "I'm finally on the ship...er, was on the ship.

I've read through the discussion and suspect I'm a minority, but I'll just ask. Did anyone else struggle a bit to stay interested in the first third..."

It wasn't as memorable as the parts that are now coming up for you, so I'm sure you're in good company. Hang in there!