Rating: 
Summary: What Is Life Really About? . . . Enjoy . . . Enjoy . . .
Review: The Old Man and the Sea lets us see our own lives more clearly, by experiencing the challenge to and empathizing with the fisherman in this classic tale of man versus nature and man versus himself that explores the true nature of human nobility. Even if the story was not so compelling and universal in its appeal and themes, the book is worth the trip just for the writing. Simple words, simple sentences, and metaphors on top of metaphors make for a magnificent experience for you. Seldom has so much complexity been portrayed with such simplicity. What's even more astonishing is how short this novella is. Amazing! Just to let you know how much I love this book, The 2,000 Percent Solution was designed to draw on many of the novel's elements to convey important ideas. Communication is what people have the most trouble with in cooperating with each other. Any time you run into that stall, think about how Hemingway would have solved the problem. Tell a story like this one that makes the point you want to share. Read this book, reread this book, and enjoy ... enjoy ... enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Nothingness
Review: The book wasn't too long, in fact, it was incredibly short. And while it is full of symbolism that a person may not catch in the first read, it still wasn't worth it. I'm not a person that hates reading books, in fact, I enjoy it, but when I read this one, it was a struggle to continue reading. I did not find it too enjoyable, and I doubt if any people who do not enjoy reading/fishing/symbolism are going to really want to pick this one up.
Rating: 
Summary: Torn with Conflict
Review: One doesn't have to fish to enjoy "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway; the story is short and told with simplicity. When reading this work one should try to imagine living the life which Santiago must endure, a hard and unsure life. Because Santiago has been down on his luck he must catch this great fish which he needs to survive and regain the respect of his peers. As the epic battle rages on, Santiago begins to feel as though the fish, a grander Marlin, is his brother. This belief makes Santiago feel guilty about finally dispatching the great animal. Though he has triumphed over the fish he still is defeated by nature. Hemingway uses several conflicts to show the theme of the novel, man versus self, man versus beast, and man versus nature. The most significant of these being man versus self. Santiago must face himself, as he has aged he feels weak and useless. He must fight this fish as he fights himself, his hands and muscles do not perform as they used to and he must be strong to overcome the fish. Santiago is in great pain and he must defeat himself to triumph over the fish. Hemingway also installs into Santiago a love for the magnificent creature. Santiago struggles to kill the fish; he is filled with guilt because he feels as though the fish and he have a bond. Hemingway is showing that the strength of man is minute when compared to that of the wild and that man must find triumph in the dark reaches of defeat.
Rating:
Summary: A short, yet towering tale.
Review: You don't come across a lot of stuff like this in literature: a novella that has so much depth to it. And when you do, well, you treasure it. Hemingway was a phenomenal writer and this story is even more phenomenal than him. Though very short, it is like a divine piece of literature. Not only for fishermen, but for anyone who enjoys good literature. The storyline is of much simplicity, but through those terse sentences in which this story is written, there is so much. This is the story that really assured Hemingway the Nobel Prize. I shan't say more about it, just read the book! This is the quintessential classic.
Rating: 
Summary: Over-rated Drivel
Review: Ernest Hemingway is probably the most over-rated American author of the last century. This books makes you wonder if he was ever NOT in a drunken stupor when he was writting it, and forces you to look deeper than required to find the non-existant theme. The plot is dull, boring, and filled to the brim with undescriptive phrases, poorly used literary devices, and.....well....NOTHINGNESS! This book is on my all time DO NOT EVEN READ list. It should be on yours too.
Rating:
Summary: The Old Man and the Sea
Review: By far one of the most profoundly beautiful pieces of American literature ever written. Hemingway's simple language makes Santiago's fight with the marlin all the more spectacular. The scene at the end when Santiago walks home brings tears to the eyes because of its simple beauty. I would recommend this work to anyone who enjoys a great story with powerful characters. The descriptions of the sea and what Santiago is going through makes the reader see, hear, taste, and feel everything as he does. What an incredible book from an incredible author!
Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: Hemingway's The Old man and The Sea was an enjoyable book for me to read. I appreciated his simplicity in writing, and his to the point style. At first I was unclear about the purpose of the book and was unfufilled after finishing it, but after thinking about it in depth I began to appreciate the book more and more. Hemingway's simple language and uncomplicated storyline make the reader strive for the deeper meaning. This meaning is found within the symbolism of the story and anlysation of events. Within this simple story about a man who catches a fish are an array of complicated issues and deeper meanings. To me, Hemingway's genius is deeply apparent.
Rating:
Summary: The importance of being Ernest.
Review: I, like many, have laboured my way through a number of books that are hailed as modern classics and have been left wondering why they are acclaimed as such. Therefore, it was with some degree of trepidation that I began reading the tale of Santiago, the ancient Cuban fisherman. Do not be put off by critics eager to impress upon you how they grappled with the religious symbolism and spiritual undercurrent. Instead Hemingway's crisp, clear style will have you loosening your collar as you bake in the hot sun on the Old Man's boat. In this slim volume you share in Santiago's recollections, friendships, joys and his frustration. Despite the brevity of this book, it is a must for anyone who wishes to enjoy one of the ultimate displays of power through the written word.
Rating:
Summary: Go Fishing Instead
Review: Have you ever watched anyone fish? Pretty boring, isn't it? Well, just imagine how much more boring it would be to read about somebody else fishing. That should give you a sense of how mind-numbing an experience it is to read "The Old Man and the Sea." I am not ignorant of its deep religious symbolism. It is certainly a profound story, but it also happens to be a very dull one.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Classic
Review: This is the first Hemingway book I have read, and while it was not great I do not regret reading it. I had my doubts about a "fishing story," but it turned out to be engaging to the end and a very worthwhile read. Hemingway's celebrated style of writing does not impress me, but it does offer a distinct and wholey original style which is refreshing. I am one for sad and pointed endings, but I really would have preffered a happier ending to this tale.
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