The Solitaire Mystery

Rating:
Summary: Look at life in a whole new fashion
Review: The Solitaire Mystery, while written in the vein of fantastical young adult literature, transcends any particular genre or age group. Gaarder incorporates his philosophy expertise into this ingeniously crafted tale that sparks the imagination and galvanizes the spirit. As we follow a truly singular dichotomy of tales -- one in the real world and one in a magical world of Rainbow Soda and a living and breathing deck of cards.

One cannot truly do justice to this incredible tome in an abbreviated book review other than by simply exhorting others to read it and discover the magic for oneself. Valuable life lessons and refreshing new outlooks on life are yours for the asking...errr, I mean reading.

"The only thing I know is that I know nothing."
- Socrates (as quoted by Gaarder)

Rating:
Summary: One of my favourite books of all time.
Review: This book would have to be one of my absolute favourite books of all time. Unlike the world famous, Sophie's World by Gaarder, which reads like a textbook with an occational plot, the Solitare Mystery succeeds in fully incorporating philsophical exploration into the magical adult fairy tale. In otherwords it is a far more enjoyable read than Sophie's World. I hightly recommend it to anyone. Older children would even enjoy this read, and it would make a great book to read during those difficult transition years when teenagers move from childrens to adult books.

For reference the story is continued on to some extent in the book by Gaarder 'Maya'.

I must also note that while this book was absolutely fantastic, in future books (with the exception of the most recent one, 'The Ring master's Daughter'), Gaarder takes the analogy of the pack of cards in particular the joker as the philosopher a bit too far. He does this in the kids books too. So enjoy this one, because it is one of his best!