Rating: 
Summary: Impossible to enjoy
Review: This book is a kind of slow, viral torture designed to bury itself in the brainstems of those who truely believe the handful of valid points the author's gorilla pounds into us over and over and over again.Not only is this book is bad sociology, it is just plain bad writing. If you liked this book, you've been manipulated.
Rating: 
Summary: You MUST read ISHMAEL, then READ IT AGAIN
Review: This book, like Sagan's "Billions and Billions" and "Pale Blue Dot", contains messages that should be required reading in every school. The method of delivering the message is unique and fascinating. The insights are relevant and provocative and meaningful. This is a VISIONARY work.
Rating: 
Summary: Certainly a different perspective
Review: Loosley bounded by the plotline of a gorilla teaching a man to save the world, Ishmael is purely a vehicle to convey Quinn's perspective of the world and its impending demise at the hands of "civilization". Quinn's, or the gorilla's, argument is full of gaping holes and guilty of making dozens of sweeping generalizations supported by nothing but more sweeping generalizations. Ismael has neither the emotional impact of a fable (The Alchemist) nor the reality distorting flair of the great Latin American writers of fiction (Ficciones), but does successfully present a unique, if flawed, perspective on the state of mankind. Because it's a quick read and because it might just change the way you look at the world around you, Ishmael is nonetheless worth the effort.
Rating: 
Summary: Christian reviewer says READ IT
Review: As a book of social commentary with an anthropological slant, I feared that this essay would fly in the face of all I find sacred. In truth, it does insult a lot of what I find holy, but still is VERY WORTH THE READ. It gets at the heart of many topics that MUST be addressed in the world - and addressed soon. Overpopulation and lack of responsibility is demonstrated, and demonstrated in an interesting and congnitive way.
Rating:
Summary: If you only read one book in your entire life Ishmael is it!
Review: I won't say this book will change your life. I can only say that it has changed mine. I will forever look at everything differently. The ability that Quinn holds to help you look at your culture as an outsider is amazing. Even if you disagree with every statement that Quinn makes his ability to find new answers to time old questions is brillant. A word to his critics who say that Ishamel doesn't tell you what to do....please go back and read the book again (the whole point is now it is time to think for yourself- come up with your own new ideas). And for those that say Quinn is "preaching"-- when is the last time you heard of a religion or cult where the "leader" was proposing that you open your mind and challenge everything you are told? (it is after all an amazingly difficult concept.....)
Rating:
Summary: Ishmael
Review: Daniel Quinn's "Ishmael" is an essential saving-the-world instruction!
Rating:
Summary: Change is scary, take it or leave it.
Review: So many telling reviews here. Basically, I see two types of people reviewing this book: 1)Those scared but willing to accept Quinn's message, regardless of his skills as a writer or his scholarly accuracy. 2)Those scared and unwilling to accept Quinn's message, choosing in their impotence to criticize the work itself. We're all scared, and if you're not, then you better wake up, and fast. I don't see much leadership amongst us, and I'm thankful for Quinn's bold, half-baked snarl of an attempt to get his ideas through my confused and frightened skull. Since when was the truth easy?
Rating:
Summary: An ESSENTIAL addition to your library. . .
Review: As everyone knows, to gain true wisdom from reading requires the reader to RETAIN THE ESSENTIAL, TO FORGET THE NONESSENTIAL. The whole of Ishmael is such an example. It provides a fresh perspective on man and his role on this planet. It is well-written, interesting, and at times humorous. Above all, Ishmael provided me with added insight into the 'why' of Life. My only regret, and unfortunately this cannot be remedied, is that I cannot feel the exhiliration of reading Ishmael again for the first time. I envy those who have not read it...yet. Read the book. It's DEFINITELY worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: An ESSENTIAL book for your library. . .
Review: As every reader knows, to gain true wisdom from books requires the reader TO RETAIN THE ESSENTIAL, TO FORGET THE NONESSENTIAL. The entire premise of this book is neither redundant or 'yesterday's news,' as other critics might note. It is original and well-written. From the start, Quinn grabs the reader and allows him/her to see the world from an entirely different perspective. Through Ishmael, a gorilla born into captivity, Quinn tells the story of HOW THINGS CAME TO BE THIS WAY. He neither judges nor condemns, but simply tells the story of man from the standpoint of someone other than man. This book is an eye-opener. If anything, it allows the reader the opportunity to re-think that ever-popular question, "What is the meaning of life?" He does not provide an answer, of course, but he opens new doors into how we should think about our ROLE on this planet. This book is definitely worth your time. I felt like a better person for reading it. It brought about good conversation among many circles, and gave me added insight and a fresh perspective on Life. I only wish I could go back in time and feel those emotions I got from reading Ishmael for the first time. I envy those who have NOT read it...yet. Read the book. You'll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Ishmael was a complete slap in the face.
Review: Ishmael blew my mind. If you're looking for a book that will open your mind and make you more conscious of what the human race is doing to Mother Earth then read Ishmael. Each chapter brings forth a new idea and each new idea either breaks down your current beliefs or strengthens them a hundred fold. I definitely recommend reading this book. And once you have done so, you will never look at yourself or your neighbors the same way again.
| 
