Rating: 
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read.
Review: Ishmael made me question many accepted beliefs that I had held for a long time. I feel it is a magnificent book because it addresses all of humanity. It asks us all to seek a cure for our sickened species. We are at war with Nature. Sooner or later Nature will counterattack. What are we going to do about it?
Rating:
Summary: Quinn wins!
Review: Just finished reading the book for the second time and it seems even more resonating then the first. When I assigned the novel to my students, I noticed one of either two things: either they did not get passed a gorilla speaking and continued looking straight ahead in class, or they devoured its ideas up. There are many themes and ideas in this very accessible novel; it makes for exciting discussion and exploration. Use this novel as a catalyst for ideas and a stimulation for exploratory learning, especially if you are at all interested in difficult (read: dangerous) concepts. Don't read it if you like to be pacified.
Rating:
Summary: The beginning of a new paradigm!
Review: If the people of this planet can learn from Ishmael and begin enacting a new story in the world, one that does not pit the world as the enemy of man that must be conquered, but one that says man has a place in the world, but his place is not to rule it, then humanity will be able to live on this planet for thousands, if not millions of years. If the messages of Ishmael and others like it are not heard and responded to, humanity will soon be extinct and we will take a large portion of earth's other inhabitants with us. Ishmael was one of the greatest books I ever read and Daniel Quinn and others like him will be the world's salvation-- if we listen.
Rating:
Summary: You've got to read this book!
Review: Why are we destroying the planet Earth, its ecosystems, and its inhabitants, including ourselves? Was man destined to destroy the world? Why is man's rule of the world not working? Can man live in ways that work for himself and the world? Did he ever live in such ways? The truth is that if 6 billion of us continue to live the way we currently are living, we will not last on this planet much longer. We are in the process of eliminating ourselves and we are taking a large number of the world's species out with us. Along with this, we are forcing people to live miserable lives which manifest themselves in all the problems of our culture. Wouldn't you prefer to live satisfying lives? Wouldn't you prefer you children and grandchildren to live on a healthy planet? Why can't humanity live on this planet for thousands and millions of more years? If we continue to think and live the way we do now, humans will not live on this planet very much longer, but if we change the way we think and operate on this planet, the entire community of life on this planet can go on, evolving and living satisfying lives. Let Ishmael show you how things came to be the way they are, what we're doing and thinking that is destroying the world, and take you on an adventure of the mind and spirit which is vital to saving the world.
Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant in many ways, but oversimplified
Review: I was essentially forced to read Ishmael by a perpetually plastered attorney who was trying to teach me life lessons... I enjoyed the book. I think he brought up many valid points, and I appreciated the comparison he made between early flying machines and our civilization. He also points out the fallacies inherent in our providing food to starving nations, but I believe there must be a better alternative than simply letting them starve. Although humans have to obey the same laws as other animals, we are different from them and must maintain that difference. Art and music, for example, are not destroying our civilization but are not prevalent in Leaver cultures to the extent that they are here. I also found the inclusion of *all* Native American and other aboriginal people into one group to be rather outdated. American Indians had territorial wars as well. But despite these inaccuracies, I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to *those mature enough to understand it*. (Hint, hint...)
Rating: 
Summary: I also wish I could give it zero stars!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really hate this book. I can't understand how anybody can actually like this book. It's impossible to believe anything that comes out of a Gorilla's head, even if that Gorilla is Mr. Quinn himself. With Gorilla gone, is there hope for man? In this case, Yes. Getting rid of Ishmael would be a great plus to society!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: The one book everyone on the planet should read
Review: This is by far the most important book I have ever read. I could talk almost endlessly about it. Some points: It is important to remember that ISHMAEL should be read for knowledge, not plot; as a new paradigm on humans on this planet it is excellent, and hopefully will shake up the minds of many readers. If you liked ISHMAEL, read MY ISHMAEL and THE STORY OF B. They broaden the playing field, and are more philosophical in nature.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I could give it zero stars.
Review: It's not a book to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown away with great force. It's so bad I don't even know where to begin. The writing is awful and seems to be geared toward eight year olds. Every sensible thing he said has been said many times before, and the rest was ridiculous. Okay, humans are actually supposed to be teachers for when other animals start to talk. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard! The logic is presented in such a smug manner that any of the dozens of valid counterpoints for every point made are treated as idiotic, like Ishmael is the all-knowing authority on everything. Anything else is just "Mother Culture" brainwashing you. I could see how nonreligious people might like some of it, but he openly attacks 3 major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He even contradicts himself: he spends the book telling how agriculture is the root of all problems, and then he says, "Oh, you can still be farmers"! The message is ultimately depressing, and his stance that Leavers are wonderful and Takers are terrible is tiring. Would you rather die at thirty and live at the mercy of the elements? This whole thing is a sham, and I'm only reading it for school.
Rating: 
Summary: a different, albeit fictional take on a very real situation
Review: Many of the reviews I have read seem to focus on Quinn's expertise as a supposed authority on our societal condition. Certainly if one were looking for an anthology of the social perspective, this would not be the book of choice. However, if a reader has never been exposed to this type of thought-provoking material, it can certainly be a worthwhile read. I think this book would be an excellent choice in any entry level social science course in order to raise awareness and gain a unique perspective on the human condition.
Rating:
Summary: Invest your hard-earned book money elsewhere
Review: A novel idea, but lacks "what can I do about it" clout. Too much repetition, and nothing more than a new age, reflective diatribe (one man's opinion of humankind's assault on nature and the animal kingdom. Do yourself a favor and invest in material that gives hard core answers. I was told this would be a life-changing read. Indeed, it is not!
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