Rating: 
Summary: An incredible physical and spiritual journey
Review: Life of Pi is an outstanding story: I think the greatest proof this is the wide variance in reviews here at Amazon.com. Some people loved it, some people hated it, some people loved parts that other people hated and vice versa. I personally loved it, but I think that some people are missing some of the main points of the story. Just as Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea is not a simple adventure story about an old man catching and losing a fish, "Life of Pi" is not just a simple survival story about a boy and a tiger. It's not about religion. It's about spirituality and one's perspective on existence.The book starts by fleshing out the character of Pi Patel and the impact that religion and spirituality (much to the confusion of the people around him) have on his life. The reader is drawn in to Pi's world due to Yann's natural storytelling ability. Chapter 21 is one of the key chapters to the story, where Yann/Pi first brings up the idea of the "better story." Chapter 22 is no less key, as Yann/Pi very briefly but powerfully discusses the very different interpretation of the "story" of life by an atheist and by an agnostic. The middle of the story details Pi's shipwreck experience with a simple vividness that rivals Hemingway. I was enthralled by this story as well, but others felt this part dragged on. But the key is that, although it takes up the bulk of the text, Pi's adventure at sea is NOT the key to understanding this story. Yes, it is a great example of physical and spiritual endurance, but it is not the true heart of this story. The first clue is the fact that Yann/Pi tells us very early that Pi survives and there is a "happy ending." Why give this away unless Yann is trying to tell us that this is not the point of the story? The true key to this story, which is not fully revealed until Chapter 99, is how you as the reader interpret this story. Of the two stories that Pi tells to the Japanese investigators, which do YOU think is the "better story"? (this key term appears again here) I would invite all of the people who did not enjoy this story or did not enjoy parts of it, to re-read the book with that question in mind. This is a very personal story. Life of Pi is an amazing tale of adventure, but an even more powerful agent of self-reflection. If you haven't read it, go out and read it. Life of Pi is an unforgettable ride.
Rating:
Summary: Another slice of the good stuff, please.
Review: LIFE OF PI is the best new novel I have read in years, although there have been two others that competed for this top place honor: YOU REMIND ME OF ME and the glorious and beautifully written collection of short stories titled THE CHILDREN'S CORNER by the quite adept and pithy Jackson McCrae. But PI definitely takes top place over even those. It is completely refreshing. In this novel there isn't a hint of cynicism or pessimism. It is horrific and frightening, and yet optimistic in the most moving way. The only part where the sometimes inflated ego that Mr Martel has exhibited in previous books shows through (and I write this with a smile on my face) is when he suggests that the story "will make you believe in God." Don't worry, it will not corrupt you into organized religion, be it Hinduism, Islam or Christianity, nor does it even try. Yet, perhaps the key to the fascinating affect that this beautiful and horrifying work has is this rare (even unique!) underlying spirituality. It is a book of symbols, which you at first believe are quite simple, slowly developing (like an avalanche) into complexity. And yet when the story is over it becomes clear in a shocking instant that, all along, the symbols were even more simple and meaningful (in the most realistic sense) than you could have ever imagined. I was mesmerized by this book and could not put it down. Life of Pi is a story about religion, family, individual strength, and individual struggle. The main character, a young Indian boy named Pi, gives any reader a hope when they find themselves alone or in conflict. No matter your background, you can find encouragement in his story. Sometimes graphic, Life of Pi invokes many an emotion throughout its course. Also, do try YOU REMIND ME OF ME and the wonderful CHILDREN'S CORNER by McCrae is you get a chance. Nothing like PI, but then, what is?
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Life of Pi tells the story of an Indian boy, Piscene (Pi), the son of a zoo owner, who becomes stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck which kills, among others, his entire family. I don't think there's any way to describe the story further than that. It has to be read to be understood. Read it! In the end, the story is more than simply a story of overcoming the odds or unusual circumstances. Finishing this novel is like having your eyes opened to a new aspect of humanity. I tend to take a more philosophical mindview, so I wasn't overly swayed by the book's claim that it can make you believe in God (we should always believe what we feel to be true, not what makes us most comfortable, in my opinion), but the book is a searing look at human savagery - and more importantly, how we deal with it. The book's metaphors run deep, although I know I'm going to have to read this novel again to fully grasp them all. And don't be intimidated by the book's lofty spiritual claims. This is not a theological book - it's simply a book about how one boy comes to view the world. Faith is used in a liberal spiritualistic sense, not a religious one. All in all, this is a book not to be missed. Matty J
Rating: 
Summary: A deeper look
Review: Life of Pi was a wonderful book, with notes of philosophy and theological thought tied into a well crafted story. While it may start with a slightly slower pace than other books in the genre, it is worth the effort. If you liked this, I would also recommend Golf in the Kingdom.
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Summary: Wow, Just Wow!
Review: Literary, Lyrical, Fantastical, Magical, Memorable. Unbelievably brilliant, this is one of the best books I've read in a decade. Truly memorable, Martell has created a new fable, a fantastical tale, an epic journey of survival both mental and physical, a character/narrator that is destined to become a cultural and literary icon. If you think Harry Potter was a children's book that adults could also enjoy, then this is the truly brilliant work of literary grandness that can be enjoyed by a child, a young adult, as well as an adult. Should be required reading in every 8th grade reading class. Pangs of the wonderful writing grace of Shirley Jackson; elements reminiscent of The Odyssey; memorable characterization as destined for classic as Holden Caulfield. Written in a sequence of 100 short chapters, LIFE OF PI is the perfect book for a parent and child to read (or read out loud) together. Make this book a special event in your life. Because once you start reading it, it will be. Take turns with your child reading each chapter and hand the book back and forth. But never mind the kids. Read it, adults. The story and character are as memorable as any you've read. I'm not giving anything away. I can't put my hardcover on a shelf. I'm desperately trying to give it to my friends to make them read it. It's that kind of book you'll go back and buy more copies of and give them away to the ones you love.
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Summary: Excellent Seafaring Story
Review: The Life of Pi is captivating from beginning to end, and makes an extroidonary airplane flight, bedtime, or long car trip read. It begins with the somewhat unorthodox religious practices and schoolyard rememberences of a young boy named Piscine (later shortened to Pi, for obvious reasons). During this part of the book, a concerning quality can be observed about Martel's writing... That, though religion is interesting sometimes, it must be sustained throughout to have any meaning. Pi finds good parts about many religions, and practices them all to an extent. However, the connotations about these religious practices fall off dramatically when the main plot arises. I wonder if these notions may have been better to leave out. But, writing styles aside, not since Mutiny on the Bounty have I read such a good sea adventure. When the ship Pi is riding on from India sinks, a managerie of animals and he cling to a lifeboat for safety. A brutal epic of survival follows, pitting man against tiger, man against the sea, and tiger against everything else. Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger that so happens to fall into Pi's lifeboat, becomes an integral part of the story for many reasons. Well, he would have to be, in such close quarters with a scrawny Indian boy, on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific. The middle of this book, the tale of Pi and Richard Parker's sea hardships and adventures, is the most captivating writing I've seen in a while. Keep an eye out for the part when Pi reaches the island of algea... wacky! The conclusion is a little concerning. Martel brings back the religious references a tad, but the audience is torn between two different accounts of the happenings of Pi and his Tiger. However, in true sea adventure fashion, the audience is ultimately left with a sense of happy completion. Go get this book and read it, it's well worth it!
Rating:
Summary: Incredible story
Review: The sheer number of views post on this title and the publicity it has generated tells a lot about what should be expected from the story. It is catching. This is one of the best works of fiction that my eyes have roved through and which my mind has appreciated. I like Martel's poetic style of writing, his plot and the vivid descriptions he gave of things , characters and events results the story. I was so caught up by the book that I was unable to put it down until the last page. In the end, I saw The Life of Pi became so popular. Any book who knows a good story may think he/or she is starting this book at a stroll and but would be surprised to end it at a compelling rush. The story is completely captivating, fast-paced, thrilling, inspiring, shocking and hilarious. I smiled, sighed, laughed and even wiped a tear while reading this book.
Also recommended: DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE
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Summary: To Pi ,with Love
Review: The Story of Pi is a most unusual and endearing novel. It concerns the childhood of Pi, a boy who grew up in India. He tells us that his father owned a zoo, and Pi learned how to care for all of the animals. He was also a very spiritual boy, joining three very different religions at the same time. When Pi was 16, his family decided to emigrate to Canada. They boarded a cargo ship with the zoo animals, which had been sold to American zoos, but the ship sank. Pi was the lone (human) castaway, and he found himself sharing a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, a hyena, an orangutan, and a zebra. Who survives and how make for a most entertaining story, which Pi tells with great humor, compassion, and wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a quick read, but I immediately read it a second time. The author has created a loveable character in his hero; reading his thoughts was a joy. I recommend The Life of Pi to those who enjoy stories about courage told in simple, yet quite often profound, terms.
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Summary: Great Novel
Review: This is an extremely extraordinary book. The story centers around our main character, Pi Patel; he is the son of a zookeeper in India who's actual name in full was Piscine Molitor, named after a swimming pool that a family friend went to regularly. But children at school began calling him Pissing, so he shortened it to Pi. Pi was pretty uncomfortable in school, as so many kids are. Up his alley more was home life. It's interesting to note how he observes certain behavioral "instincts" from the animals at the zoo. The same schedule and habits they are accustomed acted out day in and day out. If someone happens to come along and change their routine even a tiny bit, uncertainty for them sets in. They may even begin drawing away from the world. I won't give away the whole story for you. But, Pi's mom and dad are both completely non religious; whereas to Pi, these religious aspects of life are fascinating. Pi considers himself Hindu, yet also finds himself attracted to Christianity and Islam, as well. So by chance he meets up with a Catholic priest and later comes to get baptized. He also has talks with a Muslim Sufi in the market, and soon gets a prayer rug and begins praying as fervently as any devout Muslim would 5 days a week. The religious leaders in Pi's area didn't like this at all. They wanted to force him into choosing one religion over the other. But Pi was not about to give up his interreligious activities. He was simply showing and expressing his love for God in any way he could do so. This book gets very intersting from here, where Pi even has an "enlightenment" experience down the road. To sum up, "Life of Pi" is a layered searching out of the Unknown that illuminates all our lives. This should absolutely be on everyone's bookshelf. Enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Spiritual Story
Review: This is one of the best novels I've read in the past year. You will fall in love with Pi and feel what he feels through all of his unlikely adventures- sometimes wondrous and sometimes horrifying. Martel is a master storyteller and he will push and pull you with the flow of the story. Strangely, this book reminded me of an existential version of Carl Sagan's "Contact". My only advice would be to skip most of the other reviews since many of them contain semi-spoilers. Just pick up the book and enjoy.
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