So I finally got around to reading a well-known classic, Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Now I finally see what all the fuss is about! This book is incredible.
After Pi Patel and his family decide to move to Canada, they make the journey toward North America on a Japanese freight ship along with most of their zoo animals — many of which they plan to sell. Unfortunately, the ship faces a treacherous storm, and Pi’s family does not survive. Luckily, Pi is able to escape into a small lifeboat; however, he is not alone. Among his passengers are a spotted hyena, a zebra, an orangutan named Orange Juice, and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Pi quickly learns that in order to live he will need to face his given adversity and choose to survive by any means possible.
Why you should read it: Life of Pi has so many things to offer its readers. It’s an adventure story; it’s a story about loss; it’s a story about overcoming obstacles; and above all, it’s a story that is absolutely inspirational. Although many of us haven’t faced 227 days at sea stranded on a boat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, Life of Pi shows the reader that it’s possible to overcome any obstacle he or she may face, whether it be a crazy week at school, trying to find a job, or even a bad breakup. Life of Pi is the journey of Pi’s personal growth, yet any of us can learn from the wisdom and perseverance he shows throughout the story.
Overall, Life of Pi taught me to keep reality, keep faith, and keep moving. Although the road ahead is always uncertain, remembering this mantra will help you to not distort the situation, be optimistic, and make progress toward your goal — one small step or one large Bengal tiger roar at a time!
From the back cover: “After the sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a 16-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a wounded zebra, an orangutan — and a 450-pound royal Bengal tiger. The scene is set for one of the most extraordinary and beloved works of fiction in recent years.”