Jennifer’s Comments (group member since Dec 27, 2012)

Jennifer’s comments from the Classics Without All the Class group.

Team Of Rivals was the most difficult for me but I am glad I finished.

If great literature can be recognized by it's ability to make people think and to bring their own interpretation based on their own experience, Yann was successful. In a small book club, there is no way to get the variety of view points expressed here. This forum allows us to glimpse the enormity of the impact that Yann has on his readers. I am grateful for the variety of interpretations because they widen my view. In particular, I appreciated Alex's.

On the top layer, the narrative stands on its own as an interesting tale because I connected to Pi early on and I wanted to know what would happen to him. While I was sickened by the possibilities the second story presented, I was not surprised. The author warned us and told us the story would have a happy ending. This made me feel taken care of as a reader.

The book is so much deeper because the author included the the second story. Since both of the stories are fiction, and the author will not claim one over the other as "true" I have no problem choosing the tale that I prefer. The second story challenges the reader to take a close look at all the symbolism and "choose" the true story. How fortunate we are to have the internet to look up the name Richard Parker. Now I must read more Poe. The connections between Richard Parker, Poe and shipwrecks could fill a fascinating thesis paper. I find this character much more interesting than the island.

Lastly, I applaud Yan's ability to engage different types of people in a variety of cultures by creating a multifaceted main character so many could connect to at some point in the tangled journey. Yann manages to discuss religion, an aspect of humanity that fuels many wars at a level people can tolerate. He finds ways to bring them together while exploring differences... fascinating.

Thanks for all the responses!

I think life works. I was thinking hope for many of the same reasons Conner cited for life. The Brahma Cow whose horns were painted orange really threw me. It seems to better support the life idea. The orange cat that Pi's little girl holds really made me think of hope. It is a tiny echo of the tiger which has been domesticated... fascinating.

The one thing I liked better in the movie that in the book was when Pi defended his name. I wish every one could dig deep as Pi did to demonstrate a skill that others can celebrate instead to distract them from focusing on some unpleasant connection that is embarrassing. I love how Pi solves his own problem here.

This idea that the story will make you believe in God was proposed by one of the characters. But later I thought I remembered a character saying something like, "He says that about many things... or he would say that." Maybe someone could find that passage. I wonder if the author was just trying to engage the reader.

As to the question of which story is true I would like to propose that this question mirrors the question of which religion will you choose to believe.

Clearly the author is daring us to choose for ourselves. What's more is if we choose nothing, we mirror the agnostic. I find this to be a highly engaging tactic and a little cheeky.

At this point in the story, Pi seems to be loosing his mind. I do not buy the reality of the man Richard Parker killed. I can believe the Island is carnivorous at least at the basic level. It is carnivorous as all land is carnivorous. We come from dust and return to dust. The Island may represent the circle of life idea. I propose the teeth are the embodiment of an idea Pi is thinking about while on an island.

I thought over the graphic nature of this section and reasoned out why the author might have included it. It appears he is trying to depict the continuum of behaviors with in the human condition. I propose that leaving out the horror of the behavior that occurs outside the "zoo" where freedom equals anarchy would dilute the message.

I find the character of the elder Pi more believable in the book. He is not the enlightened, self confident, above it all person I encountered in the movie.The elder Pi portrayed in the book is grumpy at times and he is still working out his beliefs. This seems a genuine reflection of humanity.

What do you think about the author's use of the color orange?

Nicola wrote: "Has anyone seen the movie ? I loved the book but from what i've seen of the previews i'm a bit wary of the movie. There seems to be a love story ? Also the zebras last days were awful in the book a..."

I found the fish, zebra and the orang-utan scenes distressing but maybe you could dive into the popcorn during those sections. It is one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. I did not walk away thinking it was a love story between humans but within humanity and the human condition. Maybe I am off here.

The book is more. Meaning it is more gruesome, more religious, more specific about the events. The movie focuses on beauty with a unique perspective, using camera angles and 3D special effects, while the book uses careful and cleverly crafted language to reveal Pi's unique perspective. In the movie the elder Pi seems transcendent and wise. Pi has a fuller range of emotions in the book. The young Pi who speaks to the government officials is much more interesting in the book. Both challenge the audience to choose a perspective. Interesting... I am glad I saw the movie first. I enjoyed them both.

Karena wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "As I read through the comments, I thought about echoing the accolades of others. You all have such excellent taste. But I decided upon promoting a new name(I apologize if it was al..."

Thank you. I read through the post but see that the conversation appears to be a beginning rather than a definitive answer. How lovely.

Danae wrote: I think this and the rapid change in Scrooge once he has actually seen the suffering of the poor speak to his being bitter and closed off more than evil. - I agree and this sets me to wondering.

I have seen people change dramatically and I have seen them change slowly over time. I wonder at what causes change in myself and others. I think Dickens' exploration of why a person is "evil" and how that person can change is intriguing. I wonder if the intent of the book is to reform or inform. Perhaps it is both. Your thoughts...

As I read through the comments, I thought about echoing the accolades of others. You all have such excellent taste. But I decided upon promoting a new name(I apologize if it was already mentioned.) Diane Stanley is one of my favorite authors. I have yet to be disappointed by a book she penned. Among my favorites are: Saving Sweetness, Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter and Saladin. I find her writing to be refreshing, witty and thought provoking. I predict she will be considered a classic writer.

By the way, what is our definition of classic?

I found all of Jessica's comment inspiring but was especially moved by this part:

- so I tend to re-read things I already know I enjoyed. Kind of like, I don't know, comfort reading.

I think reading books is like hanging out with folks. I want to hang out with folks who will influence me for good and shape me in a positive way. I remember their words and deeds when I need to be inspired.

So for this reason I plan to include two old favorites in my list. In addition, I will read:

Two classics
Two biographies
Two other non-fiction books
Two out of books that have set on my headboard begging to be read for years
The Life of Pi
Unbroken

That should be a good start.

Greetings All,
I am Jenn, from Washington State. My favorite authors are Tolkien, Lewis, Tolstoy, Polocco, Ellis, Sachar and Twain to name a few. I enjoy most genres and most books.

I am hoping to find great conversation in the form of reflective thoughtful writings. If I could time travel, I should like to go to the dawn of time to watch the creation of the world. Then perhaps I would have something old to write about from a new angle.