Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

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Life of Pi
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Martel, Yann - Life of Pi - Start Date: May 13th 2012





I'm not being biased but some of my favorite books so far this year have been NBRC group reads. Hopefully this one will be great too.



Date Chapter Page PPDQ
May 13 1-16 3-50
May 14 17-37 50-100
May 15 38-52 100-147
May 16 53-69 147-200
May 17 70-89 200-240
May 18 90-92 240-283
May 19 93-100 283-319
Bueno or no bueno?

What's PPDQ though?

I hope you will be able to join us, Kirsten!
Person Posting Discussion Questions

No problem, Kirsten, we're glad to have you. I always manage to fall behind that's why I'm starting this one tonight as opposed to tomorrow.
PPDQ = person posting discussion questions




1.) I think it would be quite interesting to grow up in a zoo. How about you? Did you grow up somewhere unconventional/uncommon (in an apartment on top of a store, an open-air home, etc.)?
2.) What do you think about Pi's opinion on animals being in cages? Do you think animals know the difference? Are animals in the wild "happier" because they are "free"?
3.) Pi's father makes them watch the lion feeding on the goat. It doesn't seem like Pi and his brother had any trouble understanding that the animals were dangerous before, so why do that now?
4.) I was big into learning about Hinduism in high school, but since then have forgotten almost all of it. A small refresher and serves as some ground work.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_de...
5.) I really like the imagery in this book. Truly paints a picture.
6.) Some of my favorite quotes so far:
"And so, in that Greek letter that looks like a shack with a corrugated tin roof, in that elusive, irrational number with which scientists try to understand the universe, I found refuge." (Chapter 5)
"Another man was nabbed in the process of stealing a cobra. He was a snake charmer whose own snake had died. Both were saved: the cobra from a life of servitude and bad music..." LOL! (Chapter 8)
"And so, when she first heard of Hare Krishnas, she didn't hear right. She said 'Hairless Christians', and that is what they were to her for many years. When I corrected her, I told her that in fact she was not so wrong; that Hindus, in their capacity for love, are indeed hairless Chriestians, just as Muslims in the way they see God in everything, are bearded Hindus, and Chirstians, in their devotion to God, are hat-wearing Muslims." Agreed! (Chapter 16)

I think growing up in a zoo would be cool and creepy. I would love to see those animals whenever I wanted to and see them do things that not all zoo visitors would get to experience. I don't know if I could get over the fact of a bear/lion/snake/etc. on the loose though. Eeep! Unfortunately, I lived in a boring 'ol house during my childhood. I think it would have been cool to experience something different though.
2.) What do you think about Pi's opinion on animals being in cages? Do you think animals know the difference? Are animals in the wild "happier" because they are "free"?
I have to disagree with Pi on this one. I do think they wish to be free. I always think the animals in the zoo looks so sad. As much as I enjoy getting to see animals I might never see in their natural habitat, I wish they didn't have to be there.
3.) Pi's father makes them watch the lion feeding on the goat. It doesn't seem like Pi and his brother had any trouble understanding that the animals were dangerous before, so why do that now?
I thought it was weird and a little pointless especially if they were already that old.

7.) I find it kind of cool and interesting that Pi is practicing three religions...
8.) Pi has a wife and two children. For some reason, I pictured him as a single man. How about you?
9.) Zoomorphism. What do you think about different species of animals caring for other species? What is the most shocking and/or touching zoomorphism that you have heard of? Or unusual animal friendships? (Zoomorphism has a different meaning than what the author uses it however, for this questions I'll use it the way he intended.)
10.) I find it weird that Mr. Kumar didn't know anything of zebras or the other animals in the zoo. I know you are a baker and all, but really?
11.) "Why do people move?...The answer is the same the world over: people move in the hope of a better life." (Chapter 29) Thoughts?
12.) "Father said, 'We'll sail like Columbus!' 'He was hoping to find India.' I pointed out sullenly." (Chapter 34) Hehe!

7.) I find it kind of cool and interesting that Pi is practicing three religions...
At first, I found it weird. Then I was thinking about Pi's age and he is trying to discover who he is. I thought it appropriate in that context, but it is something I never would have thought a teenage boy to use to discover his self with.
8.) I was a little shocked to learn that Pi had a wife and two children. For some reason, I pictured him as a single man. How about you?
I don't know why, maybe because he doesn't have a girlfriend in the story yet or because he seems self centered so far?
9.) Zoomorphism. What do you think about different species of animals caring for other species? What is the most shocking and/or touching zoomorphism that you have heard of? Or unusual animal friendships? (Zoomorphism has a different meaning than what the author uses it however, for this questions I'll use it the way he intended.)
I've always found it facinating that such different species (especially the predator/prey animals) could care for each other like that. I would have to say the most unusual situations I have heard of would be lions taking care of bear cubs and puppies. The most interesting animal friendship that I have actually experienced would be a cat and a skunk at my friend's farm when I was young. You would have thought they were siblings!
11.) "Why do people move?...The answer is the same the world over: people move in the hope of a better life." (Chapter 29) Thoughts?
After thinking about this one for awhile, I have to agree. Every time I have moved it was to make a better life/home. I moved in with my boyfriend, we moved so I could attend college, we moved back home to where we were happy after I graduated, etc. We are always looking to better ourselves (job promotions, getting out of a bad neighborhood, getting a nicer home, to try and become happier...) and I would say this is where most moves come from.

Yes, I would like that! I'm not a big animal person, I don't know how to handle them or how to feed them and stuff like that, because I never had pets (except for some boring fishes ;) ). But I love to watch them. I could have learned a lot from growing up in a zoo. And in the book, it's described in a very attractive way, it sounds like a very nice place to live.
I grew up in a very common house.
2.) What do you think about Pi's opinion on animals being in cages? Do you think animals know the difference? Are animals in the wild "happier" because they are "free"?
It's interesting, I have never thought of it that way before. But I don't think it's true.
3.) Pi's father makes them watch the lion feeding on the goat. It doesn't seem like Pi and his brother had any trouble understanding that the animals were dangerous before, so why do that now?
In my opinion, it's a very very important lesson, because children can forget such things while they're playing. But it didn't have to be in such a harsh way.
5.) I really like the imagery in this book. Truly paints a picture.
Yes, I totally agree! It's an interesting read so far.
6.) Some of my favorite quotes so far:
I liked these ones too! It's kind of funny here and there.

#1- I love animals and I probably should've become a vet, but I can't do snakes. I don't think people would enjoy a vet that had a no snake policy. Ha.
#3- I guess so. But, man, I agree with you...it was so harsh!
#6- The funny parts are so unexpected too. If you aren't paying attention, you almost miss them!

#1 Haha, there are vets who do just plain pets, I believe.
#6 Yes, it's very subtle, I like it! Here's another example:
"I broke the carrot in two and gave one half to Mr. Kumar and one half to Mr. Kumar. 'Thank you, Piscine,' said one; 'Thank you, Pi,' said the other. Mr. Kumar went first, dipping his hand over the fence. The zebra's thick, strong, black lips grasped the carrot eagerly. Mr. Kumar wouldn't let go. [...]"
And the part with the 3 wise men, I loved it!

Yes, it's so interesting. I really think all religions are about the same thing, but combining them is a bit of a delicate thing. Everyone is so focused on their own religion. I'm not a believer, although I find religions very interesting, it's all about love in fact.
8.) Pi has a wife and two children. For some reason, I pictured him as a single man. How about you?
Yes, me too! He seems on his own.
9.) Zoomorphism. What do you think about different species of animals caring for other species? What is the most shocking and/or touching zoomorphism that you have heard of? Or unusual animal friendships? (Zoomorphism has a different meaning than what the author uses it however, for this questions I'll use it the way he intended.)
I don't know a lot of stories about zoomorphism (I don't know a lot about animals in general :P), but it's soooo cute!
10.) I find it weird that Mr. Kumar didn't know anything of zebras or the other animals in the zoo. I know you are a baker and all, but really?
Zebras live in Africa and it was a long time ago, I think?
11.) "Why do people move?...The answer is the same the world over: people move in the hope of a better life." (Chapter 29) Thoughts?
It's a bit simple said, but I believe it's true.
12.) "Father said, 'We'll sail like Columbus!' 'He was hoping to find India.' I pointed out sullenly." (Chapter 34) Hehe!
Aah!
And this one:
"'I tried to imagine Father saying to me, 'Piscine, a lion slipped into the llama pen today and killed to llamas. Yesterday another one kiled a black buck. [...] The situation has become intolerable. Something must be done. I have decided that the only way the lions can atone for their sins is if I feed you to them.' 'Yes, Father, that would be the right and logical thing to do. Give me a moment to wash up.'" :D

1.) I think it would be quite interesting to grow up in a zoo. How about you? Did you grow up somewhere unconventional/uncommon (in an apartment on top of a store, an open-air home, etc.)?
I think it would be awesome to grow up in a zoo. I would love to see all of the animals at night or at any time I wanted to. I lived in a very conventional home.
2.) What do you think about Pi's opinion on animals being in cages? Do you think animals know the difference? Are animals in the wild "happier" because they are "free"?
I have heard other zoologists say the same thing about caged animals. I would think that being scientists they would do some research before stating this so I somewhat believe what they say. I also think that the animals probably don't like being caged either though. I think both arguments have a point.
3.) Pi's father makes them watch the lion feeding on the goat. It doesn't seem like Pi and his brother had any trouble understanding that the animals were dangerous before, so why do that now?
I think the way in which he did it was a bit harsh but at the same time, I bet they won't ever even think about trying to go into a cage.
5.) I really like the imagery in this book. Truly paints a picture.
I guess it must not have impressed me because I didn't notice the imagery. I guess I will be looking for it now.
6. I do think its interesting that all of the religion references are in here. I found myself doing some research.

7.) I find it kind of cool and interesting that Pi is practicing three religions...
Its definitely interesting but I am kind of like everyone else in the book, I don't see how its possible.
8.) Pi has a wife and two children. For some reason, I pictured him as a single man. How about you?
Well, he is telling the story to someone as an older man, so it didn't occur to me that he would be single. I guess now that I think back on it that if I was truly thinking about it, I would assume the same thing.
9.) Zoomorphism. What do you think about different species of animals caring for other species? What is the most shocking and/or touching zoomorphism that you have heard of? Or unusual animal friendships? (Zoomorphism has a different meaning than what the author uses it however, for this questions I'll use it the way he intended.)I have only ever seen this phenomenon in dogs and birds. I have heard of dogs taking on baby ducks and raising them. I had never heard about this though in a zoo setting. I wish I could see it for myself.
10.) I find it weird that Mr. Kumar didn't know anything of zebras or the other animals in the zoo. I know you are a baker and all, but really?I did too. I wonder if he was just so poor that he didn't have the means to visit them or even go to school to learn about them? I have heard of city people never seeing cows, but at least they know about them.
11.) "Why do people move?...The answer is the same the world over: people move in the hope of a better life." (Chapter 29) Thoughts?
When I moved it was not for a better life. I moved to get away from my family and to show them that I was self sufficient. I was tired of being looked at as the non adventurous boring child.
12.) "Father said, 'We'll sail like Columbus!' 'He was hoping to find India.' I pointed out sullenly." (Chapter 34) Hehe!
I guess I just don't find these little one liners as funny as everyone else, but I see where people would think it was funny.


Questions for Chapters 38-52
13.) Did anyone else find it odd that the ship sank so quickly and his parents/brother didn't even flinch at the explosion?
14.) Pi seems to attract animals like a magnet- sharks, turtles, zebra, tiger. Must run in the family?
15.) Why wouldn't Pi have looked for supplies on the lifeboat sooner?
16.) Were you surprised that Richard Parker (the tiger) was on board and been so quiet all that time?
17.) That sure is a lot of supplies on the lifeboat. I guess I've never thought about just how many would need to be on there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival...
18.) Poor zebra. Prime example of the food chain and survival of the fittest!

13.) Did anyone else find it odd that the ship sank so quickly and his parents/brother didn't even flinch at the explosion?
I can understand being a hard sleeper or used to the sounds of the ship. However, the sounds a ship makes are normally repetative so an explosion...you better believe it would wake me up! Pi went out on deck, but I can't imagine the boat sinking that fast.
14.) Pi seems to attract animals like a magnet- sharks, turtles, zebra, tiger. Must run in the family?
Definitely
15.) Why wouldn't Pi have looked for supplies on the lifeboat sooner?
This would have been the very first thing I did whether there were animals on board or not. Something in the kit might help me against the animals!
16.) Were you surprised that Richard Parker (the tiger) was on board and been so quiet all that time?
I was! How could you NOT know there was a tiger on board with you? This must be a pretty big lifeboat.
17.) That sure is a lot of supplies on the lifeboat. I guess I've never thought about just how many would need to be on there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival...
After looking at the lifeboat supplies I guess it really wasn't that much.

No worries, Evi. I understand. I kept reading because I wanted to know what the animals were going to do!

13.) Did anyone else find it odd that the ship sank so quickly and his parents/brother didn't even flinch at the explosion?
I thought it was odd that too. I just don't see how the rest of the boat wasn't teaming with activity. I also don't see how anyone could sleep through all of it.
14.) Pi seems to attract animals like a magnet- sharks, turtles, zebra, tiger. Must run in the family?
I don't know about running in the family, but it sure seems to be a thing with Pi.
15.) Why wouldn't Pi have looked for supplies on the lifeboat sooner?
I think I would have been to scared to move. After hearing all of the information about the animals, I did some research of my own. No way would I want that hyena or the orangutan after me. I could see exactly why Pi stayed on his end of the boat.
16.) Were you surprised that Richard Parker (the tiger) was on board and been so quiet all that time?
LOL, yes! When he was first saving Richard Parker, I thought he was a person, and I was appalled at Pi for trying to hit him with the oar. I don't see how he missed him still being on the boat.
17.) That sure is a lot of supplies on the lifeboat. I guess I've never thought about just how many would need to be on there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival...
I think it just seems like a lot of supplies. I guess if you are stranded in a lifeboat made for 32 passengers you would need that many supplies so no one would go hungry.
18.) Poor zebra. Prime example of the food chain and survival of the fittest! Yeah that was a bit graphic and sad

Funny, I am just starting to enjoy it. I didn't think I was going to like it at all but it is interesting.

BTW, we got an apartment and move in June 1. ;)

Glad you are starting to enjoy it, Laura! I have been also. It is actually a quite interesting story.

1.) I think it would be quite interesting to grow up in a zoo. How about you? Did you grow up somewhere unconventional/uncommon (in an apartment on top of a store, an open-air home, etc.)?
Living in a zoo does sound interesting. No unorthodox living spaces/experiences that I can currently think of that I've lived.
2.) What do you think about Pi's opinion on animals being in cages? Do you think animals know the difference? Are animals in the wild "happier" because they are "free"?
I would think free would be what they prefer. Interesting thoughts, however, on his part.
3.) Pi's father makes them watch the lion feeding on the goat. It doesn't seem like Pi and his brother had any trouble understanding that the animals were dangerous before, so why do that now?
I think he would have never forgiven himself if something happened to one of them and decided to go about reinforcing the thought in a very severe way.
4.) I was big into learning about Hinduism in high school, but since then have forgotten almost all of it. A small refresher and serves as some ground work.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_de...
5.) I really like the imagery in this book. Truly paints a picture.
The author truly does have a unique voice.
6.) Some of my favorite quotes so far:
"And so, in that Greek letter that looks like a shack with a corrugated tin roof, in that elusive, irrational number with which scientists try to understand the universe, I found refuge." (Chapter 5)
"Another man was nabbed in the process of stealing a cobra. He was a snake charmer whose own snake had died. Both were saved: the cobra from a life of servitude and bad music..." LOL! (Chapter 8)
"And so, when she first heard of Hare Krishnas, she didn't hear right. She said 'Hairless Christians', and that is what they were to her for many years. When I corrected her, I told her that in fact she was not so wrong; that Hindus, in their capacity for love, are indeed hairless Chriestians, just as Muslims in the way they see God in everything, are bearded Hindus, and Chirstians, in their devotion to God, are hat-wearing Muslims." Agreed! (Chapter 16)
I haven't heard of Hare Krishnas in years.


7.) I find it kind of cool and interesting that Pi is practicing three religions...
Sounds confusing.
8.) Pi has a wife and two children. For some reason, I pictured him as a single man. How about you?
Those italicized portions always confuse me and I read that part a couple of times.
9.) Zoomorphism. What do you think about different species of animals caring for other species? What is the most shocking and/or touching zoomorphism that you have heard of? Or unusual animal friendships? (Zoomorphism has a different meaning than what the author uses it however, for this questions I'll use it the way he intended.)
Probably dogs and cats would be the most common.
10.) I find it weird that Mr. Kumar didn't know anything of zebras or the other animals in the zoo. I know you are a baker and all, but really?
I didn't find it that odd. If he was poor and not well educated....
11.) "Why do people move?...The answer is the same the world over: people move in the hope of a better life." (Chapter 29) Thoughts?
Not always. Sometimes they have no choice.
12.) "Father said, 'We'll sail like Columbus!' 'He was hoping to find India.' I pointed out sullenly." (Chapter 34) Hehe!
That was cute.

13.) Did anyone else find it odd that the ship sank so quickly and his parents/brother didn't even flinch at the explosion?
Yep. And what happened to the crew?
14.) Pi seems to attract animals like a magnet- sharks, turtles, zebra, tiger. Must run in the family?
Could be.
15.) Why wouldn't Pi have looked for supplies on the lifeboat sooner?
He was still in shock and freaked out.
16.) Were you surprised that Richard Parker (the tiger) was on board and been so quiet all that time?
No, but only because of my book's cover.

17.) That sure is a lot of supplies on the lifeboat. I guess I've never thought about just how many would need to be on there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival...
18.) Poor zebra. Prime example of the food chain and survival of the fittest!
The descriptions of eating could have been left out. Kind of gross.

Questions for Chapters 1-16
1.)I think it would be quite interesting to grow up in a zoo. How about you? Did you grow up somewhere unconventional/uncommon (in an apartment on top of a store, an open-air home, etc.)?
It'll be really awesome to live in a zoo. No I don't think I've live anywhere interesting. Though I did live in Mexico for half for a couple of years and I have to say aside of how it is right now, before it was really calm, and exciting. It was nothing like a city in U.S.
2.) What do you think about Pi's opinion on animals being in cages? Do you think animals know the difference? Are animals in the wild "happier" because they are "free"?
3.) Pi's father makes them watch the lion feeding on the goat. It doesn't seem like Pi and his brother had any trouble understanding that the animals were dangerous before, so why do that now?
4.) I was big into learning about Hinduism in high school, but since then have forgotten almost all of it. A small refresher and serves as some ground work.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_de...
5.) I really like the imagery in this book. Truly paints a picture.
6.) Some of my favorite quotes so far:

Questions for Chapters 53-69
18.) The survival manual. (Chapter 58) Which was/is your favorite tip and why? Which one do you think is most beneficial and why?
19.) What do you think of Pi's attempts to skirt around Richard Parker? Crazy or a good idea? Why not make another floataion device for your supplies that way you can stay away from him for good?
20.)Pi sure is getting resourceful! Do you think you could be as inventive as he has become (making the raft, tying everything together, etc.)
Questions for Chapters 70-89
21.) Drinking turtle blood, eating fish brains/eyes, turtle fat....EWWW! Could you do it???
22.) What do you think of Pi's efforts to tame Richard parker? good idea or could he be using his time for other things?
23.) Pi says his biggest wish other than being rescued was to have a book. Can you imagine not having a book? AHH!
24.) Chapter 75. "On the day when I estimated it was Mother's birthday, I sang "Happy Birthday" to her out loud." :'(
25.) What a close call for being rescued!
26.) A dorado. I've never heard of one so I thought a picture was in order...


22.) very good point. It might have to do with Richard being out of his natural element. He's not meant to be on a boat drifting in the ocean. It could make him cranky and unpredictable.
26.) I remember when Pi pulled the dorado onto his raft that he said it was rainbow colored. However, I researched it anyways. Did you know a dorado is the same as mahi-mahi??? Dorado is just the Spanish name for it and mahi-mahi the Hawaiian. The common English name is "common dolphinfish". Wow. way to sound eloquent and interesting English language. LOL!

Questions for Chapters 1-16
1.)I think it would be quite interesting to grow up in a zoo. How about you? Did you grow up somewhere u..."
Elizabeth, Don't feel too bad I'm behind as well.

18.) The survival manual. (Chapter 58) Which was/is your favorite tip and why? Which one do you think is most beneficial and why?
It all sounded pretty ridiculous to me. The most hilarious tip though was the one about drinking your own urine. I would like to say that I would never try that if I was in the same situation, but you never know what extreme thirst and hunger will do to you.
19.) What do you think of Pi's attempts to skirt around Richard Parker? Crazy or a good idea? Why not make another floataion device for your supplies that way you can stay away from him for good?I don't think he had the supplies to make another device. I think the further you can distance yourself from the cat, the better.
20.)Pi sure is getting resourceful! Do you think you could be as inventive as he has become (making the raft, tying everything together, etc.)
Nope, I would be dead by the end of the second week.
Questions for Chapters 70-89
21.) Drinking turtle blood, eating fish brains/eyes, turtle fat....EWWW! Could you do it???
I am not sure. The idea of drinking blood is disgusting. I am not sure I would be able to do it.
22.) What do you think of Pi's efforts to tame Richard parker? good idea or could he be using his time for other things?
I think he has nothing but time. It probably helps with boredom and if he is successful then his chances for survival are greater.
23.) Pi says his biggest wish other than being rescued was to have a book. Can you imagine not having a book? AHH!
I would go crazy
24.) Chapter 75. "On the day when I estimated it was Mother's birthday, I sang "Happy Birthday" to her out loud." :'(
This part almost made me cry.
25.) What a close call for being rescued!
26.) A dorado. I've never heard of one so I thought a picture was in order...I read up on this fish, apparently it is also known as Mahi-Mahi. A pretty common fish.

18.) The survival manual. (Chapter 58) Which was/is your favorite tip and why? Which one do you think is most beneficial and why?
I guess the turtle was the most useful, but I wouldn't say I liked any of these.
19.) What do you think of Pi's attempts to skirt around Richard Parker? Crazy or a good idea? Why not make another floataion device for your supplies that way you can stay away from him for good?
My thoughts exactly - Seperate yourself from the tiger, but he's from a zoo family.
20.)Pi sure is getting resourceful! Do you think you could be as inventive as he has become (making the raft, tying everything together, etc.)
He's smart.
Questions for Chapters 70-89
21.) Drinking turtle blood, eating fish brains/eyes, turtle fat....EWWW! Could you do it???
I do not want to even consider it.
22.) What do you think of Pi's efforts to tame Richard parker? good idea or could he be using his time for other things?
I don't think there was much to do.
23.) Pi says his biggest wish other than being rescued was to have a book. Can you imagine not having a book? AHH!
lol
24.) Chapter 75. "On the day when I estimated it was Mother's birthday, I sang "Happy Birthday" to her out loud." :'(
Very sad.
25.) What a close call for being rescued!
I would have shot the flare earlier
26.) A dorado. I've never heard of one so I thought a picture was in order...
I didn't know it was a Mahi Mahi. Interesting. I didn't know what one looked like.
Books mentioned in this topic
Life of Pi (other topics)Life of Pi (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Be prepared for spoilers!
Book Description
Meet Pi Patel, a young man on the cusp of adulthood when fate steps in and hastens his lessons in maturity. En route with his family from their home in India to Canada, their cargo ship sinks, and Pi finds himself adrift in a lifeboat -- alone, save for a few surviving animals, some of the very same animals Pi's zookeeper father warned him would tear him to pieces if they got a chance. But Pi's seafaring journey is about much more than a struggle for survival. It becomes a test of everything he's learned -- about both man and beast, their creator, and the nature of truth itself.