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This magical adventure is the story of Pi Patel. In Pondicherry, India, Pi is a zookeeper’s inquisitive son, and seeker after God who gleefully embraces Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. The adventure of his young life begins when Pi’s father decides to move to Canada. Some of the animals, sold to new owners in Canada, travel with the Patels. The ship is sunk in the middle of the Pacific. Pi ends up on a lifeboat with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan, and Richard Parker -- a 450-pound Bengal tiger who soon eats all but Pi. All his father had taught him about animals, his imagination, and his faith guide Pi and Richard Parker through 227 days adrift. Seamless writing and multilayered storytelling turn what could have been an unbelievable adventure into a complex and uplifting fable about the power of both faith and fiction, for starters.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Reader's comments about this book

Life of Pi makes a strong statement about the relationship of man to animals and the natural environment. The author also makes the major point that challenge and hardship give life meaning - that if our lives are too content we become hopeless.
-Sandy, Charlotte, NC

This is a very good story. It is believable and fantastic at the same time. The twists at the end will leave one wondering for a long while.
-Patricia, Fort Myers, Florida

The book is very good. I like it very much. I hope all read this book.
-Venkatesh, Hyderabad, India

When telling others about this book they would look at and me and ask if this book was fiction. Yann Martel is so convincing and I loved the alternative twist at the end. Indeed a book that has made a long lasting impression, it will be intersting to see how the movie is portrayed.
-Kimberley, Jupiter, FL

I have read this book, and have found that it is filled with humor, the connection between man and animals, and sometimes sadness. At the end I found myself questioning fiction or non? The ending I find is somewhat sad, but the interview with the two Chinese men was hilarious! I loved this book, and have read it twice so far.
-Jessica, New Jersey

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