LIFE OF PI

it's a bit irritating so far. haven't picked it up since hawaii. not a good sign, but perhaps it'll pick up (once i get around to picking it back up).

update: 8/16/05
an update on my current read - life of pi - as a friend indicated, the book definitely picked up after a while. i was told this would happen about the time of the shipwreck, but i found that it was actually much earlier. perhaps after the first 10 chapters? anyway, there really are funny parts. the silly things that one thinks, feels, and does when alone are fascinating indeed. and to be alone not by choice, surrounded by endless sea, well, that does make for an interesting story, doesn't it?

there was a review on the cover likening it to some classic works - old man & the sea (w/c i haven't read), etc. and perhaps due to this comment i'm biased when i'm reminded of books i read junior year in h.s. - american lit or something. mr. whatshisface. softspoken and had greasy hair. anyway, back to the book - i would say some of the similarities include: the slow-paced unfolding of events mirroring the delicate unfurling of a cocoon - to depict the notion of a 'coming of age', the anthropomorphism, extended metaphors. i prefer this book over some of those old novels though, primarily because of its humor. the humor definitely adds spice to the story. i'll come back and give some examples later. i should've earmarked them for you. i found myself snickering out loud on the plane, quite cozy in my middle E seat.

anyway, throw me out a window if i ever have to read the grapes of wrath or billy budd or the great gatsby again, or if i'm ever coerced into re-dissecting the infamous scarlet "A" and the lives it stained. boy, my teacher was WAY into that stuff. oh the laboriousness with which we 'discussed' those books. i wouldn't wish anywhere near a similar fate on anyone.

update: 8/20/05
"and so it is with God." if you've read the book you're not surprised i quote this particular line. it took me a full three seconds to realize what it meant, after which i promptly burst into tears. SO TRUE. though i wish the message of christianity had been stronger, i can't complain that the hope and life that is God is a tremendous truth to have been communicated. yay for yann. finishing this book over leftover greasy takeout was thoroughly disappointing. over a piping hot samosa and creamy chicken biryani, fragrant with flavor, would've been Pi more satisfying.