Jill's Introduction

I have a modest (almost chaste) start to this challenge with only two books read. My reviews are linked as well:

Bookers Already Read

Life of Pi (Yann Martel) - 2002 (review posted only to LibraryThing):
This book was fascinating in how a young man, Pi Patel, survives on a lifeboat with a deadly Bengal Tiger. I was drawn to Pi's survival instincts and willingness to live - his cleverness, knowledge of animals, resourcefulness and devout religious beliefs were all instrumental to his survival.

Despite this, I found this novel too long-winded. It would have been more fascinating as a short story. For example, the first 100 pages set up how Pi became knowledgeable in animals and spiritual in many religions - all of which could have been reduced to a few pages. Furthermore, the algae-filled island was very unrealistic and unnecessary to the story.

I was also disappointed that the author, who does such a wonderful job weaving an older Pi in the beginning of the story, leaves this interesting perspective and recollection out as the story progressed. I missed hearing about Pi as a husband, father and scholar as we read about him drifting afloat in the sea.

Many lost parallels, unnecessary details and side stories made this entire novel very weighty. It's too bad because the story's premise is brilliant. ( )

The Blind Assassin (Margaret Atwood) -2000

Bookers Soon To Be Read

I haven't picked any yet - stay tuned!