Helpful Score: 2
This is my favorite book of all time. I read it in college and it changed the way I look at everything. Ishmael is a Gorilla who has something important to teach the world. Quinn uses him as a guide to help convey his view of the world today. It covers ideas from religion to sustainable development. The book can be quite deep in parts, I sometimes read passages several times, however it is well worth it.It leaves you thinking, wondering and inspired to do better. I have read the book more times than I can count and I continue to learn from it. Well worth the read.
Helpful Score: 1
From Publishers Weekly
Quinn won the Turner Tomorrow Award's half-million-dollar first prize for this fascinating and odd book- not a novel by any conventional definition...
The unnamed narrator is a disillusioned modern writer who answers a personal ad ("Teacher seeks pupil...Apply in person.") and thereby meets a wise, learned gorilla named Ishmael that can communicate telepathically. The bulk of the book consists entirely of philosophical dialogues between gorilla and man, on the model of Plato's Republic.
Quinn won the Turner Tomorrow Award's half-million-dollar first prize for this fascinating and odd book- not a novel by any conventional definition...
The unnamed narrator is a disillusioned modern writer who answers a personal ad ("Teacher seeks pupil...Apply in person.") and thereby meets a wise, learned gorilla named Ishmael that can communicate telepathically. The bulk of the book consists entirely of philosophical dialogues between gorilla and man, on the model of Plato's Republic.
This was one of those books that changed my entire perspective on life and living... a must read! I have a copy, but I'm NOT posting it! Sorry, folks! LOL!
I came across this book when it was assigned in my Philosophy course. I have never been assigned reading where I actually thanked the instructor for the selection afterwards.
This book is truly a simple, yet stunning look at our place within the world. Although the deus ex machina in this quick read at first seems cooky - it allows Quinn to tenderly convey his vital message.
This is a book that once you read it, you'll want to buy copies for everyone you know. I loved it - and I think that anyone who contemplates the world around them will find themselves happy they found this book.
This book is truly a simple, yet stunning look at our place within the world. Although the deus ex machina in this quick read at first seems cooky - it allows Quinn to tenderly convey his vital message.
This is a book that once you read it, you'll want to buy copies for everyone you know. I loved it - and I think that anyone who contemplates the world around them will find themselves happy they found this book.
Ishmael is a gorilla who, inexplicably, has been taught to talk. He converses with the writer (this is fiction, of course!) to give a good insight into man's egotistical self-image. This book may change your life or at least cause you to think.
