Life of Pi

Life of Pi, written by Yann Martel is one of Canada"'"s most acclaimed books. It tells the story of sixteen-year-old Pi Patel"'"s journey while he discovers religion and his own determination and strength. This book is highly recommended for many reasons including the insightful views expressed on religion and life, the interesting facts on zoology, and the author"'"s unique talent in making something that at first glance seemed totally unrealistic become reality - humour inserted along the way! First of all, it is obvious that Pi Patel learns to have a very open mind when it comes to religion as he has embraced three of them, resulting in a unique Hindu-Christian-Muslim boy. His interesting views on the different religions lead the readers to broaden their horizons and have an open mind to different religions. His analogies were also quite humorous, for example, when comparing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to his father feeding him to the lions because the latter killed two llamas, a black buck, a camel, painted storks, grey herons, and '"'who"'"s to say for sure who snacked on our golden agouti?'"'. In addition, Pi Patel"'"s journey helped him have a great view on life and its value, allowing him to give many anecdotes that make the reader stop and think. For example: '"'I have nothing to say of my working life, only that a tie is a noose, and inverted though it is, it will hang a man nonetheless if he"'"s not careful.'"' Secondly, this book is packed with zoological information including mating, hunting, and sleeping habits of a variety of animals from hippopotamuses to '"'meerkats'"' (small African carnivorous burrowing mammals). Also, it includes many circus trainer tactics for lions and tigers, such as using foreign surroundings, having an erect posture, a calm demeanour, a steady gaze, a fearless step forward, a strange roar, etc. Also, Pi Patel"'"s very original view on how animals are indeed happy in a zoo was very enlightening for anyone who has ever felt sorry for the entrapped animals, feeling that the latter were not '"'free'"'. According to this boy, animals in the wild are driven by necessity in an environment where the supply of fear is high and the supply of food is low, whereas the environment in a zoo is