Rating: 
Summary: Just one nit-picky complaint...
Review: This beautiful book was marred only by the bogus preface, where Martel lays out a detailed "proof" that the events in the book are true--and the claim it will "make you believe in god." Who gives a rip? These devices only serve to dumb down an otherwise moving and profound story.
Rating: 
Summary: A lovely story
Review: I didn't know anything about this book when I ordered it, but I loved it from beginning to end. The story moved along at a nice pace and was truly a wonderful experience. The story on Pi and the tiger has the makings of required reading.
Rating:
Summary: I can't stop thinking about this book
Review: I had a hard time getting into the first few chapters, but once I was "in", I was hooked. You can read a dozen summaries of this book on this site, so I won't waste words on the story. I will, however, say that I found this book to have all the hallmarks of a classic: it is philosophical, intelligent, creative, hysterical, tragic, and beautifully written. The twist at the end has had me lost in my thoughts since I finished it. What was Pi's reality? What was his true salvation? Is a "better story" important to the psychology of healing? How do we handle moral dilemma? I will have to read it again to try to answer my own questions, and to pick up the threads that I didn't see the first time around. READ THIS BOOK.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring and thought-provoking
Review: I encountered this book and got it because of one of the most intriguing statements I've ever seen in a book jacket - that it may make you believe in God.
That is a strong statement and depends on the reader, but regardless this is a fantastic and inspiring novel. Martel creates a beautiful and surreal landscape and complex and heart-breaking characters. This is easily one of the best books I've read in a very long time. You will experience almost every emotion you are able to, right alongside the characters, through the course of the book.
Rating:
Summary: Life of Pi
Review: This book certainly won't make you believe in God, as the author claims, if you don't already. But if you already do believe in God, it will invite you to question what belief is. Is it full acceptance of all the stories of your faith, or is it just a comfortable suspension of disbelief? What do you do with the parts that are too hard to believe? This isn't the kind of book that one forgets as soon as the last chapter is read.
Rating:
Summary: A mostly positive review in words
Review: Young Indian boy lives in a zoo, learns about religion, gets thrust into a wild adventure. Chock full of symbolism - that works enough but sometimes heavy-handed. Either way, a fun read, an interesting ending, and plenty of practical stranded at sea tips. Not recommended for reading on a cruise.
Rating: 
Summary: philosophy for morons
Review: This book is the kind of shallow meaningless tripe that makes not-so-bright people feel sophisticated. Right down to the cop-out ending, it's a mishmash of trite cliches, meaning-of-life tidbits at about the level of the old "Kung Fu" TV series, and...a premise he ripped off from another writer's book! If you liked "Tuesdays with Morrie" you're sure to love this. But if you have a real mind, stick to Rushdie.
Rating:
Summary: I BELIEVE
Review: Why all the confusion about the ending of this story?
I read the book carefully, and... I believe in Richard Parker..
And while I don't believe in God, I certinaly believe in Yann Martels ability to write a enchanting, magical book.
Rating:
Summary: Thought-provoking stuff
Review: As I was born in Canada, grew up in NYC, and am of Indian descent, I could identify with much of this book. No, I have never been shipwrecked with a Royal Bengal Tiger! In simple terms, I suppose Martel is trying to say what many people believe: there is no way to absolutely know if God(s) exist(s), but life is much more liveable if we believe He(they) does(do). I enjoyed Pi's discovery of Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. Again, keeping things simple, there are aspects of each we can all incorporate in our lives (a la Rodney King). It is perhaps a stretch to say that Pi and Richard Parker represent not two different species, but two people from different religions: if a boy and a ferocious tiger can coexist harmoniously on a lifeboat for months, why do humans have such difficulty coexisting with other humans with different religious beliefs?
Rating:
Summary: Highest Recommendation
Review: This book and "9 Free Secrets of New Sensual Power" are the most enjoyable reading experiences I've had in the past 18 months. "Pi" was pure entertainment, while "9 Free Secrets" was both entertaining and enriching personally on the deepest level. My highest recommendations on both.
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