Rating:  Summary: An OUTSTANDING Book for a Variety of Audiences! Review: Sophie's World is a truly wonderful book, one of the best that I have ever read. There is an interesting plot, and at the same time one learns all about philosophy. I started reading this knowing nothing about philosophy, and now I'm so interested that I actually did major project at school on philosophy! I know both 12-year-olds and adults that have absolutely loved this book! It is both a fascinating novel and a wonderful source for facts about philosophy. But as you read, bear in mind that it is both a novel and textbook-type book, so be prepared to actually learn something as well as enjoy the plot.
Rating:  Summary: Best fiction novel of the millenium? Review: O.K. Sophie's world as a story is not the most gripping plot and action packed book that anyone will ever write, but it's purpose is to provide an accessable introduction to philosophy.The storyline consists of a 14 year old girl who begins to think about life, the universe and everything through correspondence and teaching by her eccentric philosophy teacher. As the book progresses, and the reader is introduced to the concepts of every major philosophical figure ever, a paradox develops within the book itself that escapes the book and enters into the life of the reader. Any book that can escape the confines of its pages in this way is a great book. Sophie's world more than serves its purpose. It is a book that can change your life, if you persevere with it. It is highly intelligent without catering solely to brainboxes, and the development of the paradox itself is enthralling. It is not a book to read over and over again, but passages and paragraphs will educate and inspire you. Excellent!
Rating:  Summary: Great book for anyone under 16 Review: This book came highly recommended from some friends as a good read, but I need to find some new friends. I thought it the plot lacked any intensity or interest, the characters were weak, underdeveloped, and the language bored me to tears. This is a good book for young readers as an introduction to philosopy, but not if you're looking for a good read.
Rating:  Summary: Insightful, comprehensive....philosophy textbook Review: this is a fantastic novel. it is a wonder how the author fits thousands of years of philosophy and history in 400 pages. The book was fascinating, and insightful and I finished the novel with a greater understanding of philosphical thought. Yet, it is less of a novel than it is a textbook. In fact, many universities do, in fact, use this novel as a textbook. Each chapter, basically, covers a different historical period or philosopher. There is a story complementing this comprehensive portrait, but it seems much less important to the author than his desire to educate us. I love philosophy - that's why I picked up the book. It's a great book, but it is a philosophy textbook rather than a novel. There are parts which may bore you, but most parts are very compelling. It's a good read, but NOT an easy read! Some may find it dry, others won't be able to put it down. It's a matter of taste, as is the case with all novels.
Rating:  Summary: Sophie's World Review: Well, I read not the English version but the Chinese, and I found out that this book is actually quite amazing. Although I don't fully understand the context, I still think that the book can be called masterwork.
Rating:  Summary: Insightful read... Review: An enriching textbook on philosophy and different viewpoints of various philosophers over the centuries. Points brought up in the book are very much worth pondering and set me off thinking constantly during the read. However, I must admit that certain parts of the book bored me and the ending was pretty unsatisfactory and seemingly too rushed.
Rating:  Summary: Beautifully written book of enlightenment! Review: Gaarder does a great job of introducing philosphy to somebody not aquainted with it. It is a must for anybody interested in philosophy, to get a basic gest of it's origins and development. The most powerful trait of the book is that it is written in a novel form, so you are kept at the edge of your seat during the entire story, and simultaneaously learning the history of philosophy. Gaarder uses the events of the story line as examples to help you understand the philosophy he is explaining. This book is everything else but dry reading.
Rating:  Summary: The Best Book for Young Minds Review: The journey this book took me on when I was in High School showed me that there are other thoughts and that it's good to have them yourself. The plot is intriguing and entertaining. It changed my life. I give it to all my friends.
Rating:  Summary: Exceedingly clever! Review: Gaarder winds the plot inextricably with the sections of philosophy Alberto Knox (Albert Knag's alter-ego); he uses the plot to illustrate the thoughts of the time. Don't read this book solely for plot or information - you have to read with both in mind to receive the full effect.
Rating:  Summary: Best Book Ever! Review: Given to me for my 13th birthday, Sophie's World became my favorite book. 3 years later, I still read it over and over again
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