Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy

Rating:
Summary: acceptable
Review: This book has a grade-school level plot, but it presents philosophical ideas at the high-school level. I would rather read a straight-up history of philosophy and skip the fantasy crap. A sixth-grader would probably love the plot but have trouble understanding the complex ideas.

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Summary: When philosophy becomes a game ...
Review: Sophie's World is one of the books that really triggered me.Through the life of a little girl,Sophie, you get the chance to know the history of philosophy in depth.The reason I recommend this book is its highly innovative approach to philosophy.Personally,I think that other philosophical books cannot hold a candle to this magnificent book.It is not a drag as many people think.Read the book and you won't lose.

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Summary: Interesting summary of philosophy over the years with twist
Review: Once started it was difficult to put down. The questions put to Sophie made me wonder about my own origins whilst making me feel slightly insecure. A great book.

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Summary: A review of the most amazing book to start philosophy with
Review: Philosophy- such an intense word, people have an image of it- they think it's frightening and that they won't understand it but philosophy isn't a distant issue- it concern each and every one of us. In this book the author gives us a snick to Sophie's world- the journey Sophie makes can be our own- the story is amazing and it's all mysterious and interesting. I won't reveal details but all I'll say is: I'm 15 from Israel- concidered as a wise lady and this book helped me to find my pathes and to go deep with philosophy. Enjoy- I'm sure you will! Natalie Kamil Israel

Rating:
Summary: A book which made me sit down and think.
Review: Sophie's World was a book which I know I will never forget. After reading the book and analysing it I encountered for the first time the problem of not knowing the world. It made me feel small and insignificant. Philosophy seemed to me like a maze and the philosopher like a lost child looking for the exit. Sophie's World changed my life forever...

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Summary: Funny and Cheerful book
Review: A very creative written story. Sure, the author was obviously stuffing the philosophy down each poor reader's throat, but with the funny stories, it seemed to be the direct opposite of the socalled philosophy. Great examples, and at the same time, you're searching for who Sophie actually is...and also why the heck we are reading about her.

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Summary: History of humanity, in an entertaining story.
Review: Gaarder's book Sophies World is a fantasatic intro to philosophy. Beginning with the Sophists and ending with absurdity and metaphysiscs. The book offers a clear and simplistic account of not only the major philosophers but of great thinkers through out time. The best thing Gaarder did was to show the progression from one movement or philosopher to the next, something not often explained well. I can't see how you can really not like the book, for some the ideas have already been dealt with, but you have to start somewhere.

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Summary: A perfect intro to philosophy
Review: I read through quite a few of the reviews here before writing my own, and was kind of surprised at what I read. I think I read Sophie's World through far different eyes than most of the people who posted reviews. I'm a 16 year old high school sophmore who's familiarity to philosophy is limited to what material I can borrow from my school library, not what I was taught at an expensive college. Sophie's World is delightful for it's purpose: to introduce people to the basics of philosophy and apply it to a fictional situation. Gaarder suceeds wonderfully in doing that. What the world needs is a clear concise history of philosophy that helps HUMAN BEINGS understand philosophy without having to spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars. Sophie's World is that book, not just another overanalysis of Kierkegaard or Sartre which might as well be written in Latin, because God knows most people wouldn't understand a word of it. Sophie's World is a book for PEOPLE who want to understand the world of philosophy, not a bunch of stuck-up intellectuals who think that only a select few should be able to enjoy such information. Yes, for people who know everything, this book would probably be a bore, but for your 99% percent of the country; this book would be a gem, and it is.

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Summary: WOW! Philosophy IS interesting
Review: The twisted novel of real life and fake is fantasic, not only are you drawn in to Sophie as a person and character, but you also want to explore what she is going throught. True, the philosophy is somewhat rehashed and hidden into the letters to make you learn, quite obvious in a way, but the sometimes too friendly letters between the old man philosopher and teenage Sophie just creates a much more unique and great read, this is a truely originally written book with a great complex plot to go with it. Just fantastic, really works the mind, I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: For the non-fiction Lover
Review: If you don't like fiction but like to read you will love this book, it is a wealth of knowledge with a relative fictional storyline I would advise anyone who is interested in learning anything to read this book. It will give you an insight into philosophy and make you wan't to learn more about it. I just wish more books were written in this manner. Buy it if not Borrow it if not Steal it.