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Summary: This Is My Favorite Book
Review: I have read this book three times because I liked it so much. As a high school student, I had little knowledge of philosophy. This book made me ask myself so many questions that it kept me entertained even when I wasn't reading it. It was interesting to read and think about. It sparked my intrest in philosophy, and I would highly reccomend it to anyone taking a philosopy course, or anyone interested in philosophy. Even though it is big, and a bit long, I found it very enjoyable
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Summary: Delight for the mind
Review: This magnificent story, makes one want to actually climb to thetop of a rabbit's hair, and/or step out into a next/otherreality.
Unfortunately it got me very fast to the last page, where you end up wondering if there are more books like it. Unfortunately, because it was written in such an inviting, pleasant and understandable way, that I wanted to enjoy as long and as much as possible; as a matter of fact, despite the short period of time I needed to read, I did all the above; although a short period, it seemed pleasantly everlasting.
And you know what? Gaarder does have more! Also encouraging one to read them in one go.
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Summary: A MUST for every student of Philosophy.
Review: I was really impressed by this book. It made me likehistory. It showed me that 'time factor' plays an important role inthe study of philosophy. It also shows clearly that philosophy and history go hand in hand in a progressive but cyclic system.
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Summary: Everybody Should read this book!
Review: The first time somebody try to explain the history of philosophy through a novel, this book will make you feel that you are really learning while are having so much fun and exitment. It is just what every body needs to understand more about life
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Summary: Part of me is inclined to say that this book is over-rated.
Review: Sophie is a young girl who recieves instructional letters in philosophy in her mailbox. As the book progresses, she becomes acquainted with her mysterious teacher and Gaarder begins to track the progress of Hilde, a girl about Sophie's age. Somehow, Hilde and Sophie's lives are linked through Sophie's philosophy course. "Sophie's World" was an exciting read, in a sense - that may be because I was taking an introductory course to philosophy when I read it, and was able to push through pretty fast. There's a clear division in the beginning, between Sophie's life and the text of the letters she's receiving. Here, I admit I was reading the book more for the Sophie part than the philosophy. This changed, however. Truth is, there's not much to the character of Sophie. After awhile, her part of the dialogues between her and the teacher became nothing but mindless prompts. What are her interests? She goes camping, once, and she has one friend, but other than that, she hardly has an identity. Gaarder follows the history of philosophy chronologically, and does an excellent job of illustrating how it develops over the centuries. Contrary to first approach, I began reading for the philosophical parts of the book rather than for Sophie. Or Hilde. (There's not much to Hilde, either.) Gaarder's characters are shamefully underdeveloped, but he makes up for this with the philosophy, which he presents with pure genius. In the second half of the book, the focus is on individual philosophers, rather than philosophy as a historical/intellectual movement. The chapters devoted to Democritus, Darwin, Kant, Hegel, Sartre, and particularly Søren Kierkegaard, are fascinating. The ending to "Sophie's World" was outrageous. I think that this, in addition to the faceless characters, is the main drawback of the book. In my opinion, there's a lot of buildup throughout the book that goes to waste. Perhaps I didn't fully comprehend what was going on. Then again, something tells me that even if I did completely understand the ending, it would be inconsequential anyway. My recommendation? Do not read this book if you are looking for a literary masterpiece. You must read this book from a philosophical point of view. Whether you know much about philosophy or not doesn't matter - it serves well as an introduction to the subject, or simply presents a new way to look at philosophy for the more learnèd. I even recommended it to my religion instructor, a PhD in philosophy. I think that it's worth the time, because it's something unique and different; unlike any book you've ever read.
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Summary: Great Philosophy Course, But Medicore Novel
Review: Sophie's World is a fascinating description of the history of Philosophy, but that's all it is. The characters are rather plastic, I found Sophie to a bit annoying, in fact. She's supposed to be 14-15, but what modern teenager doesn't know what keeps the moon in orbit, or who Darwin is¿ The author needs an excuse to insert his monologues on Philosophy so his book doesn't read like a dull textbook, and I understand that, but I think more care should have been given to Sophie's character. It doesn't bode well for a book when all a girl can say for two pages is different synonyms for "I'm amazed."
If you don't mind the medicore characters, this is a fascinating book. I do have a few problems with Gaarder's choice of Philosophers, though. He mentions Darwin and Freud, which is a stretch I'm willing to accept, but how can you mention Freud without Jung? Despite this, I learned so much from this book and enjoyed it immensly.
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Summary: Calling all interested in Western Philosophy of Man!
Review: A hugely engaging and enriching read. The author's ability tocover so lucidly the major works and thoughts of the greatphilosophers of Mankind from Socrates to Descartes to Darwin amazes me. He has shown clearly how human philosophical thought has progressed through the centuries, as well as it's sometime acrimonus interaction with the established norms of the society of the past. Darwin's clash with the Church is most evident. A must read for all who are interested in the thought of mankind. Certainly, the only prerequisite of a good philosopher is 'the faculty of wonder'.
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Summary: A fun read...
Review: Yes... a book about the History of Philosophy!
Doesn't sound too exciting, but it really is better than it sounds.
Remember those "Choose your own adventure" books from when you were a kid? Well... not since I've read one of those have I felt so involved in the story. Philosophically speaking of course! Gaardner creates a world so complex that it even involves the reader.. that's my favorite part!
But you'll have to read it to find out how.
It does get a bit slow in parts, but its a great read... definitly worth the time...
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Summary: An educational and entertaining piece of art
Review: Sophie's World is an excellent book that puts together a fantastic story with a very interesting and productive view of the world's philosophy and some history. It therefore teaches the reader what he may not know about worldwide culture through and enigmatic and well written story. It is not the boring type of philosophy book, you don't even notice at which moment you learned all that you did reading the book
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Summary: Sophie's World is a surprisingly good and interesting book.
Review: Sophie's World is a blend of a mystery and and an interestingway to learn about philosophy. Sophie recieves letters that presentthe history and theory of philosophy in an easy to understand format, that makes several good analogies. Most of the information will stay in your head and inhance your view of the world. Along with the interesting factual letters, Sophie's World adds the element of mystery. Sophie must use the information she learns about philosophy to solve the mystery of who Hilde is.You can try to solve the mystery too, it has many complexities and will be a challenging job.Someof the information makes great dinner or party conversation.This book is an exellent choice for mystery lovers, philosophers and anyone interested in a delightfully good read.
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