Rating: 
Summary: Can you see that I am serious !?
Review: "Born from an egg on a mountain top - chak-a-chah
Monkey is funky and never stops,
He knew every magic trick under the sun,
He teased the gods and everyone and had some fun"Oiii, you lazy lot !
Go out and buy this book do you see, it's very good!
I am the great sage equal of heaven !! You will read about lots of demons and adventures , yeeess.
And that Holy fool Tripitaka.
I am disrespectful to demons, can you see that I am serious !?!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful intrduction to Asian thought and religion by fo
Review: A wonderful introduction to Asian thought and religion by folk tale. The Monkey who comes to life from stone, becomes an earthly Hercules like demi-god emissary between the Heavens and Earth. Impossible not to like his haughtiness, including the philosphical/mystical name for himself ..."Aware of Vacuity" ... that Monkey displays, including his battles and accomplishments ... wearing well the title of "Great Sage ....Equal of Heaven". Arthur Waley is one of the finest English translators of Chinese literature; and is also known for his fine edition of the Book of Songs.
Rating:
Summary: simple yet blissful
Review: An easy read written in a simplstic fashion yet remains enthralling. The religious factor in the book is strong how ever not over whelming. A whitty satire on the beauracracy of the chinese.
Rating:
Summary: simple yet blissful
Review: An easy read written in a simplstic fashion yet remains enthralling. The religious factor in the book is strong how ever not over whelming. A whitty satire on the beauracracy of the chinese.
Rating:
Summary: The sentiments of the first reviewer...
Review: are mine exactly. When I read this book for my Chinese literature class this semester I couldn't put it down. Though it is abridged from 100 to 30 chapters, most of what is removed is not as interesting. The best part about Arthur Waley's translation of "Journey to the West" (he renamed it "Monkey") is that he is one of the first to play up the very hilarious humor in the book, though there is of course a quite serious religious undertone to the whole thing. This is an amazingly funny story from the Ming Dynasty, which will not disappoint any fan of fantasy, peculiar humor or spiritual quests. A true classic of Asian literature.
Rating:
Summary: More than a fairy tale
Review: Hsi Yu Chi represent the introduction of Buddahism to china. It also suggests the superior of buddahism to Taoist elements and believes (much like greek mythology). This Book suggests the idea of forgiveness, purity, and kindness as important human achievements.
Rating: 
Summary: Monkey
Review: I am currently reading this book for a History class in college. The language might be a bit above average, but if you can handle an author such as Tolkien, this will be fine. Monkey is surprisingly humorous and enjoyable. I am at the part where he gets trapped in Buddha's mountain. I agree with an earlier review that said the Monkey's bad and good traits make him an interesting main character. If you are looking to broaden your literary horizons and possibly be entertained, try reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: This book defined my childhood
Review: I first recieved this book as a ninth birthday present from an adult friend who lived in Thailand, and upon reading its first 13 chapters the book quickly became my favourite fairy tale. Monkey's absurd arrogance is funny, but, by the same token, his optimism and self-assurance is infectious. He thinks nothing of travelling from heaven to hell and all points in between (Solving problems along the way by banging a few heads together) or of achieving immortality by stealing peaches. The story of how he got his great weapon (A staff used to hammer the Milky Way flat) by essentially being the worst guest in history to a much put-upon sea dragon, is hillarious. The book, suprisingly for one written 500 years ago in a distant land, contains some of the best-timed slapstick comedy I've ever come across. There is even one moment of true toilet humour that will have you reaching for oxygen, it's so funny. The pace kept up brilliantly; the final scene of the books first act, in which the forces of Heaven attempt to trap the Monkey King, has the air of a Keystone Kops episode by way of JRR Tolkein. However, there are also moments of touching and disturbing drama, as Monkey's personality gradually shifts from mischievious to almost evil, until he is imprisoned beneath a vast mountain and begins the long road to his redemption and eventual enlightement. I haven't even talked about the main plot of this wonderful story, but it is better if you discover it for yourself. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Overall well-done, however disappointingly abridged
Review: I have been interested in Chinese literature for some time now, as an Asian American who does not speak the language. As a child I read an illustrated version of a chapter from the novel, and when I was older I watched the TV show based upon the novel, with my father who translated. Reading this book I was glued to every word for the first 18 or so chapters, as I read about Monkey's development. However, after the disciples had all gathered together, the translation's appeal severely dipped. While still well written, only 30 of the original novel's 100 chapters were translated. Many of the most interesting adventures were lost in the abridgement. What was supposed to a be a long, difficult journey to India seemed more like a quick visit. While I realize this was done in order to keep the story from being too lengthy, I was rather disappointed. I suppose I will have to purchase another translation in order to read the remaining adventures.
Rating:
Summary: Amazingly Funny / Witty / Deep Novel
Review: I was expecting a mildly amusing but somewhat slow-going novel when I picked up Monkey for my class in Chinese Literature. But I could not put it down and finished the whole of it in two sittings! This book is as much of a page turner as any modern novel, using everything from cunning plot turns to end-of-chapter guises ("And if you don't know what became of them, you must listen to what is told in the next chapter.") to absolutely hilarious anecdotes. (I laughed aloud at the "Taoist Holy Water" episode!) An amazingly well-crafted novel with a very very fluid translation that makes it an absolute delight to read. Again: I could not put this book down! The fight scenes were also spectacular...[still panting, having just finished the book]...you must read this book! =)
| 
