Monkey, A Journey to the West

Rating:
Summary: Worst Ive Ever Read!!
Review: Im sorry but this book was the WORST book I've EVER read! Mabye It's just because i dont enjoy reading about a stupid monkey that knows kung fufu and wants to live forever!!!!! It had no point!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Not what it promises
Review: This is a decent telling of the Chinese story, but it doesn't deliver on its own promises: Kherdian says that he includes more episodes and more of the spiritual aspects of the story than are found in the famous Arthur Waley version, but sadly, he does no such thing (especially in a crucial and famous scene toward the end). Kherdian's version is certainly readable and enjoyable, but Waley's is more thorough and includes more of the religious elements of the original.

However, Kherdian's version may be better for younger readers than Waley's as, of the two abridgements, it is the easier to read.

Rating:
Summary: Monkey...The Facts
Review: This novel depicts the life of a trickster monkey who sets out on a spiritual journey in search of immortality. He is faced with many struggles but eventually he finds the secret he is looking for. Instead of using this new found power in a positive way, Monkey uses it to hurt, manipulate, and decieve others. Although it vividly describes the battles, characters, and settings, "Monkey, Journey to the West" does not give much information on the foundations of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. We only can decipher that one's struggle to spiritual healing and growth is long and arduos so that only those with true dedication and longing in their hearts shall achieve such desires. Monkey represents the humanistic approach combined with our faults of carelessness, selfishness, and restlessness. It allows us to explore our inner self in a comparatively different but similar way such as Monkey. It is a fun read for those who enjoy true fiction.