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Summary: Joy and Adventure Wrought into Beautiful Symbolism
Review: How can so much be packed into one little story? I read this as a child, and again several times over the years. I always end up with a smile and a feeling of wonder. On one level it is the story of a seagull who chafes at the reins put on him by his flock, by custom and tradition, by unnecessary caution and conservatism for conservatism's sake. He rejects the idea that some things should not be done just because they should not be done or have never been done before. His motto is "Why not?"The whole story is an allegory for informed, rational rejection of unnecessary rigidity and restriction of freedom. It is a powerful message that must be coupled with judgment, but some of us need more freedom (while others abuse and overuse their freedom). I work as a therapist with children, and I loan this book to depressed and anxious teenagers who are limiting themselves, not by rational caution and genuine safety concerns, but by irrational fear of even mild uncertainty, or by toxic messages from their families about stereotypes, roles, or restrictive expectations. This book quickly and clearly tells of a creative soul seeking and finding personal excellence and transcendence, without harming anyone else. I bet you can't read it just once or, if you do, you will have missed the point.
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Summary: If you only ever read one book...
Review: Read this one. It is the book I am most glad I read before I die. I have read it many times now and every time it brings tears of sorrow and yet makes my heart leap with joy. I'm not a religious person and here I have found a meaning to life apart from all that God nonsense. Perfection. We must strive to become the best we can possibly be. There is no God or heaven. Time and space are just ways we perceive the world. Be the best you can be. Read this book!
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Summary: Living your life the way you want ...
Review: Not the way others say you should live it. It's how you learn about yourself and others. No one should be able to ever tell you what to do, the work place could be an exception. But there is life after work. Playing is a big part of life and if you cannot play then you are missing out on all things that are at your reach that could somday make that big difference in your life.
It's a hard world out there, and putting limitations on pleasure is not for me. I have done many things in my life I would never thought I would ever do. I just said "throw caution to the wind" and took chances. People must take chances with their lives as long as no one is getting hurt because of the choices you have made. Just remember the Golden Rule, always. The movie was good too, but the soundtract brings tears to my eyes. Give yourself a treat and listen to the music. Beautiful!!!!
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Summary: More Than Meets the Eye.
Review: At face value JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL is about a seagull who isn't like the other birds in his flock; instead of being interested in eating, Jonathan cares more about flying. His defiance to the ways of the flock eventually lead to his banishment. However, Jonathan is a resiliant bird and eventually returns to show the other birds a new way. In and of itself, the book isn't a bad story. However, the story is more than just a story. It's also a metaphor for life. It's a parable on the difference between existing and living; existing is easy, but to truly live is hard. The book is a joy to read once, but even more of a delight upon further examinations. It's filled with lessons of truth, reminding one of the Parables of Jesus. It is a literary gem worth discovering and more than worth mining to find the truth within.
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Summary: If nothing at all just be free as a seagull
Review: It's the same feeling as describing the love. It brings tons of words on your mind but you just can not put any of them in a seemingly particular order to create at least a full sentence. Just read the book and feel loving...
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Summary: One of the best novels ever.
Review: I cannot explain why, but this book is simply marvelous. Everything in it, actually - from the way Bach describes how Jonathan flies to the way it makes you realize you are a gull as well.
This is one of the few books that has made me experience something new and different, something uplifting. When I read thiis book, it's as if I'm as free as Jonathan, flying alonside him. Some people say it's a 'motivational' book, but I think it's much more than that. It moves you, it helps you when you're down, words cannot express truly what I feel about this novel.
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Summary: Uplifting!
Review: Jonathan Livingston Seagull became a hero to me after reading this book. Jonathan is a seagull who strives to perfect himself, unlike the rest of the seagulls who mock him for this action. It was very obvious to me that this is life in general. We try to improve ourselves but are often discouraged because we have been looked down upon for it by others who are insecure. We need to become like Jonathan and find the strength to brush off the hands that hold us down, and live at the best of our abilites and perfect what we can. Perfect to read when you are discouraged and need uplifting.
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Summary: A MAGICAL BOOK THAT EVERYONE OF ALL AGES SHOULD READ!
Review: I first read this book 30 years ago when I was a teenager. Along with several other influences at the time, it changed my life in the respect that it confirmed the spiritual path that I had chosen for myself. Religion does not have to enter into this at all. There is a difference between Religion and Spirituality. This book contains a philisophical viewpoint that is truly inspiring and applicable to all age groups. It is as relevant today (if not more so!) than it was 30 years ago. If you read this book with an open mind, receptive to philisophical concepts, you will discover a meaningful message for everyone. THIS BOOK SHOULD BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN TO READ! I have just purchased a copy for my 8 year old daughter. I consider it to be a "Must Read" for her!
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Summary: Amazing
Review: I heard mention of this book, as it was a well read bestseller before I was born. I finally read it and couldn't put it down. It's about a non-conformist seagull who refuses to devote his life to finding food and quarrelling amoungst his flock. Instead he devotes himself to perfecting his flight, going higher and faster than any gull ever had before. He is eventually expelled from his flock, but continues his flight perfection. One day he is met by a pair of gulls who take him up to a 'heaven' where all gulls seek perfection. Rich in metaphors and open to interpretation, Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a beautiful book that makes you feel like you can achieve anything you want to, as long as you put your all into it. Also read Illusions by Richard Bach, which is a continuation of the ideas set out in Jonathan.
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Summary: Uplifting , Inspiring , Meaningful - a great read
Review: "Johnathan Livingston Seagull" gave me something which hardly any other book has given: a sense of flight.
This story has an abundant sense of exhilaration which is literally absent from most of contemporary literature.
While dealing with the theme of the genius against society, "JLS" is fundamentally a metaphor of how man can reach God. It is a little surprising that no reviewer has mentioned the religious significance of this story.
The message it carries actually could be elaborated into a grand philosophic vision which can change the very essence of religion and man's conception of God and Heaven. (Johnathan Seagull has been called "the son of the great gull"). "JLS" goes to the root of the psychology & character of the lonely genius, the path-breaker and presents it in terms of the essentials : his loneliness; his devotion to the truth; his constant pursuit of higher & higher levels of achievement & self-realization; his complete disregard for security & comfort; his thirst of appreciation; his fearlessness with respect to challenging the unknown & not-attempted; his uncompromising integrity. All this is given to you in a capsule in the form of a symbolic tale. It depicts the relationship of the rebel, the non-conformist, the innovator with society and shows that it is the man of independence, genius and vision - he who disagrees and disobeys (and often appears rude & ruthless) who has a tremendous sense of benevolence and goodwill towards humanity - that it is precisely such a man who desperately yearns to share the higher truths of life discovered by him, and his newfound vision, with mankind - and it is precisely such men who are ostracized and condemned; that it is those who break the rules who have benefited mankind much more than those who cling to tradition. "JLS" conveys a lot more: the view that unwavering devotion to one's values, confidence and self-esteem can help one overcome any barrier-that no obstacle is insurmountable - that the Highest can be achieved and the tremendous sense of joy at having achieved one's goals and the best within oneself. This book shall lift your spirits and encourage you to take a new, enraptured view of life, of this world, of God, of MAN.
Definitely, one of the best stories of recent times.
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