Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful book... but not a sequel
Review: Having read Ishmael, Quinn's first and (I imagine) most widely-read book, I can safely say that, while My Ishmael builds off the same ideas as Ishmael and has more or less the same plot, it is not a sequel. If anything, My Ishmael is the definitive declaration of Quinn's philosophy. I suggest reading Ishmael as well as My Ishmael, as you'll get a more broad understanding of the "Ishmael" philosophy. This book - just like the original - will turn your entire world upside down and make you think in ways you didn't know you could. Even if you don't agree with Quinn's ideas, the facts about our world and society are such that they apply to any particular worldview. Are you a taker... or a leaver?
Rating:
Summary: The Best of Quinn's Books for a younger audience
Review: There is no need for me to repeat the sentiments of 1,000s of loyal readers and friends of Ishmael. My only review and suggestion for this book is that it be the first of the original three to be given to anyone who is still in the public education system. I do advocate reading all of the Ishmael books: Ishmael, The Story of B, and My Ishmael. I also advocate giving your copy (once read) to someone you care about or a total stranger so that the knowledge can circulate faster.
Rating:
Summary: Same ol', but still damn good
Review: Having read Ishmael and The Story of B, I considered most of this to me repititious, however I still found it very enjoyable. This version of the gorilla's teachings seemed to me a little more light-hearted and a little more readable because of this. Julie is by far a better narrator than Alan (the guy in Ishmael) who seemed dumber than dirt. Now, I'm not saying this was better than Ishmael. I did like Ishmael better, but probably because it was the first I'd heard of Quinn's ideas and philosophies. I also noticed that this was the first of Quinn's works to omit the religious aspect. That was what really grabbed me the first time, and personally I would have liked a little more. My official recomendation is for those of you who have never read Quinn, start with either Ishmael or The Story of B, leave this for later.
Rating:
Summary: Daniel Quinn Does it again
Review: Hey, I am 17 years old and have managed to cram down a total of 3 of Daniel Quinn's novels. I'll admit that some of them lack a little bit of a plot but he makes many good points about or education and system of rules. I agree with all of his ideas, because as I student in today's educational system I can acknowledge from a first hand experience that what we are doing isn't worth it. I have two classes that actually challenge me and motivate me to learn. Journalism and Environmental issues. As for the other six classes that are on my schedule I view all of those and a waste of time and pointless to go to other then to keep my GPA up. This is what Quinn so obviously points out throughout the book. It explains how wealth should be measured as and what our society thinks of it. How our society views it is completely obscure and this book extrapolates that idea and expands it ideas that make sense. One of the best books I have read in my life.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book for continuing the journey...
Review: My Ishamel is a fantastic sequel to Ishamel (and I would definatley reccomend reading it before attemping The Story of B). It gives great insight into the educational system and follows nicely where my Ishamel left off. If you enjoyed Ishamel it is a must read! For everyone who says the 12 yr old girl is nor believalble---- get past it the "story line" is simply a background for the greater message.
Rating:
Summary: C'mon and give the guy some credit
Review: Now, I admit, the plot of this book was painfully weak. Of course, NO twelve-year old girl could ever possibly be as philisophical and insightful as the girl in the story. There is no possible way that this twelve-year old girl would be independant enough to travel to Africa alone, and nobody can believe the concept of a telepathic gorilla. But, the book was not written for it's plot. The plot was put in simply to make the book flow more smoothly and to not make it seem like a lecture. The point that this book brings across is one of the most intelligent and insightful ever, and people need to see the book for that, not for it's weak plot.
Rating: 
Summary: It was a little off base, in my opinion...
Review: My Ishmael strayed into some rather strange areas, in my opinion. I agree with some other reviews that this was a pretty unique 12 year old girl (always agreeing, always philosophical). Beyond this, as an educator in today's "unnecessary" educational system, I disagree with Quinn's ideas in this regard. First, if high school is meant to keep all the kids off the job market, why doesn't it work? Most of the kids attending my school are working in beginning jobs all through high school. Also, I seriously question the assertion that so little education is necessary in today's jobs, or that all public education is simply busy work.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as impressed as I thought I would be...
Review: I have not read Ishmael or anything else by Quinn- I'm not sure I will. While the format of the text is unique in style and well written, I found gaping holes in logic and the whole idea was less believable than Luke being Leia's brother. The narrator was supposed to be a 12 year old girl, but no 12 year old I know has such insight, logic, and reasoning. Beyond that, she immediately agreed with every idea presented to her, and I cannot recall a time that she argued with her teacher on any grounds. Find a 12 year old that does that!It was creative and thought provoking, but it lacked logic and believability. I found Ishmael (the gorilla) to be contradictive at times. Oh, and a side note, the gorrila is not telepathic. This came up in a conversation I had with a friend. Ishmael cannot read Julie's thoughts, as a telepath could. He projects his own thoughts into her head, but must hear her speak. It's almost an "inverse telepathy" if you will. Just my thoughts...
Rating:
Summary: Prepare to leave your comfort zone to confront controversy!
Review: Quinn's novel is thought-provoking, forcing the reader to step away from the normal and ordinary human mindset. In a fictional framework, Quinn is able to address controversial and pressing issues, such as evolution, religion, and the nature of humankind. Quinn's novel kept me on the edge of my seat, and I oftentimes found myself in extreme contradicition with many of his rationales. I also found myself occasionally confused with Ishmael's reasoning. Yet the structure of this novel continues to keep the reader interested, carrying him to the last page.
Rating:
Summary: My Ishmael, My Hot Dog
Review: This has been my first encounter with Daniel Quinn and the Ishmael series. I enjoyed reading My Ishmael. The ideas were thought provoking. The style was easy to read. I thought that the book was a little too long though. The ideas need sharing and room to grow but fewer pages are in order. Sometimes I felt myself wishing that something different would happen. Anything! If I read the other books in the series, I might understand and appreciate My Ishmael a little more. The ideas in this book will certainly make you think and consider culture and life, but they're surrounded by too much writing. This is why I say that the book is like a hot dog--there's some good stuff in there, but also be prepared for lots of filler--wordy filler. Don't get me wrong--the filler is related and makes sense in the storyline. I just feel that what was said in the book could've been said with a lot less. I would recommend this book to people examining culture and how culture is like a seed planted within us that we just take for granted. It grows and affects our lives and views of everything around us, most of the time without our realizing it. Sounds kind of sinister...
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