52 Books: Life of Pi (The Preseason)

As I've stated before, in 2006, I'm going to try to read 52 books next year. I read a fair bit (a couple books a week), but for some reason I feel compelled to take on this task. The reasons are varied, some more admirable than others. One of the main reasons is that I just want to see if I can do it. Simply do I have the discipline to complete a task like this. The only thing that would prevent me from completing a task like this, is lack of will, and I want to see if I can do it. The second reason, is because I feel like I waste a lot of time. Whether its sleeping, watching Around the Horn/PTI every day, or watching old Martin episodes, I feel like I'm leaving a lot of time on the table. There have to better ways to use said time, including good ole fashion noggin' nourishing. Reason number 3 is to expose myself to more good fiction. Most of the stuff that captures my interest are political science/sociology/social theory/current affairs book. Through this project, I'll be exposed to a lot of good authors, and read some more of my old favorites.

Anyway, back to the title of this post. I came across this book in late 2003 when someone from my Coro program mentioned that Life of Pi was a great book, and I should check it out. I eventually bought it (though it usually takes two people to recommend something for me before I buy it and I was very very pleased) Even though it took me 2 years to read it, and the middle of the book was slow going, I was amazed by the scope of the book. Rarely has something challenged me to re-examine the way I think about the world, and this book did it. The basic premise involves a young indian boy on a boat with a bengal tiger, but the book is about so much more than that. Life, death, survival, faith, reason, etc. etc. etc. I dont' even want to talk about the plot too much for fear of giving something away. After I finished it, I was literally awestruck. What a way to start my expedition. If the whole year is going to be like this, I may read 52 books every year. =)