Life of Pi

I FINALLY finished Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I don't know why it took me nearly 2 weeks as it was an interesting read but man, I must have been slacking. Anyway, I chose this book because it was a departure from my usual reads. It delves into the Indian culture, a culture I know nothing about. And I'm proud of myself for moving right onto another book I wouldn't normally have chosen, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Life of Pi follows the compelling story of teenager Piscine Patel (Pi), the son of a zookeeper. There is MUCH exposition about zookeeping ways and animals. This endears the reader to Pi but I think it's possible that it slowed me down, thus the length of reading time. Anyway, Pi and his family decide to move to Canada from India and make a life there instead. On the way, their cargo ship wrecks killing his entire family and a large menagerie, and Pi spends 2/3 of a year on a life boat with Richard Parker, a tiger. His is a story of survival and co-habitation with a dangerous animal. Over the course of the journey, we learn much about Pi and what he does to keep Richard Parker sated and himself alive.
Life of Pi is a couple years old but is critically acclaimed and Martel won many accolades for it. There is a bit of humor sprinkled throughout but mostly, like Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, you find yourself rooting for Pi and becoming very concerned about the end result. It is Ashley recommended, but, be prepared for it to take longer than you think it will. Is it strange that 2 books in a road were regarding a journey of sorts? My current book is not a journey, not yet. And stay tuned for my first foray into book on CD.

P.S. Birthday be damned. I bought the wellies for myself. Come soon, please!