Has anybody read the book "Ishamel by Daniel Quinn" ?

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Comments

  • CityMouse
    CityMouse Posts: 1,010
    Yes I read it several years ago. It was a good book, but I did not think it life-altering.
  • Fahka
    Fahka Posts: 3,187
    such a good book.. by the end of it you really do feel like you have or are gonna find the answer to save the world..



    I highly recommend buying it.. ull want to read it more than once..
  • misterbean
    misterbean Posts: 16
    Had to search the forums to see if this discussion existed. I love this book, and have taught it to students for many years. Daniel Quinn, the author, passed away earlier this year. 
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,673
    I read it in 2012.  At first I thought, "Man, there's no way I will read this whole book.  A talking gorilla?  Give me a break!" 

    I still find that aspect of the book a bit ridiculous, BUT I did read the book and thought it was great!  Same with Story of B.  Get past the talking gorilla thing and this becomes a great read with tons of thought provoking ideas. 
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    Been ages since I devoured this book, and the fact it can be a quick read shouldn't take away from its import.  I found it so simple in its message(s), I ended up re-reading many passages several times.  It makes sense to me.

    I always thought the choice of gorilla was apt in ways as a counter, or even partner, to our modern selves - in treatment, observation, and most importantly, our so-called evolution.

    I did a bit of digging and found this...interesting.

    http://survivingprepper.com/takers-leavers-explained-daniel-quinns-ishmael/
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,673
    hedonist said:
    Been ages since I devoured this book, and the fact it can be a quick read shouldn't take away from its import.  I found it so simple in its message(s), I ended up re-reading many passages several times.  It makes sense to me.

    I always thought the choice of gorilla was apt in ways as a counter, or even partner, to our modern selves - in treatment, observation, and most importantly, our so-called evolution.

    I did a bit of digging and found this...interesting.

    http://survivingprepper.com/takers-leavers-explained-daniel-quinns-ishmael/
    Excellent article, Hedo.  It really helped me remember the main points of the book and summarizes them well (though beware those who haven't read the book- the article admittedly contains SPOILERS), especially regarding the concepts of "takers" and "leavers".
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • RNDMA
    RNDMA Blackpool, England Posts: 14
    This book was actually my gateway to loving Pearl Jam. A friend i was just beginning to know at the time and loved Pearl Jam was trying to get me into his favourite band, which i had barely heard of, and mentioned that one his favourite albums was loosely inspired by Ishmael. I read and loved the book, immediately played Do The Evolution for the first time and loved it. Intrigued i went to Amazon, put Yield in my basket and saw it was 2 for £10...so i bought Avocado too.
    And i haven't looked back since. I bought and loved every CD and now recommend this book to all my friends.
    Crazy how we get down the rabbit hole.

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