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Ishmael
Ishmael
Author: Daniel Quinn
Teacher Seeks Pupil. — Must have an earnest desire to save the world. Apply in person. — It was just a three-line ad in the personals section, but it launched the adventure of a lifetime. — Ishmael — So begins Ishmael, an utterly unique and captivating spiritual adventure, which redefines what it is to be human. And thus, we are introduced to Ishmae...  more »
ISBN-13: 9782910188924
ISBN-10: 2910188922
Publication Date: 5/14/1997
Rating:
  • Currently 4.8/5 Stars.
 8

4.8 stars, based on 8 ratings
Publisher: Anne Carrière
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Ishmael on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is my favorite book of all time. I read it in college and it changed the way I look at everything. Ishmael is a Gorilla who has something important to teach the world. Quinn uses him as a guide to help convey his view of the world today. It covers ideas from religion to sustainable development. The book can be quite deep in parts, I sometimes read passages several times, however it is well worth it.It leaves you thinking, wondering and inspired to do better. I have read the book more times than I can count and I continue to learn from it. Well worth the read.
reviewed Ishmael on + 404 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
From Publishers Weekly
Quinn won the Turner Tomorrow Award's half-million-dollar first prize for this fascinating and odd book- not a novel by any conventional definition...

The unnamed narrator is a disillusioned modern writer who answers a personal ad ("Teacher seeks pupil...Apply in person.") and thereby meets a wise, learned gorilla named Ishmael that can communicate telepathically. The bulk of the book consists entirely of philosophical dialogues between gorilla and man, on the model of Plato's Republic.
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reviewed Ishmael on
This was one of those books that changed my entire perspective on life and living... a must read! I have a copy, but I'm NOT posting it! Sorry, folks! LOL!
reviewed Ishmael on
I came across this book when it was assigned in my Philosophy course. I have never been assigned reading where I actually thanked the instructor for the selection afterwards.

This book is truly a simple, yet stunning look at our place within the world. Although the deus ex machina in this quick read at first seems cooky - it allows Quinn to tenderly convey his vital message.

This is a book that once you read it, you'll want to buy copies for everyone you know. I loved it - and I think that anyone who contemplates the world around them will find themselves happy they found this book.


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