OK, it’s a question, but also a matter of opinion, but also mundane and pointless, so I’ve put it here.
My homeless vagrant little question is:
I have just bought “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder and “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy. Yes, I realise they have been around for a long time, but I’m a very happy bunny because I only buy books at charity shops, being lacking in the filthy lucre department, and this means it is purely a matter of luck what I find at any time.
So, I’m thrilled to have these for about the price of 2 cans of catfood*, but I thought I’d ask whether anyone who has read these thinks good, bad, indifferent, whatever. Just impressions, really.
Do I actually have to remember much about philosophy to read “Sophie’s World” for instance?
Also one entitled “The Metaphysics of Virtual Reality” by Michael Heim - any computer-literate dopers able to say whether this is likely to be good, or otherwise?
*cat may not be equally pleased, but I’m bigger than the cat.
Well, I loved Sophie’s World. In fact, it’s one of my staff favorites at my bookstore. I know very little about philosophy (even after reading the book, as I admit that I skimmed the “lesson” portions), but I found the storyline fascinating in a brain-twisting kind of way.
Walking around the bookstore last week I picked up a copy of Sophie’s World. I started reading it in the store, continued that night, and kept going back each night that week so I could finish. I loved it. I am going to buy it for my 14 year old daughter of my cousin.
My background in philosophy is close to nil, and I was able to gain so much information from that book. It gave a great explanation from Ancient Greek to Marx and Freud. The writing wasn’t very complicated, nor was it too basic, I think it was at a good level that explained the ideas in a way that is good for a beginner, without being too boring for someone who is well versed in the subject of philsophy. It also has a good framework in which to discuss the philosophies. The back story is well thought out, and enjoyable.
My only complaint about this book is its overemphasis on Christianity while slightly overlooking Eastern thought. He even goes as far as to call the bible, God’s Biography. Or something like that. He doesn’t overlook Eastern thought entirely, it just doesn’t get as much of a write up. It didn’t ruin the experience, in fact it made it easier to decide to give it to my cousin. I mean, she is as much of a begginer as I am as far as philsophy, but she does go to Sunday school after mass. So, having some of the book told in Christian terms will enable her to understand everything more easily, since she already has an introduction to Christianity.
Please let me know what you think of it. Also, if after reading it you think it is inappropriate for a 14 year old, let me know.
Enjoy it.
I have the same book buying philosophy as you, by the way. If I can find it over at the used book shop, or at the library, it is mine to read. Otherwise, I can wait. Although, during the holidays I extend myself and read all sorts of new books. So, I can choose good gifts for family and friends. (I like to have read the books, before I give them out.)
Speaking of this. I started on one the other day I am thinking of getting for someone. It is called The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. So far, I have enjoyed it. Anyone else read it?
Thank you very much: your views all seem very positive.
Oh dear, but you still make it sound fun though.
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*pricciar
… My only complaint about this book is its overemphasis on Christianity while slightly overlooking Eastern thought. He even goes as far as to call the bible, God’s Biography.
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Oh, good warning! Still, I supose I can live with that as long as, while I read, I can shout and snarl and so on. Damn cheek though.
I’m afraid I do not know any 14 year olds, nor any age like it, although I imagine (says the one who has not even read the book )that it would be fine for an intelligent 14 year old. As far as I can recall, often school is not particularly stretching for a bright child at that age.
Anyway, you both seemed to have liked that book a great deal, which is great, and thanks for bothering to respond. Oh, happy, I have books: I will have fun.
If this reply seems in any way awkward, it’s because I tried earlier and couldn’t get anything through - NOT an SD server problem, I think, but one from my P.C. so I’m trying to get something to go, even if it is clumsy.
I loved Sophie’s World so much that I took three weeks out of the summer before my junior year in high school to study philosophy through CTY. It’s really a great book, especially for someone with little or no background in philosophy.
Oh, another good review! Yes, now I must read it, most certainly, and, given your comments about “high school”, you may, if you remeber it enough, be the very one to answer pricciar’s question about giving books to the 14 year old niece.
