Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
to read one of my dad's favorite books: definitely a experience
ler um dos livros favoritos do meu pai: definitivamente, uma experiência
ler um dos livros favoritos do meu pai: definitivamente, uma experiência
Amazing, eye opening and written with such warmth and open mindedness, showing the wonder and "soul" of the major religions. Strip away the politics and misinterpretation, this book shows the core of various beliefs and focuses on their spiritual centre, showcasing their beauty. I read it as a teenager and it stayed with me since then.
It took me a really long time to read this book because 1. there is a LOT of information contained within the pages and 2. I was doing a million other things at the time.
For anyone interested in a broad history of world religions, Theo's Odyssey is a fantastic adventure that allows the reader to dip into different cultures and their customs, rites and historical markers. Like the first time I read 'Sophie's World', I will need to revisit Theo to let the whole book sink in a little further. Unlike 'Sophie's World' (and yes, I shouldn't compare...) the main characters of this tale were not especially likeable and at times I found Theo and his aunt to both embody a brattiness that had me wishing they would just get to the next religious thread so I didn't have to read of their whinging any longer.
But obvious bias for Jostein Gaarder aside, 'Theo's Odyssey' was a wonderful young adult book; informative, fun, and a true joy to read for both young and old.
Recommended.
For anyone interested in a broad history of world religions, Theo's Odyssey is a fantastic adventure that allows the reader to dip into different cultures and their customs, rites and historical markers. Like the first time I read 'Sophie's World', I will need to revisit Theo to let the whole book sink in a little further. Unlike 'Sophie's World' (and yes, I shouldn't compare...) the main characters of this tale were not especially likeable and at times I found Theo and his aunt to both embody a brattiness that had me wishing they would just get to the next religious thread so I didn't have to read of their whinging any longer.
But obvious bias for Jostein Gaarder aside, 'Theo's Odyssey' was a wonderful young adult book; informative, fun, and a true joy to read for both young and old.
Recommended.
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Significantly more issues than I remember, although I was able to approach the novel and the religions more critically than when I first read it. It's of course impossible to accurately represent every religion in 700 pages, but I did feel as though some religions fell short. Also kept hammering on about syncreticism, and felt some lack of energy towards the last few stops. I didn't personally enjoy Theo as a character at all, he was whiny and bratty and CHEATED ON HIS SEMI GF (that relationship was super weird to me) , but I adored Fatou. I didn't mind Marthe too much, even though she was often used as a liberal-atheist-perspective prompter, which I thought, albeit clever, was very obvious if you knew what to pay attention to. Not a big fan of Theo never knowing about what his illness was, and generally didn't like his parents either. Also didn't enjoy much of the bickering with Marthe and the hosts. Really liked the way the twin journey tied into his recovery and the religious journey.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
This was one of my favorite books when I was in high school! I must have read it God knows how many times. Very beautifully written, almost challenging you to learn more.