This year has been a very interesting year so far, and my class has read some books that have taught me a lot of life lessons. More recently, my class read the novel Life of Pi by Yann Martel. This story is about a young man, Pi, who was aboard the Tsimtsum on the way to Canada from India. He survived the sinking of a ship, and escaped on a lifeboat along with four different animals on board. Right away, readers can tell this will be a roller coaster of a book. Can you imagine being in Pi’s position? Furthermore, Pi learns valuable lessons throughout his adventure including survival and family.

I can definitely take inspiration from this book into my own life. Although hopefully I won’t have to use available resources in the middle of the ocean like Pi did, I might do some more relatable activities like camping or fishing. I also learned that maybe you think you don’t need someone in your life until you realize you do. I have definitely experienced this recently, and I know now to cherish those people in your life. Just like in Life of Pi, people come and go in your life. I think it is important to value your family and friends, and even all your belongings. You never know what could suddenly go wrong in your life, just like Pi didn’t know the ship was going to sink and change his life. Overall, I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars, and I do recommend reading it. 

-Valentina N.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.