I just finished the book Ishmael written by Daniel Quinn. Being a biology major, with a strong inclination for ecology and anthropology, I loved this novel. Quinn, through a Socratic style of teacher-pupil dialogue discusses ultimately the history the world and life and their fates. To give away Ishmael's points, or to touch upon his messages here briefly would be a disservice to the novel and to any of its future readers. Just as the pupil had to be led through the discussion so too must the reader, if the message is to have any lasting effect.
Initially I find the material discussed slightly haunting. The anonymous protagonist is left with a daunting task that resonates with the reader's own sense of burden. There is, at least for me, an urge to change for the better after finishing this book. In the back of my mind, however, remains doubt to the feasibility (or meaningful impact for that matter) of such a task.
I consider this book one of the best I have read in a very long time, and will suggest it to anyone. There is no one type of person that should read this novel, rather, everyone should.
9.4/10
463 points
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