Before I read this book, all I knew about it was that it involved a boy on a lifeboat with a tiger. I knew that it was about more than that, but I didn't know exactly what.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out just what the story was about. To me, it was about belief and faith.

I loved Pi's take on religion, and his experiences with Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. I love how he combines all three at once, and finds a perfect (for him) balance.

I loved hearing about Pi's life in India, including the history behind his name and his nickname, his life at the zoo, and the important people in his life (teachers and religious leaders alike).

I admit, at the beginning it was a little difficult to get into, mostly because I wasn't sure what all the zoological stuff had to do with his ordeal on a lifeboat, but it all came together, and before long, I was totally sucked in. All I wanted to do was continue to listen to the story.

While I found the dual narration interesting, I did find myself wanting more from the narrator's point of view at times. Though it wasn't really a big deal, and what was there provided insight and foreshadowing for things revealed later on in Pi's narrative.

Speaking of Pi's narrative...It was so beautifully done. I loved the language and style of the writing. The description was so vivid. I could see Pi's life on the boat, the animals, his surroundings...I could really empathize with Pi as he encountered struggles, griefs, joys, fears.

I have to say that part 3 rather surprised me. I did not see that coming. But it goes right back to what I saw as the central theme of the story, which is belief. What do you believe? What is easier to believe: things that are kinder, gentler, nicer? Things that are grittier, scarier, full of wonder and terror? Or what about things that seem fantastical, amazing, surprising and, well, unbelievable? I think these questions apply not only to Pi's 227 days at sea, but also to religion and that kind of belief and faith.

Whatever the reader chooses to believe, this book was beautifully written, and a touching story about perseverance of faith. I really, really enjoyed it.

Oh, also: I loved the narrator! Same guy as [b:Everything Is Illuminated|256566|Everything Is Illuminated|Jonathan Safran Foer|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327865538s/256566.jpg|886727]. Great accents, great emotion, great narration.

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