Sophie's World

by Zolariel

Published November 8, 2006

Sophie's World
by: Jostein Gaarder

Unlike the rest of those philosophy books, Sophie's World presents old themes not in new, but in an incredibly interesting styles. Abandoning the orthodox manner of stating facts with boring, monotonous sentences outlined with bullet marks, Sophie's World is a journey from Socrates, to Marx and beyond.

People who read this book will be fascinated by the story-like way in which Gaarder presents the facts.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a challenge. Beware, not for people whose vocabulary does not span beyond three syllable words!!

-Zola

Comments & reviews · 10
Jules the jester commented Comment · Jun 22, 2007

BackgroundBob I agree with you completely without philosophy you are not living.

i am just about to start reading this book for my Philosophy and Ethics Class and am looking forward to it indeed.

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backgroundbob
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backgroundbob commented Comment · Apr 5, 2007

I would say if you're not into philosophy, you're not into living.

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Alainna
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Alainna commented Comment · Apr 5, 2007

Hate to say it but............I hate this book. I got half way and thought 'I give up'.

It just does nothing to keep you hooked, I understand reading it if you're into philosophy, but otherwise I wouldn't really bother.

Alainna
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backgroundbob
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backgroundbob wrote a review Review · Mar 23, 2007

It was what got me interested in philosophy - you have to remember that Gaarder is a children's writer, and Sophie's World is presented at philosophy for children; you can't expect it to entirely measure up to adult standards.

Also, the more philosophy modules I take, the more I realise how right all of his analysis is - when I began a proper study of philosophy, I started losing my respect for the book as well, but slowly I'm getting it back: there's a lot both in the 'lessons' and in the actual narrative that is extremely astute, you've just got to look out for it.

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nerdpony Review
nerdpony wrote a review Review · Mar 23, 2007

Mmmmmm, yes. Sophie's World was a really awesome book... kind of like Ishmael (what I'm currently reading), just longer, without a gorilla, and doesn't start analyzing symbolic stuff in the Bible.

Anyways, I highly recommend it. It's long, but goes quickly.

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Crysi
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Crysi wrote a review Review · Feb 10, 2007

*TWITCH*

Honestly, I couldn't stand the book. The philosophy was presented in an idiotic fashion, and the plot - assuming there was one - made me wonder if someone slipped something into my drink.

I had a huge "WTF?" bubble over my head for the entire book.

If you're looking for a good story, I suggest you NOT read this book. It's... messed up, and it'll really mess with your mind.

Still keep wondering if I should poke the author up there or not...

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saoirse Comment
saoirse commented Comment · Feb 10, 2007

I tried reading it. It was fun learning about the different philosophers and such, but I just thought it was kind of cheesy to add a fictional story to it. I'd rather read a full-on philosophy book.

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tinny
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tinny commented Comment · Nov 10, 2006

I keep noticing the copy in our LRC because the cover is bright pink. I'll have to take it out sometime.

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Meshugenah
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Meshugenah commented Comment · Nov 9, 2006

*runs and hides*

I think I would've liked it better if it wasn't required for English this year.

But yes, it was rather good (but still! Me and Crys had to read it for English! English! Not philosophy, English!).

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backgroundbob
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backgroundbob commented Comment · Nov 9, 2006

Well, I'd disagree with everything you said about philosophy books, but Sophie's World is indeed excellent.



A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.
— Markus Zusak, The Book Thief