reading response

title: Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Author: Richard Bach
Genre: philosophical
Book

First of all I'd like to apologize for the lateness of the post there has been a lot going on this weekend. This week I began  to read "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach. This book is about a seagull named Jonathan Livingston who just wants to learn how to fly and doesn't care about what the other gulls say to him. Jonathan is expected to be like the others, to eat and waddle around. But Jonathan doesn't want this life, he cares about flight, he is as skinny as can be and is ridiculed by the flock. One day Jonathan finally figures out how to dive at high speeds with excellent control, but he can't stop so he dives to the water plunging down 400 feet. The council of seagulls sentences Jonathan to great shame where he must live out his days on the other side of the cliff.

I am really liking the message it sends out about going your own way and succeeding your dreams. I find it funny that there is a seagull council and that they banish him. I wonder why Jonathan actually leaves the flock, I mean he is the most powerful one there, he uses the least amount of energy flying, can dive at terminal velocity and avoid death? On the other hand, Jonathan can learn how to master his new found art while living in peace and being able to live the way he wants.

I also like his spirit, I mean imaging living the way he does, everyone telling him that he's a disgrace, and still ignoring them, knowing that there is a better way to live.

Since I haven't gotten too far into the book yet so I don't have many questions apart from the one about him actually leaving.

I connected his attitude to Steve Jobs', everyone pushing you down, you back off and then start something of your own and letting them realize that they need you.

If you have the time I recommend this as a quick read. I know a book about a seagull aspiring to achieve his wildest dreams sounds funny but it is a great book and has been rated very highly.