Delve into the Life of Pi.

Should you read it? Yes!
Before you venture to the cinema to see Ang Lee's adaptation, take the time to find a copy, have a sit down, and read.

Discover the incredible story of Pi, the only survivor of a shipwreck. Well, at least the only human survivor....
This imaginative young boy takes the reader on a beautifully well written and constantly surprising adventure. I loved it.
The best thing about getting to read this book before you see the film, is that it allows your imagination to take the reigns. You can play with the scene laid in words before you; you can picture the mysterious moving island and share the wonders, moments of fear, pain, happiness and outright awe with Pi and his companion, Richard Parker.
This book takes you on a journey, whilst reading one cannot guess the next occurrence, adventure. It is wondrous. An extraordinary tale. One of those books that, once you finish the final page, you need to spend the next few minutes reflecting, soaking the whole thing up. After a few days, it's still there. And what a great thing to be able to continue the experience in the theatre. This is a celebration of the power of imagination, the power of a great story.

I shall leave the final thought to Mr Martel himself who so eloquently remarks, " if we, citizens, do not support our artists, then we sacrifice our imagination on the altar of crude reality and we end up believing in nothing and having worthless dreams." Imagination, truly, is worth hanging on to, grasp it with both hands, and don't let go.

Martel, Yann 'Life of Pi' 2002, Canongate.
If you enjoy 'Life of Pi' - I'd recommend Rushie's 'Midnight's Children' too!