Customer Reviews
Inspiring! - By: Margaret, 04 Jan 2009 
This was a xmas present from one of my sons. It's a lovely little book of just 87 pages, & is filled with a wonderful up lifting story. As I was reading this book, I was wondering whether if it had been made into a children's cartoon/movie? I can see it being one.
The story is about how Jonathan Livingston Seagull, wants to fly, he wants to break free from the restraints of his flock & show them, how free & wonderful it is & how you can push yourself to make your dreams come true.
But will the flock listen? You'll have to read for yourself. ;)
I really love this book. I read itin an hour, which anyone can do. It's has some really nice pictures of Seagullsin flight throughout the book as the story progresses.
A wonderful book for all ages, a great story to tell children. Especially special to me, because my son bought me it.
Ask yourself what kind of gull you are! - By: Alan Bridges, 14 Dec 2008 
I'm not quite sure how I missed this book for so long. It was originally publishedin 1970 & even became a film. But I had never bothered to find the time to read this incredibly short book. Perhaps I felt that as a fable it would be more appropriate for young adults. Perhaps, & I feel this probably the most likely reason that I never got around to it, it seemed to me that Jonathan Livingston Seagull had had its time & that now some 38 years later it would have gone stale. On both counts, I now admit that I was wrong.
The story couldn't be simpler or sweeter - but notin that way that makes your teeth ache. Jonathan is a seagull who is different from the other birdsin his flock. They just want to survive to eat & eat to survive. Jonathan, however, wants to excel, wants to push himself & wants to be more - to be all that he can be.
His mission is to learn to fly better than any gull has ever flown before. His efforts are not welcomed by the other birds. In fact, he is mistreated & eventually banished for it.
During his exile, Jonathan experiences a spiritual awakening that is very clearly an allegory of the life of Jesus. Jonathan learns to love & even forgive the other gulls. In summary, he comes to an understanding that we are given lifein order that we may strive to seek perfectionin our own individual way.
It might strike some readers as trite or even naive. However, I would say that it is deceptively simple. Moreover, I found it a touching, inspiring & timelessly enjoyable read. And when you're finished, I encourage you to consider what kind of gull you are!
dreams have no boundaries - By: Da Rindil, 05 Aug 2008 I was given this book some years ago by a good friend - I have dipped into it so many times & yet each time I read it I never cease to see inspiration vitality & encouragement on each & every page - Bach has the ability to see beyond 'an everyday occurance' & is able to turn it into a magical & enthralling experience. If all of this sounds cheesy then so be it - It is the sort of book you either love or loathe - I have bought several of these little treasures & have given them to friends especially those who have been dealing with difficult situations.
Always an inspiration - By: Gareth Greenwood, 10 Jul 2008 Shunned by his flock, Jonathan Livingston lives & flies while they merely survive & eat. His story is a beacon to freethinkers everywhere. It never fails to cheer me up when I'm feeling down. If it doesn't do the same for you, please pass your copy on to the nearest maverick.
Really, really hated this book.. - By: Daniel Hooker, 03 Jul 2008 
Yep, 'hated'. It's a very strong word & I being the pale-faced egalitarian liberal that I am, is one I rarely use.
At best it's self-help drivel that will make those with low self-esteem feel (briefly) better about themselves. At worst, it's dangerous right-wing elitist fiction masquerading as a children's allegory.
I have no problem with self-help drivel - I choose not to read it. I do have problems with books that try & pretend to be something else.
A friend sent me a copy of this book a few years ago, which I readin a few minutes & it left me literally shaking with anger. The memory of this book is still etchedin my mind..
Burn every copy you find. ;-)
