Sophie's World: A Novel about the History of Philosophy
 

Sophie's World: A Novel about the History of Philosophy

by Jostein Gaarder

Wanting to understand the most fundamental questions of the universe isn't the province of ivory-tower intellectuals alone, as this book's enormous popularity has demonstrated. A young girl, Sophie, becomes embroiled in a discussion of philosophy with a faceless correspondent. At the same time, she must unravel a mystery involving another young girl, Hilde, by using everything she's... (read more)

Top tags: philosophyfictionhistoryyoung adulthistory of philosophy (all tags)

Readers

Groups

Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Catoffee
  • Rated 5 stars

if only all our text books on history, psychology and social work can be written in such an engaging manner...reading them would have been a much more enjoyable experience yah?!

Catoffee’s full review »
more reviews »

Didn’t Like It

David A
  • Rated 2 stars

Why this book became so popular, I'll never know. The only interesting parts are Alberto's lessons. But the philosophical monologues are embedded in a so silly and improbable plot that I finally decided to skip all the pages where the two-dimensional characters interacted. One of the most improbable scenes: Sophie being lectured about medieval philosophy by Alberto, dressed as a monk, in an ancient church. Why is he dressed like that? Why does he have to meet her in an old church? Would a 14...

David A’s full review »
more reviews »
Community:
  • Rated 4.016507 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 0 stars
 

Newest Comments

  • Sten A

    sten a said:

    This is a great book. It shows what philosophy is and tells about its history.
    Maybe its not as scientific and technical as we would like to see it, but stop and rethink, its a novel not a school book.
    It tought me what philosophy is and how to use it in my life.
    Thats what other Philosophy books cannot.

    posted 3 weeks ago
  • Saba S

    saba s said:

    I recommend it to my friends & I think that this book will increase their knowledge.

    posted 3 weeks ago
  • Selina C

    selina c said:

    I read this book quite a few years ago and thought it more fun and interesting than the philosophy 101 classes and lectures I attended at uni!

    (cheaper too, and you won't fall asleep as I did).
    Another book to read in a similar vein (but a deeper investigation into philopsophy) I would recommend is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintanence. I read that one recently.

    posted 4 weeks ago
  • dalila

    dalila said:

    I really liked this book, is an interesting story, but is too quick for a revision of so many philosophies

    posted 4 weeks ago
  • dalila

    dalila said:

    I really liked this book, is an interesting story, but is too quick for a revision of so many philosophies

    posted 4 weeks ago
© 2008 Tastemakers, Inc. | Portions of Shelfari.com are Copyright © 1996-2008 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy