Jonathan Livingston Seagull

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Jonathan Livingston Seagull

by Richard Bach
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"Most gulls don't bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight--how to get from shore to food and back again," writes author Richard Bach in this allegory about a unique bird named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. "For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight." Flight is indeed the metaphor that makes the story soar. Ultimately this is a fable about the importance of seeking a higher purpose in life, even if your flock, tribe, or neighborhood finds your ambition threatening. (At one point our beloved gull is even banished from his flock.) By not compromising his higher vision, Jonathan gets the ultimate payoff: transcendence. Ultimately, he learns the meaning of love and kindness. The dreamy seagull photographs by Russell Munson provide just the right illustrations--although the overall packaging does seem a bit dated (keep in mind that it was first published in 1970). Nonetheless, this is a... see complete book description

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  • dinesh m

    dinesh m says

    Seagull - is seen to be flying oblivious to the environment making attempts to soar higher and do it well. This is how the author
    figuratively portrays soul searching or focussed individuals who are looking to achieve higher goals oblivious to the daily grind.

    posted 12 days ago

    (This is a response to a previous comment)

    (dinesh m previously rated this book 5 stars)

  • Selina C

    selina c says

    uh..no..it doesn't ring a bell. Actually it's more of a hammer hitting you over the head with it's bird-brained philosophy. I mean that in a nice way.

    posted 2 weeks ago

  • somshivam

    somshivam says

    This is what I propose as a possible reason behind the name JLS.
    Jonathan,the seagull is born among ordinary creatures, strives for perfection, is rediculed and rejected by his kindred,attains enlightenment,finally returning to help others.That surely rings a bell - a ubiquitous theme followed in many religions including Buddhism and offcourse Christianity.The God-Sent messiah-like overtones of the character Jonathan are self-evident and unmistakable.

    Jonathan is that brilliant little fire that burns within us all, that lives only for those moments when we reach perfection. (Author Quoted)

    Jonathan as a given name,has its origin in Hebrew, meaning "Gift of God" or "Given by God".In that context,the name does make a sense.

    Levingston is a village in Illinois and a common surname in that area and as you may know or guess - Richard Bach is from Illinois.
    Seagull part is more or less self-explanatory :)

    posted 2 weeks ago

    (read somshivam ’ review)

  • eblue

    eblue says

    hi selina!!
    the name echoes the spirit of adventure, the quest for unknown worlds, dissatisfaction with the existing ways..the spiritual hunger for more..u know what i mean!!

    posted 2 weeks ago

    (read eblue’ review)

  • Selina C

    selina c says

    Just a question, I may be missing something here..but why is it called 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull?' Any significance to the name 'Jonathan Livingstone'?

    posted 2 weeks ago

  • sadaf j

    sadaf j says

    i think it just give the energy to fly but it doesn't push it to our souls i mean it just give the energy for a few days....

    posted 2 weeks ago

  • sadaf j

    sadaf j says

    i think it just give the energy to fly but it doesn't push it to our souls i mean it just give the energy for a few days....

    posted 2 weeks ago

  • fereshteh e

    fereshteh e says

    The main meaning of willpower, strong determination and being determined to win and overcome limitations.

    posted Sunday, May 25 2008

  • ch. mohammad khan  r

    ch. mohammad khan r says

    dears,

    It is a good book, indeed.

    regards, yours, khan. waiting !!!!!

    posted Thursday, May 15 2008

  • Indrani D

    indrani d says

    Let us all fly like Jonathan. We shall all struggle like him at first, but it will not be long before we manage.

    posted Saturday, May 3 2008

    (read indrani d’ review)

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