Jonathan Livingston Seagull

"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 neighbourhood 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 pay-off: 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 spirituality classic and an especially engaging parable for adolescents. --Gail Hudson

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Ask yourself what kind of gull you are! - Rated
I'm not quite sure how I missed this book for so long. It was originally published in 1970 and 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, and 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 and 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 not in that way that makes your teeth ache. Jonathan is a seagull who is different from the other birds in his flock. They just want to survive to eat and eat to survive. Jonathan, however, wants to excel, wants to push himself and 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 and 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 and even forgive the other gulls. In summary, he comes to an understanding that we are given life in order that we may strive to seek perfection in 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 and timelessly enjoyable read. And when you're finished, I encourage you to consider what kind of gull you are!

dreams have no boundaries - Rated
I was given this book some years ago by a good friend - I have dipped into it so many times and yet each time I read it I never cease to see inspiration vitality and encouragement on each and every page - Bach has the ability to see beyond 'an everyday occurance' and is able to turn it into a magical and 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 and have given them to friends especially those who have been dealing with difficult situations.

Always an inspiration - Rated
Shunned by his flock, Jonathan Livingston lives and flies while they merely survive and 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.. - Rated
Yep, 'hated'. It's a very strong word and 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 and pretend to be something else.

A friend sent me a copy of this book a few years ago, which I read in a few minutes and it left me literally shaking with anger. The memory of this book is still etched in my mind..

Burn every copy you find. ;-)

Is Johnathan the true son of the Great Gull? - Rated
A beautiful story that took 1 hour to read.Behind the words is the message that we are poweful beings whose thoughts are powerful and that we need to step away from the crowd and search for higher realms.
I much prefer Richard Bachs book illusions which is more profound.
The message that should be taken very seriously is that our thoughts are truely powerful,this is why the Law of Attraction is such a powerful force in our lives.