1. Introduction to Life of Pi by Yann Martel

2. Yann Martel Bio
Born in Spain in 1963 to Canadian parents who were pursuing graduate studies
Parents joined foreign services and he grew up in Costa Rica, France, Spain, Mexico, and Canada

3. Bio cont’d Obtained philosophy degree from Trent University
First book was a collection of short stories
His second, a novel
Neither successful
In 2002 he won the Man Booker Prize for fiction for Life of Pi

4. Booker Prize
The Booker Prize rewards the best novel of the year written by a citizen of the Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland
Prestigious Prize
Life of Pi is “the most popular Booker Prize winner ever”

5. According to one of the judges:
“In Life of Pi we have chosen an audacious book in which inventiveness explores belief. It is, as the author says, a novel which makes you believe in God or ask yourself why you don’t.”

6. Plagiarism Debate
Accusations of plagiarism – claimed close resemblance to Max and the Cats by Moacyr Scliar
Quickly cleared of charges
Similarities superficial
In author’s note, “as for the spark of life, I owe it to Mr. Moacyr Scliar” (x).

7. Film Golden Globe for Best Original Score
11 Oscar nominations including:
Best Picture
Director
Music
"Life of Pi" Official Trailer 2 - YouTube

8. What’s Stephen Harper Reading?
In April 2007, Martel began to send books to Stephen Harper every two weeks along with a letter.
What is Stephen Harper Reading?

9. Focus Your Reading Narration and italics Role of Religion
Storytelling and its connection to religion
Nature of truth
Binaries
Fact and Fiction
Religion and Science
Imagination and Reason

10. Reading Schedule