Sophie's World Explore Philosophy In This Great Book By Jostein Gaarder
Ranked #2,104 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #86,974 overall
So much more than Philosophy 101. This is the story of young girl's discovery of who she really is.
I was introduced to this book by a friend who was studying at university. One of the assignments they had to write was titled 'What Is Truth'. Sophie's World was recommended as good way to learn about the general history of western philosophical thought from the ancient Greeks to to modern day thinkers. Jostein Gaarder achieves this in a remarkable way by inviting the reader to go on a journey of discovery with the 'heroine' of the book Sophie Amundsen.
The story is set in a small Norwegian village. Sophie begins her exploration of ideas when she is mysteriously sent two short notes in the mail. The first one asks Who Are You?and the next asks "where do you come from?
As she engages with these questions she starts to consider some profound questions. "As Sophie started to think about being alive she began to realize that she would not live forever. I am in the world now, she thought, but one day I will be gone...you can't experience being alive without realizing that you have to die, she thought". Whilst this is a rather salutary beginning to the story it is a crucial element of the story and it is not long before Sophie learns who is sending her the notes.
They come from Alberto Knox a mysterious gentleman in the village with a pet dog called Hermes. She also has to ponder over the mysterious notes she recieves about a girl of the same age as herself called Hilde Moller Knag. These are sent by her father who is away on UN service in the Middle East.
All of these strands weave into an engaging and thought proviking puzzle that is only resolved (or is it!) right at the end of the book. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone. As Gaarder notes in the beginning of the book when he quotes from Goethe "He who cannot draw on three thousand years is living hand to mouth". Sophie's World helps you start eating proper meals!
Contents at a Glance
Sophie's World Philosophy Book Tweets
Sophie's World Opening Line
"Sophie Amundsen was on her way home from school. She had walked the first part of the way with Joanna. They had been discussing robots. Joanna thought the human brain was like a computer. Sophie was not certain she agreed. Surely a person was more than a piece of hardware."
Sophie's World Closing Lines
"I bet its her work again. Go ahead make fun of me. All evening, I've been able to feel someone is here"
Sophie's World
Sophie's World
Amazon Price: $3.49 (as of 06/04/2012)
“You can believe what is untrue and disbelieve what is true”
Your turn
Write a review, add a comment, or debate someone who disagrees with you.
What did you think?
Love it! Great read.
reasonablerobinson says:
This is a really great story and packed full of fascinating ideas and historical facts too.
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
How do you rate Sophie's World?
Although philosophical questions concern us all, we do not all become philosophers. For various reasons most people get so caught up in every day affairs that their astonishment at the world gets pushed into the background.
Jostein Gaarder's official site
don't miss it!
- http://www.josteingaarder.com/
- Jostein Gaarder's official site
More books by Jostein Gaarder
Vote for your favorites, or add any I missed.
The Castle in the Pyrenees by Jostein Gaarder
Through five intense years in the 1970s, Steinn an more...0 points
The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder
THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY transcends all barriers. We more...0 points
Maya by Jostein Gaarder
Thrown together for three days on the paradise isl more...0 points
The Orange Girl by Jostein Gaarder
At fifteen, Georg comes upon a letter written to h more...0 points
Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (FSG Classics) by Jostein Gaarder
A page-turning novel that is also an exploration o more...0 points
What's the buzz about Sophie's World?
- Exclusive: Laura LaFrate talks about 'Top Model: British Invasion (Part 1)
- Reality TV World: Did you think the judges' comments were swayed in Sophie's favor at all? Did you sense she might win just based on that alone, or did you think she'd probably win anyway because of her good character and personality?
- Gold by Chris Cleave – review
- Cleave manages to avoid this by giving us a convincing and fully rounded depiction of Sophie's world, employing some memorable Star Wars-themed flights of imagination. He's always good on childhood (Batman-loving Charlie in The Other Hand is a fine ...
- Emory launches international center to battle spina bifida
- Researchers at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health along with the school's department of pediatrics and a foundation called Sophie's Voice are launching an international research and prevention center to fight spina bifida, reports WABE.
- 'Top Model: British Invasion' crowns British model Sophie Sumner champion
- Sophie's photo was then revealed on the big screen and she was declared winner of America's Next Top Model: British Invasion, while Laura had finished the competition in the runner-up spot. Reality TV World has launched a trial program offering ...
Sophie's World on eBay
Sophie's World on Facebook
Click image
Jostein Gaarder and Sophie's World Fans
Jostein Gaarder books
Postscript of utmost importance
If you buy any of the books recommended above, this page automatically makes a donation to the incredible nonprofit, Donors Choose, which helps provide classrooms and students in need with resources that our public schools often lack. by sallemange
Sophie's world is a clever blend of education and fiction writing. A story with a clever twist that I thoroughly recommend: more »
- 40 featured lenses
- Winner of 18 trophies!
- Top lens » Is Adele Overweight Or Is She Beautiful Just As She Is?
Explore related pages
- SOPHIE'S WORLD SOPHIE'S WORLD
- 10 Most Read Books In The World 10 Most Read Books In The World
- Best Children's Classic Books for Ages 9-12 Best Children's Classic Books for Ages 9-12
- Newbery Medal Winners, 1960-1969 Newbery Medal Winners, 1960-1969
- Good Books For Children Good Books For Children
- Newbery Medal Winners, 1970-1979 Newbery Medal Winners, 1970-1979
Philosophy A Short Introduction
Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
Amazon Price: (as of 06/04/2012)
Passion of the Western Mind
The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas that Have Shaped Our World View
Amazon Price: $9.65 (as of 06/04/2012)
