Ishmael Ch. 1 & 2

My initial reaction to the writing style was amusement. Immediately the tone shift from Eaarth is a bit disarming. Because there's a playful quality to the writing. One example of this: "Nobody's out to save the world, because nobody gives a damn about the world. . .Get a job, make some money, work till you're sixty, then move to Florida and die." While the content itself isn't necessarily uplifting or humorous, the tone and quality with which he writes brings it to life in that way.

I have to say, when I reached the big reveal- the unveiling that the teacher was a gorilla- I had a hard time getting on board at first. I think the author anticipates this, and is still unapologetic for it. In the following pages the reader is warmed up to the idea, and soon accepts it. But at first, it's hard to get on board. Because we are conditioned to not see humanity in animals (unless they're are pets.)

The wisdom of the teacher seems to be abounding. He says things like "...in Africa I was a member of a family--a sort of family that the people of your culture haven't known for thousands of years." His story is interesting and full of very thought-provoking ideas. But still, about half-way through chapter one I think I was still a bit wary and unsure.

With the start of chapter 2, and Ishmael's discussion of third-reich Germany, I can't help but think of present day America. And I know the Hitler comparisons have been flung around for months, but looking at history critically is an essential skill. And I have to say, I do see the similarities. He talks of Hitler convincing the German nation of his story. That whole section I found very interesting.

Overall, at the end of these chapters I'm excited to keep reading. As I said in the beginning of this post, the change in tone from Eaarth is a bit refreshing.