Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (FSG Classics) Paperback – 30 Mar. 2007

This is a lovely story, which hopefully offers the young ones a balance of thrill/excitement and content. It is a fun way to discover the delights of philosophy. I would say a well-read 15 year old is too old for it.

This book is philosophical, intriguing and just great story telling with a lot of knowledge poured into it. I had to read some chapters twice to fully understand and grasp. It was also a conversation starter with my family and we debated a lot of the ideologies within it. Great to read alone or with others so you can debate about it. Definitely a must read.

It’s annoying that there are couple of words that were improperly printed. The content nevertheless is brilliant.

Just re read and found it as mind blowing as I did when I first read it, a course on the history of philosophy wrapped up,in a mystery, I made sure my grandchildren have copies to read when they are teenagers .written for teenagers but you can enjoy as much when you’re old like me

I read this book when it first came out and it blew me away. Until I met my now partner of 3 years I never encountered anyone who I thought would appreciate it.He is retired and has had health issues but recently also has had family troubles ( a sister and brother died suddenly). I could see he was struggling and when I realised it was 20 years! since I first read Sophies World I had to get it for him even as a distraction from his worries. It is a magical story which on the surface looks banal but the truths within are breathtaking. He loves it and says its the best present ever. Well written wish I had done it. My partner and me very happy with it and as soon as he is done I am getting it off him! Just have to re read Paolo Coelho The Alchemist again first which he bought me for our first anniversary!NB My own copy of Sophie disappeared at the time my eldest daughter went off to Uni LOL

Gaarder's work has proved to be a huge success in the market, selling many copies and achieving critical acclaim. This is also represented in the frequency with which it is cited as one of the best introductions to philosophy, according to those who have read it.This, however, seems to have been a rather inflated truth and one which sets up great expectations which the book simply cannot deliver on. The novel structure of the book may have been inviting to a wider audience than perhaps philosophy is used to, yet the actual effect is somewhat less attractive. Gaarder's prose is often reminiscent of teen literature and does little to embellish the story line, which is also problematic and often vague. This is a personal interpretation, however, and ought not to discourage others from enjoying it if the prose style is of little consequence.The real highlight of this book, though this is not much of a highlight still, is the philosophical teachings that Knox espouses. However, this seems to be superficial and often cannot cite arguments for the conclusions. In this way, the point of real philosophising is often left to a few criticisms under the guise of Sophie's incredulity. Overall, it has to be said that if the reader's intention is to have a very simple level of understanding and an easy read, this is definitely the correct book.Overall, Sophie's world is an enjoyable entry-level work and has the possibility of provoking real philosophical thought and reading. For this, as well as the basic introduction and novel approach, it has earned three stars.

Easy to read guide for beginners. Philosophy doesn't seem too difficult after all!

Jostein Gaarder writes well or his translator does - whichever way this is well written with accessible and compelling prose. I bought this after it was recommended as an introduction to philosophy and at that it is great. Gaarder's relaxed style, superb use of examples and the interplay between the curious Sophie and her philosopher mentor Alberto Knox makes an often turgid and offputting world interesting, enticing and above all accessible. I am reading my masters in philosophy now and as an introduction to all of the big ideas of philosophy I couldn't really have done better. Of course covering so much does mean that from time to time some of the coverage is superficial but it is only an introduction. As a philosophy textbooks go brilliant.The story follows Sophie as she approaches her fifteenth birthday and begins receive strange letters and notes asking questions such as "who are you?" and "where do you come from?" The notes are followed by complex letters explaining philosophy from the pre-Socratics to modern day new-agers and existentialists. Eventually Sophie meets her intiguing tutor (much to her mother's consternation) and they begin to explore some of the more complex issues together. All the while Sophie is also receiving notes from a Major based with the UN in Lebanon for his daughter Hilde (with whom Sophie shares a birthday). The premise is actually very interesting and I was intrigued to find the relationship between Hilde and Sophie. Gaarder is keen on stories within stories and this book weaves intricate tales within tales and hints at the possibility of more. And actually as a result the last hundred pages aren't very good and the end is frankly rubbish.So as a story I can't really recommend this despite how well it starts but as a lively introduction to the subject of philosophy spot on.

Muy bueno, me ayuda a desarrollar mi inglés al mismo tiempo que repaso temas de mi disciplina

"Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder is an absolute gem for anyone interested in philosophy or seeking an engaging introduction to the subject. The novel masterfully intertwines the story of a young girl, Sophie, with the history of philosophical thought, making complex ideas accessible and enjoyable.What I particularly loved about this book is how Gaarder weaves philosophical lessons into the narrative, guiding the reader through the thoughts of major philosophers, from Socrates and Plato to Kant and Sartre. The storytelling is captivating, and the philosophical insights are thought-provoking, making it a perfect read for both newcomers and those familiar with philosophy.This book offers a unique experience—it's not just a history of philosophy but an invitation to reflect on life's big questions.

Quando li este livro, há 10 anos, eu estava com a mente muito aberta e ele fez muito sentido. Independente da história da filosofia e das afirmações e preocupações dos filósofos, o que mais me marcou foi aumento da capacidade em realizar análises(dividir assuntos complexos em pequenas partes) e ter um bom senso acima do padrão. Resolvi reler em inglês e tive uma experiência diferente. Hoje eu consigo entender melhor as filosofias porém a história principal já não foi mais tão impactante :(A gente envelhece e perde a magia de se surpreender...

This book is for everyone who wants to have a better "eye" and feel of the reality and well, the enormous possibilities of non-reality. It is a journey but it's a journey that inspires. I read this book back in high school when I was still deciding a degree, and pretty much this inspires me to study philosophy...and later on embody it. And it is ironically freeing. Highly recommended!

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