Revisiting Life of Pi: A Book That Stayed With Me

Thirteen years ago, I was living in Rome, Italy, fresh out of college and teaching English as a foreign language. My days were filled with the sights and sounds of the Eternal City, but my commutes—whether by metro, bus, or simply wandering cobblestone streets—were always accompanied by a book. I never left the house without one in my bag. Reading wasn’t just a pastime; it was a constant companion, an escape, and a way to ground myself in the unfamiliar.

One book in particular left a lasting impression on me: Life of Pi by Yann Martel. It wasn’t something I would have picked up on my own, but a good friend, Indira, gifted it to me before moving back to Brazil--one of the best book recommendations I’ve ever received. I had heard of it, had mentally added it to my never-ending “to-read” list, but it wasn’t until I found myself immersed in its pages on those Roman train rides that I realized how deeply it would stay with me.

A Story of Survival, Faith & the Unbelievable

"I just want to love God," I blurted out…

Pi Patel is the son of a zookeeper in India, a boy who grows up immersed in the world of animals, understanding their instincts, behaviors, and relationships. But Pi’s curiosity doesn’t stop at the animal kingdom—he is equally fascinated by faith. While his family expects him to follow Hinduism, he finds himself drawn to Christianity and Islam as well. Rather than choosing one, he practices all three—seeking connection, meaning, and the idea that truth can exist in different forms.

When Pi’s family decides to move to Canada to start a new life, they board a ship across the Pacific Ocean, bringing some of their animals with them. But tragedy strikes—a shipwreck leaves Pi stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. He isn’t alone.

His new companions?

• A Bengal tiger named Richard Parker

• A zebra with a broken leg

• An orangutan, clinging to life on a heap of bananas

• And a ruthless hyena, looking for its next meal

From that moment, the story becomes an epic battle of survival—against the elements, against hunger, and against the untamed wildness of his new reality.

"I had to stop hoping so much that a ship would rescue me. I should not count on outside help. Survival had to start with me."

Through stunning narration, Pi must navigate not only the dangers of the ocean but the deeper questions of faith, resilience, and the human will to survive.

How 'Life of Pi' Became My Commute Companion

This book caught me completely off guard. It wasn’t my usual pick at the time, but once I started reading, I was hooked. I eagerly awaited my train rides just so I could slip back into Pi’s world, turning pages at every spare moment.

I remember standing in a crowded Roman metro, completely lost in the book, barely noticing the stops passing by. There’s something special about reading a book while traveling—maybe it’s the sense of movement, of being somewhere new, of existing in that space between destinations. Life of Pi mirrored that feeling, transporting me into the unknown, making me question what is real, what is possible, and what is simply… the better story.

A Book Before a Movie

At the time, I had just found out Life of Pi was being adapted into a movie. My immediate thought? Read the book first. If you’re looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read, consider this my official recommendation. It’s always about the adventure, the journey, the small details that only a book can give you.

"I will not die. I refuse it. I will make it through this nightmare. I will beat the odds, as great as they are… So long as God is with me, I will not die."

Thirteen years later, I still remember the feeling this book gave me—that rush of adventure, the depth of its questions, the hauntingly beautiful storytelling. It’s a book about survival, faith, and the stories we choose to believe. And maybe, in some way, it shaped how I see the world today.

Would I still love Life of Pi as much if I read it now? Maybe, maybe not. But I do know that in 2012, on the streets of Rome, it was exactly the story I needed--making it a recommendation I’ll always stand by..

Have you ever read Life of Pi? What’s a book that completely surprised you? Let me know in the comments! ✨