Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Story by Richard Bach (story) and Russell Munson (photography)
ISBN: 0006490344
First published 1970

This book was recommended to me by a friend several years ago. We had only just met, but shared interests in music and films. He told me I had to read this fantastic book that he read every year. I was intrigued enough to pop to my local library and try to find the book. I found it. No one had got the book out for six months, tucked away in a tiny niche, you would only find it if you knew what you were looking for. I got the book out, took it home and made myself a nice cup of tea and sat down to read. I was so engrossed the tea went undrunk and I found a book which, though so short can easily be read in one sitting, engrosses you for the entire time you are reading.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a gull like no other. Most gulls love to eat. He loves to fly. He practices and practices, much to the dismay of his parents and the rest of the flock. In fact, he becomes so adept at flying that the flock, who are resistant to change, cast him out. Jonathan goes on to transcend his present existence and thus begins to learn more about love and kindness. He feels he is searching for a higher purpose and finds others like him whom he helps.

Originally published in 1970 (though still in print today) the book was seen as a spiritual self help book and now many people criticise it for being unoriginal, however, it was a leader in its genre. The book is presented in three parts, the first telling of how Jonathan is dissatisfied with the materialistic life of a gull and how he feels there must be something else to work towards. The second part shows Jonathan transcend to a place where he meets other gulls like him and where he has a student teacher relationship with another. The third part shows Jonathan trying to work on another aspect; the last words of his teacher "Keep working on love".

I read this book several times a year, normally if I need a little pick-me-up or a kick up the backside to get one with things. It really does make you think about what you are doing and if you feel like you want to be inspired I would recommend this book to you.