Review of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
A.E. Jackson Review Score: 4 / 5 Ravens
How was this review scored?
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is a personal favorite. This little book can’t take more than half an hour to read. Yet - it carries wisdom that takes a lifetime to master. There is no doubt Richard Bach either stumbled across or was open to receiving insight, which was meant for everyone to partake and improve the world just a little bit.
There are times when readers seek out a book on recommendation or because their favorite author releases a new work. Other books seem to arrive in one’s life at just the moment they are needed most. Often, that is the case with Jonathan Livingston Seagull. He, and his story, arrive like a song into dark moments that need light.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull’s tale carries a timeless and inspirational message. The philosophical classic is perfect for readers of all ages. This is a story for people who follow their hearts and make their own rules… people who get special pleasure out of doing something well, even if only for themselves… people who know there’s more to this life than meets the eye. Those readers will be right there with Jonathan, flying higher and faster than they ever dreamed.
At the time of its publication, Jonathan Livingston Seagull was a pioneering work that combined graphics with words. The small book became an icon — a phenomenal bestseller - which celebrates the strength of the individual and the joy of finding one’s way.
The personal connection one makes with this story cannot be denied. It seems to be that way with most of Richard Bach’s works. Many readers may have heard the title of this book tossed around but never given it much thought. It would be wise to hear those recommendations and note moments when the seagull pops up in conversation. It may be because that reader is meant to go on this journey.
The book is small. Not much more than the size of a gift or coffee table book. Yet the simple story of a young seagull who wants more out of life carries profound wisdom. Some versions carry photography by Russell Munson which serves to enhance the scenes. But the images don’t add a lot to the depth and personal connection readers make to the actual words.
For the modern philosopher, one can even find audiobook versions of the story on YouTube. The cadence and rhythm of the phrases Bach chose sing when spoken aloud by the right voice.
Because it only takes a moment to read, this book is always at hand as a reference and for encouragement. This short story is a great way to sample and explore Richard Bach’s work before they dive into the many books he’s written for the world to enjoy.
While preparing this review, a mobile app was discovered which allows one to interact with the world found in the story. Readers can now live out the life of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. And perhaps make it easier to share with others they want to encourage.
Available now on Google Play and iTunes.
Richard David Bach grew up in Long Beach — gazing through his homemade telescope; skin diving along the shores of Newport Beach; and making model airplanes in his backyard Quonset hut. Like many young boys, he dreamed of someday flying a real plane. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson high school in 1954, Richard joined the Air Force.
Richard left the Air Force and returned to Long Beach in 1958. He took on odd jobs as a draftsman, a mailman, and a freelance writer penning articles for Flying magazine. His life was changed one night in 1959 while walking home and hearing a voice behind him say: ”Jonathan Livingston Seagull.” He turned around to find that no one was there.
Richard raced back to his apartment and sat down at his desk to transfer a full Technicolor movie playing through in his mind. Richard wrote down what he saw as fast as he could. Unfortunately, the movie stopped midway through. Richard had an incomplete manuscript, which he left in a drawer for the next eight years. One day, the ending suddenly presented itself to him and he completed the story!
The manuscript for Jonathan Livingston Seagull received 19 rejections. At last it was published by Macmillan in 1970. It soon became a worldwide best-seller, and one of the top-selling fiction novels of all time. Jonathan Livingston Seagull catapulted Richard to superstardom. He and Jonathan were featured on the November 13, 1972 Time magazine cover. The book has remained continuously in print for over fifty years.
Richard Bach, a former USAF pilot, gypsy barnstormer, and airplane mechanic, is the author of fifteen books.
Read more from Richard Bach at https://richardbach.com and find him on social media at Facebook(@beingrichardbach).