Canwest: Obama is a fan of Life of Pi

[tuvor]

Though much-publicized efforts by Saskatoon author Yann Martel to connect with Prime Minister Stephen Harper via literature have been met by silence, the writer has received a sign of appreciation from a different office.

In February, Martel received an envelope from the White House. It contained a quick two paragraph note: "My daughter and I just finished reading Life of Pi together. Both of us agreed we prefer the story with animals. It is a lovely book -- an elegant proof of God, and the power of storytelling. Thank you."

It was signed Barack Obama.

"It blows me away," said Martel. "There's nothing can gain from it politically."

Martel, who is on a publicity tour for his latest book Beatrice & Virgil, has taken a break from his bi-weekly prime minister's book club. Three years ago, the Man Booker Prize-winning author began sending Harper letters, accompanied by a book. Martel has since received five replies to the selections, none directly from the prime minister.

...

http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/Obama+Life/2789368/story.html

[daleo]

1. The God angle is always political

Not that Obama necessarily was going for this. Probably he and his daughter really liked the book. But the claim that it is "an elegant proof of God" will hit the right note with a lot of voters. I can't imagine Obama isn't aware of that.