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Richard Bach

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Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Story Paperback – January 1, 1973

by Richard Bach (Author)

4.7 14,025 ratings

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Because he spends so much time perfecting his flying form instead of concentrating on getting food, a seagull is ostracized by the rest of the flock. Reissue.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Most gulls don't bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight--how to get from shore to food and back again," writes author Richard Bach in this allegory about a unique bird named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. "For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight." Flight is indeed the metaphor that makes the story soar. Ultimately this is a fable about the importance of seeking a higher purpose in life, even if your flock, tribe, or neighborhood finds your ambition threatening. (At one point our beloved gull is even banished from his flock.) By not compromising his higher vision, Jonathan gets the ultimate payoff: transcendence. Ultimately, he learns the meaning of love and kindness. The dreamy seagull photographs by Russell Munson provide just the right illustrations--although the overall packaging does seem a bit dated (keep in mind that it was first published in 1970). Nonetheless, this is a spirituality classic, and an especially engaging parable for adolescents. --Gail Hudson

Review

Richard Bach with this book does two things. He gives me Flight. He makes me young. -- Ray Bradbury

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon Books; Reissue edition (January 1, 1973)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0380012863
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0380012862
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.25 x 0.25 x 6.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,431,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #420 in Labor & Employment Law (Books)
- #784 in Civil Law Procedure (Books)
- #968,628 in Literature & Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.7 14,025 ratings

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Richard Bach

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Since Jonathan Livingston Seagull - which dominated the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List for two consecutive years - Richard Bach has touched millions of people through his humor, wisdom and insight.

With over 60 million copies of his books sold, Richard Bach remains one of the world's most beloved authors. A former USAF fighter pilot, Air Force captain and latter-day barnstorming pilot, Bach continues to be an avid aviator-author, exploring and chronicling the joys and freedom of flying, reporting his findings to his devoted fans.

Recent books include Travels with Puff, which recounts Bach's journey from Florida to Washington state in his small seaplane, Puff, and Illusions II: The Adventures of a Reluctant Student, which incorporates Bach's real-life plane crash.

Life with my Guardian Angel, published in October, 2017, is his story of the way we can discover a startling source of inspiration in our daily lives.

Fans and readers can find more about Richard and his work at www.richardbach.com

Customer reviews

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring and easy to read. They describe it as a delightful story suitable for all ages. The book's pacing is described as joyful and uplifting, making it a great gift choice. Readers appreciate the added section that brings the difficult realities of life into focus. Overall, they find the book simple and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a meaningful gift.

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Inspiration Readability Book for all ages Pacing Additions Ease of use Gift value Story quality

349 customers mention "Inspiration"342 positive7 negative

Customers find the book inspiring. It contains simple truths about life, love, and inclusion. They say it teaches them to see themselves for who they truly are. The book had a huge impact on their outlook on life, reinforcing their desire to unleash their true self. Readers appreciate the philosophy and symbolism in the book.

"I originally read this book in 1972 and it was the beginning of my spiritual evolution. So for 52 years I’ve been a student of enlightenment...." Read more

"This was an easy, quick read yet it provides valuable life lessons on overcoming fears and doing things anyway when you’re fearful." Read more

"...It is a great uplifting story that instills a desire to push through the blocks and be who you are and achieve your dreams regardless of those people..." Read more

"...This means that ego is meaningless, because what we are today is simply the result of yesterday's hard work, and whatever races we lose today could..." Read more

126 customers mention "Readability"108 positive18 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They describe it as a quick, concise read with an economy of words. Readers praise the author as gifted and consider the book one of the greatest written for all time.

"...It is an easy book to read and inspirational too - against all odds and sheer determination, the hallmark of a leader...." Read more

"...He is the most gifted writer about aviation that I have ever read." Read more

"...the book was in keeping with what I already believed but written in a very unique way so that human prejudices could be set aside, I mean it's..." Read more

"...foreword and while re-reading JLS, I easily and comfortably saw the clarifying and concept-extending nature of "Illusions"...." Read more

54 customers mention "Book for all ages"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for all ages. They say it's a delightful story that can entertain readers of all ages. The underlying theme can be applied to all age ranges, but it is more of a children's book.

"This is a delightful story for all ages...." Read more

"...I also think this would be a great book to read to children - the very young may not be able to grasp its implications, but I bet those around 8yrs...." Read more

"...writer, no big words, no big thoughts, just simple ideas but youngsters love it and it tells its tale simply... It's a great book to read out loud,..." Read more

"...The underlying theme can apply to all age ranges but this is more of a childrens book...." Read more

31 customers mention "Pacing"24 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it an easy, smooth read that makes them feel good and gives them a sense of inner peace. The book is described as exhilarating, true to the spirit of life, and comforting.

"...and shows how a seagull can achieve lofty goals and live a happier more joyful life...." Read more

"...I do, every couple of years, and it gives me a great sense of inner peace...." Read more

"...'s amazing - and gives the 8+ year old a vision of excelling, being different is OK, learning & expressing yourself is amazing & fulfilling." Read more

"...Hope and optimism this new section ends with pessimism and a cold slap of reality, which is inappropriate for this story. I love Richard...." Read more

23 customers mention "Additions"17 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the additions to the book. They find the new section and ending chapter helpful.

"...The extra/added part is fine, but I didn't get anything out of it that wasn't in the original 3 parts...." Read more

"The book had an extra section added to it years after publishing that I didn't know about until reading it again after purchase. Great Find." Read more

"...re-read this great book because I saw that there is now the additional Part Four..." Read more

"I ordered the kindle version. There is no Part Four nor is there a note from the author. There are a lot of grainy looking seagull photos...." Read more

19 customers mention "Ease of use"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the simple overview of the process and the afterword that provides additional explanations. The book is described as a self-help book that doesn't take too much time to read and hold their interest thoroughly.

"This was an easy, quick read yet it provides valuable life lessons on overcoming fears and doing things anyway when you’re fearful." Read more

"...The story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull is contagiously inspirational, easily winning me over...." Read more

"...I am also more than glad that he included the explanatory afterword, called "Last Words"...." Read more

"...Although it's incredibly simple (only about 90 pages, many of them featuring simple illustrations of seagulls), it's the content that shines...." Read more

16 customers mention "Gift value"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good gift. They say it's an ideal present for demotivated people and a great read for ambitious people.

"This was a birthday gift and she loves it." Read more

"...A great gift for people temporarily lost in the dark; any Outcast of any flock. Clifford Jones" Read more

"This is an ideal gift for a demotivated person; a great read for the ambitious...." Read more

"...As I appreciated the importance of his reading; Both are a gift." Read more

51 customers mention "Story quality"33 positive18 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story. Some find it engaging and realistic, providing a beautiful metaphor and heartwarming discussion of impossibilities. Others consider it disappointing, boring, and goofy.

"...Read it! Enjoy the message your way! JLS ends wonderfully in Part Three, which is the way anyone would have gotten it before 2014...." Read more

"...ends with pessimism and a cold slap of reality, which is inappropriate for this story. I love Richard. I love his books...." Read more

"...It's a wonderful little story which helps me understand Jesus and His healing ministry. As far as Part 4, I think of it as DVD extras...." Read more

"...As a bird lover, I also value the beautiful depiction of birds and nature. Don’t be fooled by the nay sayers...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Amazon Customer
the beginning of my journey
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
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I originally read this book in 1972 and it was the beginning of my spiritual evolution. So for 52 years I’ve been a student of enlightenment. Re-reading this book today has been such a beautiful homecoming. No matter where you are on the journey, this wonderful book is meaningful!

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5 people found this helpful

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abbies mom
Great classic
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024
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Going to be a present for a grandchild. This book so made an impact on me when I was younger.

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One person found this helpful

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Animalhouse
Great read
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
Verified Purchase
I’ve heard about this book for years, but never got around to reading it. Well worth it.

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C. Wallace
Be Fearless
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
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This was an easy, quick read yet it provides valuable life lessons on overcoming fears and doing things anyway when you’re fearful.

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2 people found this helpful

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LasVegasBret
If you are a loner that feels like you don't belong, this story is for you.
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
If you are like me, you feel out of place in the world, often unable to achieve your dreams and desires because you are held down by insert-everything-that-holds-you-down-here...

It is a great uplifting story that instills a desire to push through the blocks and be who you are and achieve your dreams regardless of those people/situations/etc. around you. The original (published) story was just 3 parts, which is sufficient for me. The extra/added part is fine, but I didn't get anything out of it that wasn't in the original 3 parts. I'm glad I read the extra part, but for me, the true story is parts 1-3.

Mind you that this story isn't for everyone. Gave it to others in the family to read, and they didn't get much out of it or were inspired to make a change -- the topic of this book is very applicable to certain personality types, and shunned by others. If you are held down in life, this book is for you -- read it and realize that you have so much more potential if you don't let life's blocks keep you down. Remember, that you have to be willing to make the change -- at the end of the day, your success is entirely dependent on --- you!

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3 people found this helpful

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Wu Wei
Are we free or doomed from birth?
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2007
Verified Purchase
This is my all-time favorite book. It contains the most important truths I have ever learned.

This book certainly could be viewed as Eastern Religion / New Age, and considering Bach's other books perhaps that is his main meaning.

However, JLS also contains important non-religious truths which apply to everyday life. For example, based on one of the most quoted parts of the book, "Jonathan" might answer everyday questions like this:

Are you saying I can lose weight and be thin, even though I've been fat my whole life?
I say you are free.

Are you saying that even though I finished near the bottom this year, with hard work I could finish near the top 3 or 4 years from now?
I say you are free.

Are you saying that even though the aptitude test showed I'm bad in math, that I could be successful in my dream job, engineering, if I try hard enough?
I say you are free.

Those answers are very, very different from the prevailing paradigm / meme within our society, which says that nearly everything is determined at birth, so that we are born either "fat" or "thin" people, born "smart" or "bad at math", born as "great athletes" or "losers". Society then tells us that we shouldn't try to change anything about ourselves (since it supposedly won't work), but should spend our lives happy or bitter because of the gifts that were handed out at the birth lottery. A key turning point is when Jonathan rejects the "strange hollow voice" in his mind which tells him:
"There's no way around it. I am a seagull. I am limited by nature. If I were meant to learn so much about flying, I'd have charts for brains. If I were meant to fly at speed, I'd have a falcon's short wings... I must... be content as I am, as a poor limited seagull."

Jonathan rejects this when he realizes that by tucking his wings close to his body he can simulate the falcon's short wings and fly fast even though he wasn't born with short wings. After he tries this and is able to fly faster than any gull could with extended wings, Jonathan realizes: "We can be free! We can learn to fly!"

JLS says that mental restrictions are the biggest factor keeping us from reaching our potential. Some of those restrictions come from society, and some are self-created mental straitjackets. All of those mental limits are false and unnecessary. The truth according to Jonathan is:
"Your whole body... is nothing more than your thought itself, in a form you can see. Break the chains of your mind, and you break the chains of your body, too..."
(That can be seen as a totally non-religious statement. Our bodies today are the result of how hard we worked in the past and the mental limitations we didn't shed, and "our thought" = our mind is what determined that.)

This leads Jonathan to answer these questions very differently from society: Who am I? What is my purpose in life? Should I be egotistical?

Society tells us that we should conform, and we specifically are what the birth lottery gave us, like someone might be "heavy set, average intelligence but good in math". Society says that we should be immensely proud of everything we (supposedly) were born with, and of every victory, and should be intensely ashamed of anything we were born without, and of every defeat.

Jonathan however, believing we are not limited by birth, sees each of us as being unique and of unlimited potential. Our goal and purpose in life is simply to be ourselves. This is not the limited self we are at the start of adult life, but everything which hard work could make us:

"you have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way.
Are you saying I can fly?
I say you are free."

"Each of us in truth is an idea... , an unlimited idea of freedom, and precision flying is a step towards expressing our real nature. Everything that limits us we have to put aside."

This means that ego is meaningless, because what we are today is simply the result of yesterday's hard work, and whatever races we lose today could be won in the future if we work hard enough. Today's ranking and abilities are just the starting point for the rest of our lives, not something to get egotistical about. As one of Jonathan's students thought with a smile once he began teaching his own students, "No limits, Jonathan? Well, then, the time's not too distant when I'm going to appear out of thin air on YOUR beach, and show you a thing or two about flying!..."

The reason why I discussed this in length is to disagree with reviews which say that JLS must be seen as a religious book, and that it teaches only "common sense" truths. It is rare, not common, to meet anyone who believes what JLS teaches.

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71 people found this helpful

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Kang Wei Geih
Leadership - perseverance and determination
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
The first time I read this magnificent book when I was in college. As I scan the Amazon.com for some self-improvement book to read, this one pop up. It is an easy book to read and inspirational too - against all odds and sheer determination, the hallmark of a leader. Because of the caption -" The Complete Edition" I decided to read it again. It never disappoint me!

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6 people found this helpful

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David Cooper
Great gift
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
Bought this for a birthday gift for my 19 year old grandson. He said he really enjoyed the book.

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Top reviews from other countries

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Miss Mona
Seagull
Reviewed in Canada on May 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
I read this while in my teens. Now I am much older, I thought it might be a good book to recommend for a student. Reading it over again, I am getting so much more from it. It is easy to read and has a valuable lesson.

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Pátria e Família
Life changing
Reviewed in Brazil on September 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
A must read, many levels of mind blowing information...

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Noel
Supermotivating
Reviewed in India on September 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Love the book, very motivating

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LAB
Finally read it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2024
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After all these years. It is a simple exposition of being and not being. Freedom rang true for many people when this first came out. And it is time for the fourth part.

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Christian J
Fantastisk bok. Inspirerande.
Reviewed in Sweden on June 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Väldigt välskriven inspirerande bok om att välja och att våga gå sin egen väg och att fortsätta växa i det man älskar att göra.

Rekommenderar den till alla. Men speciellt till dig som brinner särskilt för något som ingen annan i din umgängeskrets ser värdet i. <3 :)

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