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The Story of B is the third book by Daniel Quinn that I have read. It is the story of Jared Osborne, a Laurentian Priest of the Roman Catholic Church, who discovers through his adventure that the world and church he believes in is not at all what he thinks it is. He is sent on a mission by the church to investigate a heretic who could turn out to be the anti-Christ. As he investigates and becomes part of the inner circle of a man called "B", his reality is tested and ultimately altered. He realizes that the Church is motivated by fear and greed rather then altruistic and divine intentions.
The book is set up at Jared's diary that chronicles his journey from the beginning of the assignment, where he is sent off with little direction to find the suspected anti-Christ. Through the help of a mysterious stranger Jared stumbles on the lectures of a man called "B." Eventually, "B" takes Jared under his wing and begins tutoring Jared personal on his teachings. "B" is assassinated, and Jared thinks the problem for the church is solved. Shirin, who seemed to Jared to be "B" girlfriend / personal assistant, takes over where "B" left off. She even assumes the name "B." Against her better judgment she continues Jared personal tutoring. There is also an attempt on her life. Jared was hurt in the explosion that was intended to kill "B." He spent several weeks in the hospital and believed that she was dead.
When the Church did not give straight answers he returned to Europe to see for himself, he discovered she was alive. In the end, he lives the church and becomes "B." He tells us that the in truth we are all "B." Having read both Ishmael and My Ishmael, the Story of B was good book, but not an excellent one. This book more so than the other two had a story line and a plot. If I was going to recommend one book of Quinn's to someone who has never read him it would be a real toss up between The Story of B and My Ishmael. It's hard to say why, but I think My Ishmael is simply better written than Ishmael. Quinn does an excellent job developing his theories more.
I'm not entirely sure some who hasn't read Ishmael would agree. The story line and plot were much more developed in The Story of B. Quinn seems to progress as an author from Ishmael, which is almost straight theory to The Story of B which because of it structure could almost be straight story. I though it was interesting that Quinn decided to separate the story and the teaching into two different sections rather then integrating them.
It was a good story and much more involving then the first two books. I found many of the theories the same. Some of them where developed further, and others left. I look forward to reading Quinn's other two books: A Newcomer's Guide to the Afterlife and Providence: The Story of a Fifty - Year Vision Quest. Given what I have learned about Daniel Quinn's theories, I'm interested to see what he has to say about death and God. I agree with a lot of what Daniel Quinn has to say, but making it a part of my life is not always easy.
I think it is very hard to see beyond the world you live in, particularly with a family and a society who could careless about abstract theory and only want to know how you plan to pay then rent. Bibliography: the story of B by daniel quinn
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