13 1/2 Lives of Captain Blue Bear

By Walter Moers

More information to be announced soon on this forthcoming title from Penguin USA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Release date: Aug 29, 2006
• ISBN: 9781468307191

Reviews for 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Blue Bear

[tanya8dogearedcopy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a children’s absurdist fantasy tale of a big blue bear and his adventures through the stages of his life thus far. The author has built an extraordinary world, Zamonia in which anthropomorphic animals, inter-dimensional aliens and, even a few humans roam! Pen & black ink drawings pepper the pages and underscore the detailed descriptions of people and places. This tall tale is as elaborate as it is long: 700+ pages filled with lists and encyclopedia entries and, admittedly it sometimes gets a bit tedious. One can imagine this as more of a story that a parent might read to their children at bedtime, a little section at a time—for months on end! (As an adult, I might appreciate it more if it were read to me!) Bronson Pinchot narrates this first-in-series as well as a couple of the sequels. His ability to handle this type of material (cf The League of Princes series by Christopher Healy) are persuasive arguments in favor of listening to this and the next book in the series, ‘Rumo and His Miraculous Adventures’ in audio.

[lydia1879 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Initially when I borrowed out this book when I was younger, I wasn't sure if I would finish it. It was 700 pages, which is much longer than anything I'd ever really read.

But I started it, and I was totally engrossed. It's a big saga but in the end, I wished it was longer. I thought it was funny, it was a really fast-moving plot, and while I enjoyed some parts more than others, the whole book was solid.

I think Moers has written about this universe before, so it would be cool to read his other books and see how different characters interact with the environment.

I loved this book, it's a really cool adventure story and I'd definitely be happy to reread it again - or check out some of Moer's other books.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hm. The first half or so dragged quite a bit and wasn't to my taste. I kept thinking 'this would be so much better if it had heart, if it were actually saying something that meant something.' But then I finally got more into the swing of it, and appreciating it for what it was, and I was more able to see the point of the satirical jokes.

And it got better. And the 13th life, in Atlantis, esp. the Duel, & most especially the introduction to the famous opponent, was fabulous. I am glad I read this. However, not so glad that I'll try to hunt down the sequel(s).

There are so many pictures that you can think of it, btw, as a 400 page book.

I did get a few actual ideas from it, too. For example, I'm going to try 'tossing noodles with cinammon' as suggested, even if the suggestion was facetious (I don't know if it was or not).

[ar_bookbird · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book just skyrocketed to one of my all-time favorites. I can't even explain how wonderful I thought it was and how sad I am that I am done reading it. The imagination and detailed writing of Walter Moers is impressive. I can compare it to a combination of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Where the Sidewalk Ends. In fact, the paperback I read quotes the Washington Post as saying that the 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear is "equal parts J.K. Rowlings, Douglas Adams, and Shel Silverstein." Who could resist an endorsement like that? I am really looking forward to my next Walter Moers book...Rumo and his Miraculous Adventures.

[filialibri-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Diese und weitere Rezensionen findet ihr auf meinem Blog Anima Libri - Buchseele

"Die 13½ Leben des Käpt´n Blaubär", das erste von Walter Moers bildgewaltigen Epen rund um den phantastischen Kontinent Zamonien und seine außergewöhnlichen Bewohner, ist schlicht und ergreifend grandios - und in dieser Ausgabe aufgrund der durchgehend farbigen Gestaltung sogar noch ein Stückchen grandioser.

Ein Blaubär hat 27 Leben. Die erste Hälfte davon erzählt ein ganz bestimmter Blaubär in diesem Roman: Der legendäre Käpt'n Blaubär, der wohl jedem ein Begriff sein sollte, der in seiner Kindheit auch nur einmal die Sendung mit der Maus gesehen hat. Natürlich ganz ohne Seemannsgarn und die Wahrheit immer fest im Blick erzählt Käpt'n Blaubär von Zwergpiraten, Professor Nachtigaller, der Moloch, der süßen Wüste und all den vielen weiteren Stationen der ersten Hälfte seiner Leben.

Es ist viel, was dem Leser hier an völlig neuen, völlig abgedrehten Dingen begegnet und das macht es - vor allem beim ersten Lesen - sicherlich nicht immer ganz so einfach der Geschichte zu folgen, man läuft immer Gefahr auf halber Strecke schon wieder den Anfang vergessen zu haben. Trotzdem ist das Buch grandios und es ist eben eins dieser Bücher, die man mehrfach lesen muss, damit einem wirklich alle Feinheiten, alle Zusammenhänge auffallen.

Für mich ist "Die 13½ Leben des Käpt´n Blaubär" ein Stück Kindheitserinnerung und gleichzeitig ein ganz großer Lesespaß für erwachsene Leser - und ein absolutes Muss für alle Fans von Käpt'n Blaubär und von teils absurder, immer irgendwie genialer, wirklich bildgewaltiger und einfach absolut phantastischer Lesekost - garantiert voller echtem Seemannsgarn ;)

Und hier noch ein paar Eindrücke aus dieser wunderschön illustrierten Ausgabe:

[koanmi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Man muss schon über eine überdurchschnittliche Portion Phantasie haben, um ein Buch über einen blauen Bären zu schreiben, der von Zwergpiraten aufgezogen wird, sich mit hinterlistigen Inseln herumschlagen muss, in der Nachtschule zu umfangreichem Wissen gelangt, sich von Stollentrollen narren lässt, die süße Wüste durchquert (und sie in einem Tornado verlässt), Atlantis erkundet (und dort zum Lügenkönig avanciert) und der schließlich eine erfolgreiche Meuterei auf der Moloch gegen das Zamomin anzettelt, um letztendlich sein Bärenmädchen zu finden. Walter Moers verfügt über eine solche Portion Phantasie und obwohl sein Roman wie ein Kinderbuch anmutet, sei es allen Erwachsenen herzlich empfohlen. In den Erzählpassagen finden sich viele Sätze zum Nachdenken, etwa "Früher konnte ich nicht sprechen, aber auch nicht denken, und glaubt mir, das ist ein viel angenehmerer Zustand", oder "Das Leben ist zu kostbar, um es dem Schicksal zu überlassen". Gedanken machen sollte man sich wohl auch über die saloppe Katatonie, die bei Reisen durch DImensionslöchern auftritt oder über die Selsillen, "die Grundlage eines jeden Gedankens und der Stoff, aus dem die Träume sind" sind. So ganz nebenbei erfährt man auch, dass ein schlechter Gedanke durchaus etwas Gutes sein kann, vor allem wenn man das Gehirn eines Bolloggkopfes durchqueren muss.Der Wettkampf um den Thron des Lügenkönigs fällt ein wenig zu lang aus. Ansonsten spricht absolut nichts dagegen, dem Buch eine dringende Leseempfehlung auszusprechen.

[polarbear123_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don't know why but I just enjoy moers' books , almost like a guilty pleasure. So much imagination a and fun and detail with characters it is hard not to like, even the nastier ones. There is so much going on here it is impossible to describe, just read and enjoy.

[lman_45 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The possibilities of nonsense…This is the best (perhaps the only) way I can think of to describe this book. Unequivocally full of truly fantastical beings; chocked with the most endearing and illuminating personal drawings of these fantastical creatures; replete with detailed and educational dossiers of said creatures, The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear was a very unique read.No more than an autobiography of Bluebear’s first half of life in Zamonia (well, a blue bear will, undoubtedly live a very long life) the adventures and subsequent companions, associates and antagonists we meet throughout, provide a story-line with such delicate connotations, it almost beggars belief.The imagination! The creativity! The resourcefulness, the ingenuity, and the imagery amongst the complexity, are superb. And VERY unique. Hmm… I’ve already mentioned unique. I have to confess though, whilst reading this tome, my brain hurt thinking about the workings of Walter Moers' brain!Yet there is a logic and a noticeable coherence to the bizarre, and at times, outlandish and astounding commentary in this book. I mean: you are told over and over: "Never trust a Troglotroll!!!" And why would you? It is common knowledge (in any world) that a pathological and compulsive liar and cheat will remain true to form! And does.Some of the descriptions are so astute in their originality that they simply delight: "The universe consists of seven regions: north, south, east, west, before, after and home." (pp 659)I can perceive the sense in that…And isn’t it interesting that in the decisive Duel of Lies the absolute truths of Bluebear’s life are discerned as the best and most entertaining falsehoods? Not so implausible in any life… in my opinion.Walter Moers is a very clever man. This is a book to be relished by all ages; but especially by those who delight in spectacular imaginings which are wondrously constructed and recorded into reality. And with a dose of underlying practicality and wisdom beyond the words.What this book ultimately showcased to me is that the possibilities are endless!(April 11, 2015)

[aliceap-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's been awhile since I enjoyed a book as much as I enjoyed The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear. From start to finish, it was an imaginative romp through a fantastic land full of creatures with names that would make Roald Dahl weep with pride. The main character, Bluebear, describes the first half of his 26 lives as he travels through Zamonia (a continent that used to exist on earth along with several others which you might not have heard of) meeting creatures such as Troglotrolls, Minipirates, and Shark Grubs. Bluebear is a remarkably resilient sea bear who acquires new skills and knowledge through every stage of his journey. However, the best part of this book (of which there are many) are the illustrations which were done by the author himself, Walter Moers. I absolutely love how they are blended and incorporated into the story. This book is the first in a series which Moers created about Zamonia and I'm not ashamed to say that I've already ordered the second in the series which is all about a Wolpertinger named Rumo. O_O This is the kind of book which would be perfect for reading aloud with your kids. It would probably work best for kids in 4th grade and above as the vocabulary is quite advanced and there are some slightly adult themes. Of course, if you're like me then it doesn't matter what age the book was intended for if you enjoy it. Some of my favorite books are considered 'children's literature' and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. :-)

[keebrook · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

i read this one night in one sitting. i was able to do so because i have a special, secret knowledge infiltration center beneath my house unknown to anyone but myself (and now you). i usually read by flashlight because, as Bluebear explains, darkness is conducive to deep thinking but i cannot see in the dark.

Hitchhiker's could not have done better in describing the world into which i stepped. Bluebear is simply part of an infinite universe in which there are trees that grow wrenches, swamps that grow mattresses, and antique worlds that have edible islands, dimensional hiatuses, minipirates, and cogitating quicksand.

modern mythologizing and parables, Bluebear is rich and deep and curiosity-causing. it makes you think about things and ponder more. the writing is simple yet engaging and the word-choice is phenomenal - partly, i'm sure, due to the fact that this has been translated from the German but moreso because Moers likes to coin words and phrases that feel good when you say them and read them akin to the way JK Rowling churns out verbage.

this is classified as a kids or YA book but i really think it shouldn't be thought of that way. yes, it might do well with kids that need an imagination boost but, really, let's face it: adults need their minds pried free of the primordially stodgy ooze that exists between their ears most of the time.

[wvlibrarydude · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After reading many of the other reviews, I would have to agree with both those who liked and disliked the book.

Does it go on longer than needs be? Yes.
Does the silliness seem a little over the top at times? Yes.

With those two distractions behind us, I would still rate this a clear 4 to 4.5 stars. It reminded me quite a bit of Douglas Adams with the Encyclopedia interruptions, the quirky characters, and outrageous situations. I was wondering if there was any plot until I actually finished two thirds of the book. At this point, I saw where the author was going.

Two suggestions to really enjoy this book. Have the actual book with illustrations and spend time diving into the audio book read by Bronson Pinchot. He breathes quite a bit of humor into the story with his excellent characterization of voices. I think much of the humor may have been too redundant without that voice entertaining me on my long runs.

I can't wait to read Rumo and City of Dreaming Books.

[russell7alynn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Where to begin? How could one not love a story that involves, minipirates, carnivorous islands, waves that babble to one another, eternal tornadoes, and duels which require the participants to tell the most fantastic lies their imaginations can conjure? I absolutely LOVED this story. Bluebear’s life (or 13.5 lives) is filled with so much action, comedy, and suspense that it’s impossible to be bored. I almost wish Bluebear had divulged the events of his other 13.5 lives, but that would have made for a 1,400 page novel. While the story is excellent and gives the reader more than enough information to picture all the characters and landscapes of Zamonia, Walter Moers fills practically every other page with his hilarious illustrations; I felt like a child reading a picture book all over again. I think the most fantastic thing about this book is that, at times, Moers made me forget that Bluebear’s tale was a fictional account. I plan to continue this series, and I know I will enjoy Moers other works of fiction as much as I enjoyed this one. If you like stories that make you laugh out loud and feel genuinely good this is the book for you.

[a_reader_of_fictions · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Moers has put together an entirely original hilarious fantasy novel. The main character, Bluebear, describes his life and its odd, exciting events. Parts of the book are laugh out loud funny, especially when Bluebear has interactions with the encyclopedia in his head. There are a few sections that drag, like the chapter set in Atlantis, which gets far too listy. Nonetheless, this book is a great read with awesome illustrations. I recommend it highly, especially for people who appreciate the humor of Hitchhiker’s Guide.

[pagemasterzee · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a really cute book with tons of really great ideas. It was packed with so much random nonsensical made up stuff that at sometimes it was overbearing. The only reason I finished it was due to the fact that my reading schedule has become erratic of late. Captain Bluebear's life (each life) is divided into quite readable chapters that were quite perfect for the short attention span I've acquired lately. I would try something else by this author in the future but would not recommend this particular book to anyone I know unless they usually take a year to read a book and could spread out reading it. I did however LOVE the Tyrannomobyus Rex, Gourmet Island,the dreaded Bollogg: a cyclops varying from 50 feet to two miles high that can survive without a head and many other similar unique ideas.

[amandrake_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Whimsical but not necessarily comic, picaresque but without overt social commentary, literary but without gravitas, Moers seems to effortlessly defy paradigms and delight readers coming along for the ride.In terms of my personal ranking, "The 13 and 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear" is above "Rumo" and just under "The City of Dreaming Books".

[thedivineoomba · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is full of imagination. But unfortunatly that was it contained. Bluebear goes on his adventures, but really doesn't grow up. The stories, while quite funny, are also a bit repetitive. Bluebear meets a friend - the friend helps Bluebear to get settled. But than Bluebear becomes the hero. This wasn't a fast read for me. But, finish it I did.

[milliehennessy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great read by Moers. Though this was his first novel set in Zamonia, it's actually the last I've read.Bluebear takes us through half of Captain Bluebear's life, from his strange appearance in the ocean to his adventures across the land as he strives to reach Atlantis. As usual I loved all the fantastic details and illustrations and general wonkyness. As usual, there are small crossover parts from other novels, so lovers of Rumo will see him pop up.

[lisamorr · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

First, let me say what this book was not:1. A novel, which is part of the title.It's really more a collection of 13 1/2 stories about Captain Bluebear, that are not really connected in any way, about his adventures on the planet Zamonia.2. Equal parts J. K. Rowling, Douglas Adams and Shel Silverstein, as blurbed by The Washington Post on the front cover.So far from the truth. I really enjoyed Harry Potter and the Hitchhiker's Guide, but never read Silverstein, so can't comment on him. In any case, it's nothing like Harry Potter or the Hitchhiker's Guide.3. A mesmerizing read.I rarely do this, but I skipped over pages and pages of boring descriptions of the citizens of Atlantis and an ad nauseum play-by-play of the 99 rounds of a lying contest.After that, I don't know what else to say. This seems like a pretty snarky review, but when I look over what I've written I've told a little bit about the plot (what there was of it), I've discounted the blurb and by saying it wasn't a very mesmerizing read, it ends up that I don't have much energy to say much else about it.

[bookwormie8katie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was amazing. It actually took me into the world where Bluebear was and I felt suspense and horror for the fictional character at times. An awesomely, intelligently written book.

[kiwiria_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Now this is just brilliant! The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear is one of the most fascinating books I've read. Walter Moers creates a vivid and imaginative universe and stays absolutely true to it to the very end. I think it might even be a bit better than The City of Dreaming Books although I don't like to admit it.I love his way of using the book media to tell his story, and though I generally don't care much for illustrations one way or another, here they definitely enhance the story. The characters are original and well described, and the 13.5 lives different enough to make for a very interesting story. I simply couldn't put the book down but devoured it in 2 days.

[sszkutak_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! I saw it in the bookstore and had to have it. I read it over the summer last year and absolutely enjoyed it. It was laugh out load funny and adorable. I am one for the stranger the better and this was all of the above, Bluebear goes through crazy adventures and lives a wonderful eventful life. I was so happy after reading this book I passed it along to a coworker who also loved it.

[djfifitrix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love, love, love this book, it is hilarious. I borrowed it from work (I am a uni librarian) on the recommendation of a colleague. When I first looked at the monster of a book that it is, I was a little bit put off, but since it was catalogued in our children's/ teen fiction section, knew I must give it a go.Each life is a spearate chapter, and Moers describes everything in a way that can make you cry with tears of laugher, or find yourself being frightened along with Bluebear. Some of the illustrations are brilliant, and help you to imagine some of the events and things that Bluebear experiences.The chapters are very long, but some pages are taken up with the large bold text filling half the page, and the illustrations as well. There are some hilarious moments in this book, especially whilst Bluebear is studying with the professor (I especially liked his inventions - the bike with square wheels for travelling up and down stairs, and the explanation of why there are black holes in the universe). Well worth the read, please persevere if you are daunted by the size of it.

[smithsj01_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Captain Bluebear has given me hours of pleasure!What’s it about?Quite simply – everything! This might sound strange but the book crosses so many genres that it is difficult to be more specific. I picked up on fantasy, science-fiction, philosophy, psychology, fairy tale, myth, politics and a bit of autobiography. No doubt I’ll have missed or forgotten some genres but it’s enough to let you know that there is something different going on in this book. The book is about half of Bluebear’s life - Bluebears get 27 lives in total. He travels all over an imaginary world called Zamonia (don’t worry though, there is a map included!) and the book is a recount of each of the places he visits, where he spends one of his lives at. What did I like?It is very easy reading, which is necessary as obviously a lot of it is made up – this includes some of the words. I enjoyed the illustrations, they added a lot to it and helped the 700 odd pages go by that little bit quicker. I liked how it was all tied up at the end and I’m guessing that Rumo, mentioned towards the end of the novel, might be the Rumo from one of Moers’ other books. I also liked the fact that this book can be read on many different levels. You can read it simply as a story and I suppose if you’re approaching this book as a young reader, this is the level you’ll see it as. Then there’s a sub level where you can see different messages coming through for the reader.What didn’t I like?Sometimes, the extracts from Professor Nightingale’s Encyclopedia detracted from the plot, but only sometimes. There were one or two of Bluebear’s adventures that went on a little too long for me but at least they were broken up with some good illustrations.I also didn’t like the length. Whilst the book is fantastic, it is still a very long book and became very cumbersome to hold. The notes in the margin were the final bit that I didn’t like. However, they have a place because you can’t always read from life to life like you would chapter to chapter due to the sheer length of some of them and therefore they did provide suitable stopping points.OverallAn enjoyable week or so spent reading this book. There is plenty to discuss, regardless of the age of the reader. Would I try something else by Moers? Yes I would but I would need a break to read something else in between.

[the_humungus-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thought it looked pretty childish but I found the book wonderfully entertaining. From Bluebear's beginning of his 1st life all the way through to his 13 and 1/2 life, I could not stop enjoying his adventures through Zamonia.

[picardyrose · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Extravagant imagination at work. I can't get over the mini-pirates or the island made entirely of food.

[hellobooks45 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the first in a short series by a german author. It is long, but a great, fanciful read.

[wester_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Don't read this if you want logically sound stories, or halfway believable ones, or characters with depth. It won't give it to you.Do read this to wonder at what the writer has thought of now, and examined though every little detail of silliness. This book takes weird situations, and then doubles them, and then joins them to even weirder situations and then adds something completely improbable. A book that starts with the main character in mortal peril and then rescued by pirates that are so tiny they have never even managed to board a rowing boat - just try it.Everything here is unbelievable. Just enjoy the ride.

[eesti23 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I only bought this book because of the cover and the fact that I had book vouchers to spend. The book was interesting and the pictures made the huge book not quite so huge. I'm glad I read this book but it was not as good or exciting as I had imagined and at many points I was left just feeling down right confused - but hey great cover! :o)

[jmgold_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very fun book that reminds me a lot of the Baron Munchausen stories. It's full of very pure storytelling and just totally unfettered imagination.However, precisely it is also a bit flawed. Moers tends to get carried away at times and loses track of the story. But when the book is good, it's very easy to get as lost in the story as he did while writing it.

[eleanor_eader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bizarre and charming