1. Research the lifestyle and habitat of seagulls. Are Jonathan's accomplishments extraordinary for such a bird, or is Bach taking liberties with science?

2. Read Illusions: Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah. Are there differences between the freedom of a bird and the freedom of a pilot? Are the themes in the books similar?

3. Do Russell Munson's photographs add to the novel in any way? Take your own photographs of birds and write a story to accompany them.

4. Jonathan Livingston Seagull is said to be a book which has universal applications. Do you agree? Did you find some use for its message in your own life?