We had a very enjoyable meeting this last Tuesday afternoon to discuss WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen. I was very glad to be back with this fun group of ladies. I found it quite a coincidence that my local paper showed a picture of the elephants from Ringling Brothers being moved to our Special Events Center on Monday afternoon. No, I didn't arrange that (as some teased) but I thought it was amusing that when I opened my paper on Tuesday morning, I saw elephants!Our discussion of the book was fun and spirited. Most everyone liked or even loved this book, although there were a few with reservations and disappointments. We all felt that Sara Gruen was quite a gifted storyteller and we were touched by her portrayal of the elderly Joseph and his experience in the nursing home. That character, especially at that time of his life, rang true. Several of us shared experiences that we had with older relatives and we were somewhat frustrated by Joseph's family. We also discussed circus life in general and the Depression era and what a hard time that was with few social services available. We deplored the cruelty to animals that was depicted and several in the group had trouble with those parts of the book, along with some pretty graphic sexual descriptions. However, again, most of us felt the story was quite compelling and absorbing. Several said they looked forward to seeing what other books Ms. Gruen has written and I shared that I wouldn't mind a sequel to this book.
One member brought a show-and-tell packet that included an article about the circus train and also a special circus parade that she had seen many years ago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She had also been to the circus museum that is located in Wisconsin and that was mentioned in the book.
Our selection for September is THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield. We will meet on Tuesday, September 16th.
I couldn't help but mention that wonderful book, THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows at the meeting. I told the members that I do want us to read this book next year, perhaps for January, but if they would like to read ahead, feel free. I'm curious how much effect the blogging world is having on sales. I feel like I'm gushing about it to every person I see. And, this post was supposed to be about WATER FOR ELEPHANTS!
11 comments:
I loved all 3 of these books! They are so different, but they are all excellent!
I ditto what Jenclair said. Actually it wouldn't be "ditto" anymore, would it? Maybe "cut and paste"!?!
:) Anyway, they're great books and I'm glad you're having fun with your group.
I keep meaning to read Water for Elephants! I bought my copy last summer while we were in Canada so I'm more than ready, wouldn't you think?
I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts on The Thirteenth Tale. It wasn't one of my favorites, although the last half dozen chapters really kept me reading!
I love how you keep remarking on The Guernsey book. Definitely one of the best I've read in a long while.
I'm the same with the Guernsey book and recommending it to friends, so it would be interesting to know if it has any effect on sales.
I'm also reading The Thirteenth Tale, either in Sept. or Oct., for Carl's next RIP challenge. Look forward to reading your thoughts on it.
I'm glad to hear some thoughts on THE THIRTEENTH TALE. I am about 100 pages into it and I am enjoying it. However, I'm not so sure that many in my group will like it. It is very different from what we have read this year.
Les, I think you will like WATER FOR ELEPHANTS when you get ready to read it. It is quite the story.
Kay, here are my meager thoughts on The Thirteenth Tale. It's interesting, my memories of it are higher than I actually rated it.
Such a nicely written account of your lovely afternoon, Kay. This is a book I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. :<) So not for me. Put an animal in a book, and this soft-hearted person just knows it will be injured or die. I steer away from books about children in any danger as well.
When you're ready, you can read my review for The Thirteenth Tale here.
I'm glad you had a good book club discussion. My club also really, really enjoyed Water for Elephants. I'll be interested to hear what everyone thinks of The Thirteenth Tale which I also enjoyed.
I loved 13th tale as well as our book club. It is full of twists and turns and it has a gothic feel to it. Water For Elephants is great too. The two mentioned books are great for book club discussion. I do have Literacy on my bedside table waiting to be read...
Thanks for sending the links to your reviews, Joy and Les. I will be finishing THE THIRTEENTH TALE this week and will enjoy reading them. It's been an interesting book.
Nan, I definitely don't think that WATER FOR ELEPHANTS would be a book you would enjoy.
Tara, I'm not surprised that your group enjoyed it. I'll soon be finishing THE THIRTEENTH TALE and so far I have found it quite intriguing.
Seaside, thanks so much for stopping by. THE THIRTEENTH TALE definitely has a gothic feel. I'll look forward to hearing what you think about GUERNSEY.
Post a Comment