Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen
What a great meeting we had! Thumbs up all around, great discussion and Temp was over the top with the food. It seems that the days of olives and nuts are behind us. Tempis had delicious cheese and made dinner for everyone. Despite her twin baby boys, she clearly couldn’t be busy at all…Great hosting! Thanks for having us!
Kerry, Sam, AMT, Tempis, JoJo and myself were all able to attend. One of the hot topics we discussed at length was the opening. ALL of were duped and felt compelled to read the opening again. The discussion moved around the circus society, the interesting use of various literary device including a non-linear plot, the problematic relationships and Rosie’s antics.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
It was interesting to note how many of the details were inspired by actual events such as Rosie only understanding Polish commands, the lit cigarette being tossed in Rosie’s mouth and Camel’s Jake leg paralysis. Also, it is interesting to note how many of us felt that August deserved what he got. Most of us were rooting for Marlena to do it already.
The images in the novel were all so clear and so vivid. You could smell the popcorn and hay. A crowd favorite was Rosie taking off a spectator’s hat and posing for the crowds. Who didn’t love the description of her glamorous eyelashes and want an elephant of their very own (ok–that was me)? We all appreciated how enough detail was given to upset and concern us about the circus and August’s atrocities, but it wasn’t gratuitous in over indulgent with the description of violence..
AMT–great choice.
And now on to group updates. For those of you who weren’t able to attend, we want to say Mazeltof to Joanna who is expecting baby #2 in September.
The next book on our list is The Book of Negroes. Please weigh in on your meeting date preference and availability.
April 6
April 7
April 13
April 14
Happy reading lovely readers. I look forward to another great meeting and more insightful discussions.
xox^..^xoxo
