Book Club - Water For Elephants

I'm not trying to get anyone to think too much on Monday. But, as your brain wakes up, ponder these questions:

1. Who did you think, based on the prologue, murdered the man? Were you surprised?

2. Gruen writes that many of the details in the story are true or come from circus workers’ reports. These stories include the hippo pickled in formaldehyde, the deceased fat lady being paraded through town and an elephant who repeatedly pulled out her stake and stole lemonade. The author did a ton of research before writing. Were the stories believable?

3. Did this book change your thoughts on the circus?

4. A cast has been named to bring these bold characters to life in the movie adaptation coming out April 15, 2011. It includes Coco's TrueLove4Eva, Robert Pattinson as Jacob and Reese Witherspoon as Marlena. What are your thoughts on the cast? Any changes in your opinion?

And, I'm going to throw out the read for November and December. But, a warning: This book will offend about 20% of you. I'm not easily offended, so this only peaks my interest, but I want to be clear that it's not for everyone. I will guarantee, however, that it's a fantastic holiday read and one that will have you laughing out loud.


Without further ado.....

445 qty at $.01 (plus shipping) on Amazon. Go for it!

Book Club Discussion - The Help - Updated!!!!!!

Did you love it? Did you love it?

I haven't heard of a person who didn't like this one. It speaks to the reader on so many levels.....equal rights and feminism being of the utmost importance, no doubt. I actually had a hard time reading parts due to the raw nature of life "back then" compared to what we have now.

Questions:

1. Who would you rate the strongest of the three characters? Why?

2. Miss Hilly......unfortunately not a stretch of character. Because she lived in a different generation, is her behavior forgivable?

3. What did you think of Minny's revenge?

4. Which character's perspective (or narration) did you prefer?

****Be sure to check out Sass's quotes on this book at this link. I loved re-reading her favorites.

As always, leave me a vote for our next read!

Book Club - The Help

Sounds good to me! I have read this one recently and LOVED it. Would love to read it again.

I've seen The Help at Costco for around $12. Assuming Sam's has it, too. Half Price sells it for $12.97, I believe. Amazon's link is here, with used copies starting at $10.00.

I'm happy to lend my copy to anyone in the KC area.

Let me know if you're in!

Book Club Inaugural Final Review

Did anyone like it?

Anyone?

Anyone?

OK, so I get an epic FAIL for my first choice according to most of what I'm hearing. If you started or read the entire book......either way.......answer the following questions in the Comments Section. Then, give a recommendation for our next one!

1. Which country did you enjoy most? Italy, India or Indonesia?

2. Did you perceive her journey as self-enlightening or just plain selfish?

3. Would you be willing - given your current state of life, whatever it may be - to do what she did?

4. Where else would you recommend she travel to?

5. Will you see the movie, regardless of the book?

OK, have at it! Good or bad......this is what a book club is for.

And, don't forget to include your recommendation.

Book Club Inaugural Discussion

It's just a check in! Don't panic.

Are you reading? What are your initial thoughts?



I'm still pondering a worthy form of discussion a la blogland (and am open to suggestions). For now, leave comments on where you are and what you're thinking. But, please don't give anything away to those who aren't far along or haven't started.

My take:

I enjoyed Italy......but struggled through India. Indonesia is bringing me back.

Book Club Inaugural Read

Morning, peeps!

Let's kick off the week with some info on the Book Club. Several people showed interest, so I spent some time over the weekend thinking about what book we should read. I'm hoping to choose some friendly options.....and some that will span over many tastes. Feel free to comment or email me with suggestions.



I chose Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert for many reasons. One of which is that I want to re-read it. It's been 4 years since I first enjoyed it. And, I've forgotten parts. I know the story.....most people do......this is not a spoiler.......it's one woman's quest (true story) for spiritual enlightenment during a significant period of change in her life. To do what she did would be fantastic. And, I'll never have that option. So, I'll follow her journey instead.

It's also coming out in movie-form this summer. And, it looks delicious.

OK. The rules.  The first rule of the book club is you don't talk about the book club.  Sorry.  Had to.

No rules.......let's all enjoy the book and I'll post a "review/question/answer" summary at the end of May.  6 weeks to read......hope that's a good amount of time.  And, if you've already read it, feel free to pretend you're doing so now and I won't know the difference come discussion time.

This book can be found just about anywhere.......your library, Target, Half Price Book Store, garage sales, etc.  It's been popular for years.  Here is the link to Amazon if you need it.  Hundreds of used copies starting at $.99 + shipping. 

So, are you in?