Peacefield

Hmmm, why can't I remember him? I remember Earl, Blackie, Cecil... Oh well! Thanks, Weave .

Cookie, you might not be able to handle this book if you had trouble with baby flamingos. The animal cruelty isn't excessive, but there are some bits that I had to skim through . That's a hilarious story about that elephant, Frankie! But ewww, drinking hot tub water? Yikes! I just took a look in the IMDB page for the film of WFE, and I was a bit surprised to see Christoph Waltz playing August. Not who I pictured, but he's an Oscar-winner so bound to be good! Also, there's a character in the film named Wade. Does anyone remember a Wade from the book?! I don't.

I haven't yet decided on a book to read since I finished Water for Elephants! I'm mad at myself. Anyway, I'm determined to choose something tonight. Also, I'm going to the annual sale at 1/2 Price Books tonight, so I'm bound to find loads of stuff with it being 70% off and all!

I know, it was a quick read for me! Usually I'm a much slower reader, but tbh, it's not a gigantic book. I can't wait for you to read it either, Frankie!

I was surprised too. All that angst must've gotten to her . I'm also very curious as to how they'll get away with some of the imagery of BD. Condon will have to be pretty creative methinks! Especially if teens are supposed to see it. We don't rant! We are just selective and chill .

Yeah, who knew she had it in her, huh? I think I will verbally cheer at that part during the movie, and hopefully others in the theatre will do the same! A collective applause to Stephenie, David, and the rest of the gang .

Thanks, Weave! I'm pleased I was pleased with it too . It was sad about the animals, but I just had to keep thinking how worse off they'd be if Jacob wasn't there to care for them. And OMG I can't wait to see the film! Jacob is a lovely character, and a fiesty old man, too!

True, I'm hoping for lots of surprises, Weave. And one spoiler I'd never give up having the memory of? The leg hitch! Woo! Thank you Jesus .

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen Synopsis via Waterstone's: When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, and misfits the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth a second-rate travelling circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. Jacob, a veterinary student who almost earned his degree, is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her. Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford. I wished this book hadn't ended! I was so taken by Jacob and his life in the circus, I would've loved to have followed him in chapter after chapter of his life. I loved that the book started and ended (almost) in the same scene, and sprinkled throughout were moments in current time while Jacob was in an elderly care center at age 90 (or is it 93? ) and reliving his memories of those years he spent with the circus. All the characters in the story were so alive, and I loved reading about the dynamic between performers and 'roustabouts.' I must admit I did have to skim a little over some of the animal parts, since some of it was too hard for me to read. Not that it was graphic, but you feel so sad for these poor performing animals, not knowing any better and just doing what they're told. Jacob was so compassionate though, exactly as a vet should be. He was an amazing character, I tell you! I can't wait to read more by Gruen, and I highly recommend this one to anyone thinking of reading it.

Yes! Good point, Weave . I had to do that with the New Moon book - pack it away in my trusty box and practically hide it from myself! I'm already mad enough at the Eclipse spoilage I allowed to seep into my poor brain. I'm determined not to look at anything before BD! Nada! Well...

Figures, Weave! Mine too, had I clicked on that link. Oh, do we know the release date of the Official Eclipse Companion Book? I'm looking forward to that too...

Excellent review, Weave! I'm very much looking forward to reading this one .

I couldn't really be bothered to fix much after work tonight, so I had some chips with homemade salsa, a cheese stick and a piece of toasted sourdough smothered in babaghanoush. Yummm.

A handful of dark chocolate covered cranberries that I picked up at Trader Joe's this weekend. Yum.

I finished Water for Elephants tonight when I got home. I was so antsy, nothing seemed to settle me but reading. I loved it though, and shed a couple tears in the process. Excellent book and I can't wait for the film! Now I'm trying to decide what to read next...

Hmmm, I love pondering questions like these! Here are my faves, in no particular order: The Secret of Roan Inish Magnolia Pirate Radio (AKA The Boat that Rocked) The Mission Stand By Me Twilight films (duh) Crazy Heart Good Will Hunting (RIP Elliot Smith) Big Night Grosse Pointe Blank Dazed & Confused Plus all those old musicals I love by all the greats like Hammerstein, Hart, etc. I might be back later if I think of more...

All excellent purchases, Vinay! Woo for you! I read quite a bit of Water for Elephants tonight after dinner. I'm about halfway now, up to page 175.

Alright Michael! At least you got him to agree, Lexie . I can't wait for us all to see it!

Eyes on the prize, ladies!!! Woo!

The Big Bang Theory season finale. It's going to be a long summer without it! *Sigh*

I'm willing to face the tweens too, Weave! My eyes are on the prize (aka the leg hitch) . I'm resisting the link, but thanks for posting, Lexie. Did you guys watch it? If so, don't elaborate!

I watched An Education tonight and enjoyed it. I can see why Carey Mulligan was nominated for an Oscar, but I'm afraid Peter Skarsgaard monumentally got on my nerves! I just wanted to kick him . Aside from that, a lovely little film.

Bread, babaghanoush and some pickles! Very exciting .

I've gotten a shockingly small amount of actual reading done this weekend! I did however stop off at 1/2 Price Books on my way home this afternoon and picked up The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton and The World to Come by Dara Horn. Both for only $2 a piece!

'An Education' via Netflix. I like it so far!