Book For July: Stolen Lives

Stolen Lives is a shocking true story of resilience in the face of extreme deprivation and of the courage and humor with which one family faced their tormented fate.

Discussion Questions

Overall, did you like the book? Why or why not?

To what extent do the chapters concerning the elderly Jacob enhance the chapters recounting the young Jacob's experiences with the Benzini Brothers circus? In what ways do the chapters about the young Jacob contribute to a deeper understanding of the elderly Jacob's life?

After Jacob puts Silver Star down, August talks with him about the reality of the circus. "The whole thing's illusion, Jacob," he says, "and there's nothing wrong with that. It's what people want from us. It's what they expect" (page 104). How does Gruen contrast the worlds of reality and illusion in the novel? Is there anything wrong with pandering to people's need for illusion? Why do we crave the illusions that the circus represents?

In what ways and to what degree do Uncle Al's maneuvers and practices regarding the defunct Fox Brothers circus reflect traditional American business practices? How would you compare his behavior with that of major businessmen and financiers of today?

In the words of one reviewer, Water for Elephants "explores...the pathetic grandeur of the Depression-era circus." In what ways and to what extent do the words "pathetic grandeur" describe the world that Gruen creates in her novel?

Apologies

Hey folks, I am about 75 pages into the book and there has already been a pretty graphic (kind of funny though in a gross way?) scene in the book. This serves as an apology since I picked the book, as well as a warning to anyone who might be sensitive. This is why I usually stick to classics :) The good news is that it hasn't been a boring book!

June: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Ok, I (Christina) went ahead and picked the book for this month. We are going to try to pick books that nobody has read, and therefore I have not read this book so if it sucks or anything I'm sorry! Conveniently enough, the book already has discussion questions at the end. I will type them up onto the blog at the end of the month when everyone has had a chance to read the book so we can all share our thoughts. Enjoy!