Water for Elephants: Recap

Believe it or not, we did both read this book during the month of February. What we did not do was post questions about it. March was evidently spectacular enough that neither of us read The Art of Fielding all the way through, though we're still plugging away at it.

Albiet a bit late, here are my (Kim's) answers to questions about Water for Elephants.

1.       How does the novel’s epigraph, the quote from Dr. Suess’s Horton Hatches the Egg, apply to the novel? What are the roles and importance of faithfulness and loyalty in Water for Elephants? In what ways does Gruen contrast the anantagonisms and cruelties of circus life with the equally impressive loyalties and instances of caring?

K: Most of the book is centered around faithfulness and loyalty. Not only in the faithfulness and loyalty of people to each other, but of people to animals and animals to people. It was important to show the historical accuracy of circus life and in doing so, necessary to show that animals weren’t always treated with the care they deserved. However, she contrasted the harsh cruelties with several caretakers in the lives of the animals who truly loves and cared for their creatures.

2.       Who did you, upon reading the prologue, think murdered August? What effect did that opening scene of chaos and murder have on your reception of the story that follows?

K: I thought it was Marlena, but as the book progressed I sort of wondered if it was the elephant. I kept waiting throughout the book for something to happen to justify Marlena’s killing of August. And while he was a wretched man, Gruen didn’t give a lot of evidence that he was mean to Marlena, until nearer the end. By that point, I thought it was evident that Marlena wouldn’t be capable of overpowering him physically.

3.       August says of Marlena, “Not everyone can work with liberty horses. It’s a God-given talent, a sixth sense, if you will”. Both August and Jacob recognize Marlena’s skills, her “sixth sense,” in working with the horses. In what ways does that sixth sense attract each man? How do August and Jacob differ in terms of the importance each places on Marlena’s abilities?

K: I think August saw Marlena’s abilities in terms of profitability for the circus. Performance-based if you will. Jacob recognized her relationship with the animals, and how deeply she cared for their well-being. People who have that strong bond with animals has always fascinated me. I don’t think I’m one of those people, but enjoy being around animal people.

4.       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 the people want from us. It’s what they expect”. 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?

K: She’s certain to point out enough behind the scenes activity of the circus so as to inform her reader about the reality of the show. She tells how they take crowd people who question the show out back. I can’t say its always right to pander to people’s need for illusion, but in a circus or performance based situation why not? Its part of the fun – it’s a challenge for people to try and figure out how it really works when they realize what is or isn’t truth.

5.       Reflecting on the fact that his platitudes and stories don’t hold his children’s interest, the elderly Jacob notes, “My real stories are all out of date. So what if I can speak firsthand about the Spanish flu, the advent of the automobile, world wars, cold wars, guerrilla wars, and Sputnik – that’s all ancient history now. But what else do I have to offer?” How might we learn to appreciate the stories and life lessons of our elders and encourage people younger than ourselves to appreciate our own?

K: In order for younger people to appreciate our stories, we have to be good story tellers. While I have never whole heartedly enjoyed historical movies or reading, and history was my worst grade in high school, visiting with a real person about their past is completely fascinating for me. It has a lot to do with the personal value. When you sit down to hear a story from someone, they often times focus on the human involvement instead of facts and numbers. The interpersonal connections are what draws me in.

6.       After Jacob successfully coaches August in Polish commands for Rosie, he observes, “It’s only when I catch Rosie actually purring under August’s loving ministrations that my conviction starts to crumble. And what I’m left looking at in its place is a terrible thing”. What is Jacob left “looking at”, and how does it pertain to August’s personality and Jacob’s relationship with August, and what makes it a “terrible thing”?

K: I took it to mean Jacob was left looking at trust; trust from Rosie to August. Jacob seemed to always have some sort reservations when it came to August, but he did also seem to trust him for a while until he was wronged. I think Jacob knew that Rosie’s trusting August would eventually lead to heartbreak for the elephant, which it obviously did.

7.       After the collapse of the Benzini Brothers circus and Uncles Al’s having “done a runner”, Jacob realizes, “Not only am I unemployed and homeless, but I also have a pregnant woman, bereaved dog, elephant and eleven horses to take care of. What expectations did you entertain for Jacob and Marlena’s – and their menagerie’s – future after they leave the Benzini Brothers circus? How do the elderly Jacob’s memories of Marlena and their life together confirm or alter those expectations?

K: I wasn’t really sure what to expect after they left the circus. I sort of assumed they’d just be homeless for a while until Jacob got into work as a vet somewhere. It sounds as though they had a decent life in the circus, and later working at a zoo. I would have like to hear more about Marlena as a mother and a wife, but that was obviously not the focus of this book. J

8.       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?

K: Grandeur was show day, what the public saw. Everything else regarding the circus could apparently fall under pathetic.

LBF Book Club January 2012: The Help

I realize we're 1/2 way through February and while we are on track to complete Water for Elephants by the end of the month, we are just getting around to posting wrap-up questions from The Help. Enjoy!

1. Who was your favorite character? Why?

K: Aibileen – her bravery, persistence and determination was something to be admired.
D: I like Miss Celia.  I don't think she was completely oblivious to the way things were (blacks vs. whites), but she was color-blind when it came to her relationship with Minny.  I think she really, truly loved Minny and paid her to be her best friend.

2. What do you think motivated Hilly? On one hand she is terribly cruel to Aibileen and her own help, as well as to Skeeter once she realizes that she can’t control her. Yet she’s a wonderful mother. Do you think that one can be a good mother and, at the same time, a deeply flawed person?
K: I don’t remember much from the book that would have made me think Hilly was a good mother. She seemed to care about her children more than Elizabeth, but still seemed to put her needs far above theirs. I do think someone can be a caring and loving mother and still make mistakes. However, I think Hilly’s biggest flaws – her closed-mindedness, inflated ego and stubbornness are likely traits that her children will inherent simply by being around her and observing how she treats others. I wouldn’t classify her as a wonderful mother.
D: I think Hilly's desire to maintain her reputation was her biggest motivation.  With her husband involved in politics she did what she felt would look 'right' to others.  When you change your actions for such an extended period of time, your character soon begins to change as well.  As for Hilly being a good mother, I'm not totally convinced.  I'm sure her children were clean, well-fed, and well educated, but it takes much more than that to be a good mother.

3. Like Hilly, Skeeter’s mother is a prime example of someone deeply flawed yet somewhat sympathetic. She seems to care for Skeeter – and she also seems to have very real feelings for Constantine. Yet the ultimatum she gives Constantine is untenable, and most of her interaction with Skeeter is critical. Do you think Skeeter’s mother is sympathetic or an unsympathetic character. Why?
K: I think Skeeter’s mother was probably raised by someone like Hilly. Her flaws are so deeply engrained that she isn’t able to see the world any other way.
D: Like Hilly, I think Skeeter's mother treated Constantine and her daughter the way she did because she had a captive audience when the encountered the situation.  Had she been home alone when Constantine's daughter arrived I think the entire situation would have ended differently.  She acted the way she did because she felt she had no other choice.  I'm not sure whether or not this makes her sympathetic or unsympathetic as a whole, but she was definitely greatly influenced by the times.

4. How much of a person’s character would you say is shaped by the times in which he or she lives?

K: More than the “time” in which they live, which certainly contributes to their character is the “who” in which they live. Who are their influences? Are their positive people in their life?
D: I think it makes a difference but, as Skeeter proves, one is capable of looking beyond the times and into the hearts of those around them.

5. Did it bother you that Skeeter was willing to overlook so many of Stuart’s faults so that she could get married, and that it wasn’t until he literally got up and walked away that the engagement fell apart?
K: Not really. She never seemed real interested in wanting to be in a relationship, but when he came along it was new, fun and convenient. Skeeter seemed pretty level headed, and with what she was researching and finding out about how people she knew and trusted most (Hilly and her mother) treated their help, she was probably able to see past a few faults in Stuart.
D: The want/need to be loved is human nature.  With her relationship with her mother at odds, and her friendships void of any true emotion it's no wonder she clung to Stuart--he showed genuine interest in her at a time when few others did.

6. Do you believe that Minny was justified in her distrust of white people?

K: To a certain extent. Minny’s hard headed personality probably factored into that as well, but its pretty clear that she wasn’t treated with the respect she deserved.
D: To some degree, absolutely.  At the same time, her own husband is not the man he should be which should give her an inkling that the color of one's skin doesn't determine their trustworthiness.

7. Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent or taught?
K: I think Mae Mobly was probably affected by her time with Aibileen and would likely have been less racist than her mother. I think racism is taught and even at her young age Mae Mobley seemed to have a pretty clear grasp on what made her different from the help.
D: That's a tough call.  I like to think that Abileen's "lessons" and encouragement could have really changed Mae Mobley.  On the other hand, Mae Mobley seems to have a kind and gentle heart and maybe that alone will make a difference.  It takes a child many years to develop his/her own perspective on things and whether it's inherent or taught, she can and will eventually make up her own mind.

8. From the perspective of a twenty-first-century reader, the hair shellac system that Skeeter undergoes seems ludicrous. Yet women still alter their looks in rather peculiar ways as the definition of “beauty” changes with the times. Looking back on your past, what’s the most ridiculous beauty regimen you ever underwent?
K: I don’t get too wild and crazy. At the end of my senior year of high school I decided I wanted a perm, and came out looking like a cocker spaniel, yet kept perming it for a couple of years. At the same time, I was also doing home highlights so my hair was in horrible shape.
D: Yikes.  Nothing?  I probably should've tried a thing or two...ha!

9. The author manages to paint Aibileen with a quiet grace and an aura of wisdom about her. How do you think she does this?
K: Through words. The message seems to come through with many instances of Aibileen interacting with people of both races and all ages. Also, the format in which the book is written where its first person from three points of view adds a different element in that we get to hear Aibileen’s private thoughts.
D: It's her style of writing, without a doubt.  We learn this by how she handles her relationships with others, the words she chooses to speak (or not to speak), and her actions in key situations.

10. Do you think there are still vestiges of racism in relationships in which people of color work for people who are white?
K: I would like to think not, but I’m not that naive.
D: Absolutely.

11. What did you think about Minny’s pie for Miss Hilly? Would you have gone as far as Minny did for revenge?
K: Again, I would like to think not but without walking a lifetime in her shoes, who knows. It certainly sounded as though Minny regretted her actions that day throughout most of the book.
D: Oofta, that makes me cringe!  I think Minny feels as though it was justified, and feels terrible for actually doing it all at the same time.

LBF Book Club, Mid-January

We answered these questions mid-month, but due to several illnesses striking simultaneously and then back-to-back, I'm just getting around to posting. Never fear, we have both finished the book and are on track to read Water for Elephants in February.

End of book questions will hopefully be coming at your later this week.

Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Where and when have you done most of your reading thus far?
D: At home...while feeding a baby. :o)

K: The first part of the book I read before bed, usually on the couch. We took a trip across the state to Madison and I knocked out quite a bit in the pickup. Medium of choice: paperback.

Rating So Far:

D: 8 out of 10

K: 8 –I can’t give a book a 10 at the mid point because books are always best near the end.

Favorite Character So Far:

D: Miss Celia (she's naive...I kind of like that about her), Aibleen, and Mae Mobley. (Sidenote: I now call Ember, "Baby Girl." Some things are just catching.)

K: Constantine. What a mystery for Skeeter to unravel. It’s a bit lit watching a train wreck, knowing eventually Skeeter will find what she’s looking for and cannot be happy with the result.

Most Awesome Part:

D: Aibleen's special stories for Mae Mobley.

K: The one I earmarked was when Skeeter was recalling Constantine’s memory of her daddy hold her, crying because he didn’t know how to make her life right but loved her so much and pushed his thumb into her hand.

Weirdest Part:

D: The entire thing so far is just strange to me. To think this was all reality and never really fiction just blows my mind.

K: Anytime Miss Celia’s in the book, for now. Her fumbling around in the dark with the cooking, and cleaning and interacting with other people is awkward for me.

LBF Book Club

Happy New Year! Despite our lack of blog postings in recent weeks months (?!), our friendship has not imploded quite yet. In an effort to come up with something interesting to say and do in our free time we would like to welcome you to the maiden posting from the LBF Book Club. Our hope is to tackle a new book each month and post some information before, during and after reading each book. Anyone interested in reading along with us is welcome to join in the fun, and if you aren't the literary type, no worries either. Hopefully we'll find a rhythm and several extra hours a week for more regular "normal" postings too.

The rules are simple: every month we're picking a different book to read. There does not exist a magical calendar where we've decided what to read, as many of our major life decision happen on a whim. Each of us has our own copy of the book, we'll read at our leisure, report back about half way through and then take a more in-depth look at the end of each book. Questions? Shoot us a message!

LBF Book Club: January 2012 Edition
1. What are we reading? The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2. First thought
D: It's been out for a while, but it didn't take long for it to hit the top seller list. Working at the library, it's pretty easy for me to see "what's hot" and this definitely fit the bill.
K: I kept hearing about the book, and then the movie. I assumed it was probably a self help book to enable everyone to change the world. I usually wait a really long time to read Bestsellers, go in with all sorts of strange ideas and end up being completely wrong.

3. Why are you reading this book?
D: It's all the rage! (Well, it was about 6 months ago...but better late than never.) AND I want to see the movie...must read the book before watching the movie!
K: Once I found out it was fiction, and not another be-the-best-you-can-be book, I was on board. Dana suggested it and she has a knack for these things. Besides, the cover is cute.

See you at the half way point! (Except Dana...with any luck I'll see her next weekend!)