Welcome to First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intros,
hosted by Diane @
Every Tuesday, each participant
shares the first paragraph
shares the first paragraph
(sometimes two) from a book
they're reading,
they're reading,
or thinking about reading.
The book I've picked this week is...
Water For Elephants
Sara Gruen
Trade Paperback, 331 pages
Algonquin Books
Movie Tie-In Edition
March 1, 2011
Classics, Contemporary Fiction,
Historical Fiction,
Literary Fiction, Romance
About the Book
As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and for Jacob the circus was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was ultimately their only hope for survival.
Prologue
Only three people were left under the red and white awning of the grease joint: Grady, me, and the fry cook. Grady and I sat at a battered wooden table, each facing a burger on a dented tin plate. The cook was behind the counter, scraping his griddle with the edge of a spatula. He had turned off the fryer some time ago, but the odor of grease lingered.
The rest of the midway -- so recently writhing with people -- was empty but for a handful of employees and a small group of men waiting to be led to the cooch tent. They glanced nervously from side to side, with hats pulled low and hands thrust deep into their pockets. They wouldn't be disappointed: somewhere Barbara and her ample charms awaited.
The rest of the midway -- so recently writhing with people -- was empty but for a handful of employees and a small group of men waiting to be led to the cooch tent. They glanced nervously from side to side, with hats pulled low and hands thrust deep into their pockets. They wouldn't be disappointed: somewhere Barbara and her ample charms awaited.
I have been wanting to read this for
quite some time, and will be
starting it soon. From what
I posted above, would you
say I should keep reading?
quite some time, and will be
starting it soon. From what
I posted above, would you
say I should keep reading?
10 comments:
Such a good story! Hope you love it.
Oh yes, please read more, a lovely story.
I have heard really good things about this book.
I also think that is really good writing in the opening. I like the imagery of a place that was busy a short time ago that is now nearly deserted.
I would keep reading this.
I enjoyed this several years ago... hope you so, too!
I haven't read this book. I like the opening, and it makes me want to read more.
I have had my copy of this book for so long--and it's still unread. One of these days I will get around to reading it.
I don't know why I haven't yet read this one, but now I am intrigued all over again. Thanks for sharing, and here's mine: “FRICTION”
I enjoyed this story a lot. It was grittier than I expected, but those scenes were realistic and necessary for the plot. I cringed... but I kept on reading!
My Tuesday post features a mystery thriller: THE SHADOW CARTEL.
Hi, Beth & Diane!
I've heard that this is indeed a great story, so I'm planning to start on it soon. And I picked this edition because my heartthrob, Robert Pattinson, is on the cover!! Lol.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!! :)
Hi, Brian!
Yes, I've heard lots of good things, as well. And, of course, I really want to see the movie! I do want to read the book first, though.
I totally agree with you about the opening. The writing is excellent, and the imagery evoked is vivid.
Thanks for commenting!! :)
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