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09.24.2008 :: 266. Trumpet if you love elephants
The nightstand book pile grew considerably yesterday. It's a little heavy on Robin Cook and Michael Crichton choices because Bethany is struggling to find her "adult" book preference (so to speak) and I think she will like those authors. She also chose Twilight by the recommendations of friends and I added a The Story of Edgar Sawtelle which looks fabulous. It's hard to choose which book to read next. I did finish Water for Elephants today so I need a day to ponder a bit on that one before I move onto new characters. Bethany chose Wicked, which is not in the stack because she has it at work with her today. I have not read Robin Cook for years but used to love his writing.
So, yes, today I finished Water for Elephants. I loved it. It is a beautiful love story (with horrid details along the way) of a young man with both a woman and an animal with the curious backdrop of the circus as the setting. The circus is perhaps a wonderful memory for all of us but the behind the scene look is horrifying if not fascinating.
I have always had a soft spot for animals. I used to think as a young girl that I could read their emotions and could see them crying or smiling. (Truth be told, I still do but don't look at me like that wacky animal lady!!) This book was a delight for that animal lover. The treatment of the elephant in this book appalled me but I know it goes on. Elephants are mesmerizing (and smelly) in their beauty and elegance. Yes, I said elegance. Only a creature that large can be elegant in that way. Or they would be stepping on people all the time and that doesn't happen willy nilly.
I have been fascinated by elephants since I saw a show on television about 2 adult elephants that were together as babies but hadn't seen the other in decades instantly knew each other when introduced. They hugged and held trunks and stroked each other in celebration of their newfound friendship. Seeing that with my own eyes made me know of their gentle soul.
Posted by Sandy on 09.24.2008 AT 04:25 PM
Comments
I am happy that you posted these videos, but so sad as well. I sat and cried for about 15 minutes as I was watching. As a child, I loved circuses and zoos. And I think it helps to see animals up close.... but not at the expense of their happiness. Quite the conundrum.
Posted by: Lee Cockrum on 09.29.2008 AT 07:30 AM
I loved Water for Elephants! Such a captivating story with an usual storyline. Wicked is on my bookshelf but I haven't picked it up just yet.
Posted by: Stephanie B on 09.26.2008 AT 10:41 AM
Lovelovelove "Like Water...", I think she's a genius writer. And I'm a lover of pachyderms as well.
Not fond of "Wicked", myself.
Posted by: kt on 09.26.2008 AT 01:35 AM
Judging by the other reactions I think I'd better wait to watch these until I get home from work...
Posted by: Lucia on 09.25.2008 AT 03:13 PM
Loved Water for Elephants! There are so many levels in that book. And Wicked is one of my absolute favorites. Really hope you and Bethany enjoy it. Would like to read Edgar Sawtelle, but Oprah's books usually contain so much angst that they become a chore. Will be anxious to hear your opinion.
Posted by: Beebs on 09.25.2008 AT 12:12 PM
You should be able to hear my trumpeting.
I knew right off you were referring to Shirley and Jenny, what an incredible bond between the souls of those two, 'bending the bars'. I saw that documentary 2 years ago (?) and wept throughout, in outrage, sorrow, and joy. I have always loved elephants, I'm thinking past life.
So now who's the wacky woman? :^)
Posted by: marianne on 09.25.2008 AT 10:17 AM
I also really liked the scenes of the guy in the nursing home. Can't you imagine thinking exactly the same things?
Posted by: claudia on 09.25.2008 AT 08:28 AM
What a poignant love story! Where are my tissues?? I especially need them after reading the rest of the story of Shirley and Jenny.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/bestofnature/update.html
Posted by: Chris on 09.25.2008 AT 07:40 AM
Oh, Sannnnnnddddddddyyyyyyy. I just spent far too much time watching this and now I'm all teary-eyed before going to work. I have a little bit of a later start today. But thank you. That was just beautiful. XO
Posted by: Norma on 09.25.2008 AT 07:25 AM
I saw elephants in the wild while on safari. They are indeed beautiful and graceful creatures. I can't bear to see them in zoos or circuses again.
Posted by: Carol on 09.25.2008 AT 07:07 AM
Are the elephants in the book mistreated? I don't think I could read it if they are.
Posted by: Carole on 09.25.2008 AT 06:48 AM
I'm reading Wicked right now and really enjoying it. We re hoping to see the play on broadway over the Columbus Day weekend and I'd like to finish it before then. There are some odd parts - all through the first section, I kept thinking how strange the book was but once I got into the section where Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) gets into school, it became very interesting. I'm more than halfway through and I still don't quite see how she becomes the Wicked Witch - except for being green :), she's just a regular person.
Posted by: Lisa on 09.30.2008 AT 11:25 AM