Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I re-read this book since the movie just came out. I know, I'm one of those book nerds who must read the book before the movie. I remember loving the book, and the second reading did not disappoint. I can't wait to see the movie now!!!

The one caveat I have for people considering this book is that it is not for the light of stomach when it comes to explicit sexual scenes and violence. Probably not a good read now for minors for that reason. The author gets into the nitty gritty that was all part of the circus scene "back in the day." She does not spare the reader the gruesome details. Her write-up at the end on her research is fascinating and really helped me understand how authors create pieces of historical fiction. Some really cool info. on things that she culled from fact and legend about various circuses and wove into this incredible story.

I love the voice of the old man in the rest home. Gruen must have spent a lot of time at these homes to get such a good sense of what it must be like to live in a retirement home. And the nurse Rosemary? I love that character! I love that she was still willing to learn from her patient and break through his orneriness. The ending is quite a surprise. Very cool.