Host An Unforgettable Book Club Party

While reading the Chicago Tribune, Sarah Gruen found the photograph accompanying an article on the travelling circus so fascinating, it put her on the path to writing Water for Elephants.   The main character, Jacob Jankowski, jumps on the circus train after suffering a tragedy in his life.  He encounters “the most dazzling collection” of people and animals ”gathered from all four corners of the earth”.

From the Publisher

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, now ninety, the circus world he remembers 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 one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.  Copyright 2006 Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill

Book Club Party Ideas for Water for Elephants

Planning the decorations and menu for this circus themed party was bringing back memories of when I went to the circus with my best friend from down the street.  When you think big top and circus, you think red and white, big lollipops, popcorn and peanuts, hot dogs and snow cones.   I incorporated all these items, and then some, in my Water for Elephants book club party.

Decorations

Instead of flowers, I decided to make a center piece by filling a vase with gum balls and jumbo swirl candy lollipop and party balloon pops.  You can use a variety of lollipops to make your own unique center piece:

• 9 inch twisted lollipops
• Big Slice lollipops watermelon flavor
• Pink and purple swirl lollipop

Lisa searched her boys’ toy box and came up with these circus toys – perfect to set up a big top scene.

Here is a cute E is for Elephant poster that I found on the internet to add a nice touch to your decor.

I also placed my computer in my entry and changed my computer screen background to show a slide show of circus images and hung colorful balloons all over the house.

What to Wear

My book club sisters showed up in a variety of outfits for this party.  Annie and Mom were dressed like ringmasters, Lisa wore a pink glittery shirt and I wore a pink sequined dress to represent Marlena.  Kristi dressed like a performer (in the cooch tent?) with a black boa.  Other members wore circus t-shirts.   You can find unique circus and elephant t-shirts on the internet to wear to your Water for Elephants book club party.

Music

The music I chose for this party is a CD called Under the Big Top 100 years of Circus Music – need I say more.

Listen to samples of music on this CD

Book Club Menu for Water for Elephants

For the serving table, I purchased red and white striped fabric to use for a tablecloth.  Popcorn in plastic popcorn boxes and roasted peanuts in the shell were set out on the table for when the guests arrived.

For appetizers, I served Kinko’s Corn Dogs with Honey Mustard Sauce and chips with Spinach Hummus Dip and Creamy Blue Cheese Dip.

For the main meal, I served Circus Dogs with the trimmings and Rosie’s Watermelon Cucumber Salad.

I wanted to make snow cones for dessert but didn’t want to serve the traditional syrupy snow cones we all know and love.   Instead, I made Rosemary’s Sweet Raspberry Sorbet and served them in snow cone cups. Rosemary is the type of nurse I hope to have when I’m 90 or 93 years old, so I wanted to name my dessert after her.

Trough Water Lemonade is a must at a Water for Elephants book club party.  But don’t worry, this is made with fresh squeezed lemons and clean purified water.

I found this bottle of Michael David Petite Petit Sirah with a circus label and had to get it for the party.  Actually, Annie showed up with two more bottles of the wine.

Book Club Resources for Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Ratings at the time this post was published

Reviews

Water for Elephants Awards and Nominations