Old Jacob

Looking at himself in the mirror, the old Jacob tries "to see beyond the sagging flesh." But he claims, "It's no good...I can't find myself anymore. When did I stop being me?" How would you answer this question if someone asked you!?

Chapter 5!

Another one of these books where the author switches back and forth...this seems to be very popular lately.  What do you feel the purpose of going back and forth between the young and old Jacob might be?

Thoughts on Chapters 3 and 4

Chapter 3 -- Favorite lines:  "He digs inside his ear and inspects his findings...he wipes his finger on his pants and ambles to the doorway."  Wow--is that a bit graphic or what? :)

Okay, Jacob, come on, you are a Cornell Doctor of Vetrinary Medicine almost-graduated student!  It's one thing to go a little crazy for a moment, you know, take a walk, hop on a train, join up with a circus, but come on, come to your senses!  Your future is ahead of you!!!  Your choices right now will determine the path of the rest of your life! 

By the end of Chapter 4, shouldn't Jacob be ready to return to some semblance of his life?  He has got to have professors, friends, etc. that will help him pick up the tragic pieces of his life and regroup.

Liking the book, but not quite understanding Jabob...

How about the rest of you?  Are you enjoying the book?

Chapter 2 -- A Major Life Changing Event and Decision!

Thoughts on Chapter 2????  Wow!  Jacob's young life quickly is in upheaval!  What did each of you think of his decision to abruptly leave his final?  And...to just walk and walk and walk and hop on a train?  What a life-changing moment?  Have any of you had such a life-changing moment?  Where just one quick, not even a thought out decision, led you down a completely different path???

I often see this in the books I read--where just one moment, one quick decision, changes a life forever.  I guess this happens in each of our lives as well...sometimes just seems easier to "see" in a 'word window.'

Just Finished Chapter 1!

Okay--here are my thoughts of Chapter 1.  I love this Jacob guy...I want to be just like him when I am 90 or 93, as I'm not sure how old he is at this point, as it seems he doesn't know either...I have no idea what this book is about at this point or where the story will lead...

Did anyone else have to look up the words:  tchotchke and vacuous???? When I looked "tchotchke" up on merriamwebster.com, I was asked to comment on why I was looking up the word--I commented, and I think I might now be famous! J/K!

Question 1: Old Jacob and Young Jacob

To what extent do the chapters concerning the elderly Jacob enhance the chapters recounting the young Jacob's experiences with the Benzini Brothers circus? Or do they??

CAUTION:

CAUTION: If you wish some parts were filtered in books that are great except for the "cockroaches" skip the end of chapter 3 (mom I told you 4, its 3!) after Jacob confirms he can keep his mouth shut. Skip the middle of chapter 10...after Jacob leaves August and Marlena's room...like the next couple of pages. Middle of seven...after Jacob drinks too much at August and Marlena's...only one page to skip here. There is one other scene later on but I'll give away too much ...so if it looks like its gonna get ronchy...skip a page. Sorry, can't edit the language.... Minus the cockroaches the story is entertaining - love the animals!