I just finished chapter 8. I haven't the slightest clue what page that translates to, since I'm listening to it. The shifting narration confused me, too. Especially because the version I'm listening to have two different narrators; one telling the story and one as the author. Once I figured that out though (thank you, ladies!) it's smoother going.
I haven't seen the movie, but my sister says its good. I plan to watch it when I'm done listening to the book. I knew from the movie posters there would be a tiger involved, and I just got to the part in the book where the boy is taught to give tigers, as predators, the proper respect they deserve.