Water for Elephants: A Novel

There aren't too many books that both my husband and I find impossible to put down, but this was one. The combination of human drama, adventure and historical detail were extremely compelling. We absolutely loved this book.

Okay, so the title might be a stretch, but I really enjoyed Water for Elephants. Gruen takes the reader into the gritty, yet exciting circus life through the eyes of Jacob Jankowski. The reader actually experiences the events of the book from two perspectives: Jacob as an elderly man and Jacob as a young man who accidentally joins the circus as veterinarian during the Great Depression. The reader is constantly exposed to a multitude of emotions such as grief, depression, love, passion, and anger. Jacob's interactions with those on the Benzini Brothers' Most Spectacular Show on Earth, whether they be human or not, shape his life after it appears his whole world has come crashing down on him.

This book was a true page-turner. The well-developed characters and their relationships kept my attention throughout the book and always left me wanting to read more. I would suggest this book to any reader, especially those with an interest in this historic, yet little-known subject.

I was hooked from the beginning. The author uses the old Jacob and young Jacob story lines to move the story along while keeping the attention of the reader. I was captivated by the young Jacob and his experiences with the circus. While the ending of the young Jacob story line was a bit predictable, the ending to the old Jacob story line was one I never expected.

What a wonderfully crafted story Sara has shared with readers.

This book was recommended by a friend. Thankfully, our friendship remains strong despite her recommendation of the most cliched, melodramatic and predictable load of slop I have ever read.

After the promise of the first few chapters, the story ( I refuse to call it a novel ) descends into "Days of Our Lives" worthy melodrama. I battled to not put this load of sappy froth down with every page I turned. But it was the only book I had whilst traveling. I wish I could have the hours I wasted on this book back.

Too bad the author didn't focus her "talent" on writing for cheesy daytime soap operas... she would have been a master of the genre.

This book provides an upbeat feeling and introduction to a lifestyle all its own during economic struggle. World.... welcome to the world of the traveling circus of times of yore. An easy read, very entertaining.