Water for Elephants: A Novel

The Depression themes of this book resonate today. I loved this story, and the ending was wonderful. I laughed and cried all the way through this powerful book.

I've never been one who read too much. But something about this book may have just changed my mind.

Through out the book I was captivated by the descriptive story line, sucked in by every word in each page. The real life attitudes and experiences the characters experienced only made the novel better. I could clearly imagine each and every interaction with clear scenery and personality.

I can only wish that it didn't have to end. I would have read event and action that Jacob and Marlena went through on their new venture.

I absolutely loved the book. A sequel explaining the new found life of Marlena and Jacob together would please me deeply.

Collin, 16

A pleasant, quick read. The circus details were nicely researched and its full of colorful characters. I did, however, find the alternating time periods intrusive, and the plot sadly predictable. I also wish the villain had been more complex -- although the author provides us with mental illness as an excuse, it seemed too convenient, and frankly, not quite clinically credible. A sweet ending, although perhaps a bit sentimental. All in all, not an original book, nor one that will stand the test of time, in my opinion, however, for all that, an agreeable way to spend the afternoon.

This novel is an excellent perspective on the life of circus workers in the early 1900's. Though it is a novel, there is no question in my mind that it is a valid story of what it was like. I felt that I was there when reading the book, and the reading was simple.

The hardship of a young man after the death of his parents and what a man endures for the love of a woman.