Water For Elephants

Water for Elephants

By: Sara Gruen

When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.  Set in the circus world circa 1932 tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.

I personally loved this book. It was one of the best books I've read in a very long time.  It come highly recommended to me and did not disappoint me in the least.  I think the most important aspect of books is feeling whether you could actually see the events on page come to life in your mind. In reading Water for Elephants in less than one day, I found that happened to me. I love how the author authentically researched the circus to add in non-fiction details that really intrigue the reader.

A highly enjoyable, well-researched, somewhat romantic read that brings to life the era of the traveling circus and small town America during the Depression.