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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Start date: July 1, 2009

Finish date: September 1, 2009

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what members thought

Jun 20, 2007

Michele rated it:

Read in August, 2006

Now THIS is a Good Book!
When I finished reading Water for Elephants, goose bumps covered my skin. Now this is a good book! Immediately engrossed, I had a hard time putting it down as I read the story of Jacob Jankowski and his reminiscence of days with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth--otherwise known as a train circus in 1930's America.

A talented writer and storyteller, Sara Gruen takes readers on a bumpy and tense train ride through history. This tale defin...more

Like this review? yes (20 people liked it)

2 comments

Jul 17, 2007

Letitia rated it:

The first word of the description of this novel is "gritty," and I have to say the word is perfectly appropriate. The unashamed harshness rubbed my psychological skin raw.

Despite a strong start and an intriguing main character, I was rather disappointed by this novel.

The plot itself is engaging, but the triangular relationship around which much of it revolves seems an inferior mimicry of the characters in Sophie's Choice, even down to the paranoid schizophrenic...more

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Nov 12, 2007

Tamera rated it:

(review of isbn 1565124995)

bookshelves: favorites, historical

Read in April, 2008

I loved this book so much that upon putting it down, I was tempted to pick it right back up again. It is absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I couldn't get enough.

I love Jacob, he is fantastic and extremely easy to relate to. His life is fascinating and I enjoyed his view of the world around him. His relationship with the animals, especially Rosie was great- and the ending was perfect.

I honestly cannot gush enough over how much I loved this book.

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Jul 13, 2007

Ami rated it:

bookshelves: literature-fiction

Read in February, 2009

Second book of this year that took my breath away. This book starts with a bang. It builds a whole suspense and mystery that unravels very nicely to the amazing closure. I fell in love with the wonderful description of the world of the circus. It's so vivid and real. I read it in one sitting, couldn't let it go until the very end. An amazing book ....

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

4 comments

Mar 31, 2008

valpal rated it:

Read in May, 2008

recommended to valpal by: everyone
recommends it for: everyone

I resisted reading this book for a long time because I didn't think I'd enjoy a book about the circus. I was wrong! It's a historical novel, romance, mystery, life story, just about everything rolled into one. A great read! I couldn't put it down. I read it in about 3 days.

Val

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Mar 15, 2007

Kate rated it:

recommends it for: Anyone who loves a terrific story and the circus

I got this book for Christmas and read it on the plane from Indianapolis to Florida. It was so good I finished it in the two hour flight. It is funny and thrilling, romantic and heart-felt. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a quick read that will keep you engrossed.

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Nov 20, 2007

Sarah Ashley Simmons rated it:

Read in August, 2007

I got this book for free- and don't remember where- but I ended up really enjoying it! I finished it on a long bus ride in Mexico- kept wanting to fall asleep but had to get back to the story- the sign of a truly good book. Good characters, especially the narrator.

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