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I heard so much good hype about this book, I had to see what I was missing. The beginning really pulled me in (the first sequence of events is hard not to pay attention to), but after the first couple chapters, things got slow for me. I think I was a little thrown off by the subject matter (let's quit vet school and join the circus!). But the last 50-60 pages pulled me back in and I thought the author did a great job with the ending. I love a book with a good plot twist at the end, and this was
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What an awesome book! Makes me want to pick up one of the books the author noted in her notes section about the history of the American Circus. I don't usually like books that take place during the Great Depression (too depressing), but this was such a great story. Plus, I like animals and this gave some cool insights into certain animals' behaviors.
Has Gruen written anything else good? ...more
Has Gruen written anything else good? ...more

This was an enjoyable read. The characters are endearing and you really identify with the storyteller. This is the story of a veterinarian who spends a year on the circus during the depression years. I learned a lot about Depression living as well as about the circus life at that time. It was a super fun story that leaves you feeling uplifted.

3.5 stars. A fascinating story about a traveling circus during the Depression. It has everything a good book needs: adventure, tragedy, love, interesting characters,... and an elephant!
Actually, the dialog was a bit weak and a few plot resolutions didn't ring true, but I loved the historical circus photos. ...more
Actually, the dialog was a bit weak and a few plot resolutions didn't ring true, but I loved the historical circus photos. ...more

I love LOVE LOVE this book. I couldn't put it down! I hated to see it end. I love the characters. I love how the author switched between the 90 something year old man in the nursing home and his memories of traveling with the circus as a young man.
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But why did the old man get so furious about the other old man's claim that he carried water for the elephants?
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Aug 02, 2007
em.
marked it as to-read




May 28, 2008
Amrita
added it