From the Bookshelf of The Complete Idiots Guide to the Ultimate Reading List

Water for Elephants
by
Start date
February 1, 2010
Finish date
February 28, 2010

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What Members Thought

Kelly Lamb
Dec 19, 2007 rated it really liked it
Shelves: fiction
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 ...more
Julianne
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
Michelle P
Aug 31, 2007 rated it it was amazing
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.
Deb
Jun 18, 2008 rated it really liked it
Shelves: book-group
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
Christy
Oct 04, 2007 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: goodcry, favorites
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. ...more
EJ Johnson
Feb 06, 2008 rated it it was ok
About a young man who becomes a veterinarian for a small traveling circus. The story is good but I don’t recommend the book.
Lianna
Feb 15, 2008 rated it really liked it
Shelves: kindled
But why did the old man get so furious about the other old man's claim that he carried water for the elephants? ...more
Omni
May 26, 2007 rated it really liked it
Fast paced, fascinating, and a lot of fun. I loved Rosie, what a bright elephant!
Jana
Nov 25, 2007 rated it really liked it
This was a nice way to spend a day of reading.
Dani
Jul 29, 2007 rated it it was amazing
I want an Elephant now!!
akaellen
May 03, 2007 rated it really liked it
Heather
May 20, 2007 rated it really liked it
em.
Aug 02, 2007 marked it as to-read
Amanda
Oct 14, 2007 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
Katie
Jan 02, 2008 rated it it was ok
Katy
Jan 07, 2008 rated it really liked it
Shelves: i-recommend
Michelle P
Jan 08, 2008 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Darleen
Jan 25, 2008 rated it really liked it
MJ
Feb 05, 2008 marked it as to-read
Marty
Feb 06, 2008 rated it it was amazing
Kristi
Feb 06, 2008 rated it it was amazing
Christa
Mar 14, 2008 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: book-club, library
Cairnraiser
Apr 04, 2008 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: fiction
Sandra
Apr 27, 2008 rated it really liked it
Paula
May 08, 2008 rated it really liked it
Pam
May 23, 2008 rated it really liked it
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