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For some reason i wasn't all that excited to start Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen after reading the reviews about it, because the subject matter didn't sound all that appealing: an old-man protagonist who used to be in the circus back in the depression days (thinking on that i'm not sure why that didn't appeal~i mean back in the day i was fascinated by the Discovery documentary P.T. Barnum: America's Greatest Showman and carried the companion volume around to all stations of the bookstore wit
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I can totally understand why this book has been a hit; that said, I found it a bit soapy for my taste. When the plot takes its turn towards the final act, I paused and thought, "If it doesn't end exactly like I expect it to, I'll eat my hat." As it happens, hat is not on the menu tonight.
I wish the book had focused less on the love triangle and more on the secondary characters, who seem like they have more potential for dramatic interest that breaks with convention. As it stands, they end up be ...more
I wish the book had focused less on the love triangle and more on the secondary characters, who seem like they have more potential for dramatic interest that breaks with convention. As it stands, they end up be ...more
I can say that this is one of the few books that I have ever given 5 stars to. When I see a book that catches my attention, I do look at the ratings, but take that with a grain of salt. Everyone has different tastes.
I loved this book because of Jacob. He was an great character, I loved going back to his 93 yr old self, or 90 yr old self, I can't remember.... his thoughts were so funny at times. And who couldn't love Rosie with her raiding the vegetable garden and her amber eyes. I do think that ...more
I loved this book because of Jacob. He was an great character, I loved going back to his 93 yr old self, or 90 yr old self, I can't remember.... his thoughts were so funny at times. And who couldn't love Rosie with her raiding the vegetable garden and her amber eyes. I do think that ...more
I was blown away by this book. I'm really glad I finally decided to read it. Your heart goes out to all the animals in the circus especially the elephant. Best of all the ending was heartwarming and powerful.
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I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. It is great. I am glad I was able to get it from the library as I am trying not to spend money on books. Read about the circus during the Great Depression. I don't think there will be anything comparable in our current economic depression.
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This is a really quick read, very engaging. It has a nice, interesting flash-back convention. It has romance and adventure. Not intellectually challenging, but well-written and worth reading, and your mom will like it too.
Well I finally read it :) I enjoyed it and thought it was an interesting story... but still felt a bit disappointed. Perhaps there was too much hype for it to live up to?
This is am amazing book. You'll learn about circus life during the depression, but more about aging gracefully, kindness and redemption. Great book!
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I did not like this book very much at all. I can't tell what all the fuss is about. I thought the writing was bad and the story trite.
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read straight through. couldn't put it down
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Mar 21, 2009
Marci
added it
Jan 17, 2013
Dana Arbelaez
marked it as to-read
Feb 24, 2013
Kirsty
marked it as to-read
