Water for Elephants in Around the World in 80 Books

May 11, 2008 Kaley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, audiobooks

I LOVED this book! Now, granted, it has taken me almost a year to finish. But I have good excuses! I added it to my shelves in May of 2008, and then I didn't actually get it until spring of 2009. I picked it up then and started immediately, and then my life was interrupted by... well, life. Without getting into the messy details, the book was loaned out twice, lost once, halted several times, and put on the back burner more than I care to admit. I had a tough time picking it back up when I was a I LOVED this book! Now, granted, it has taken me almost a year to finish. But I have good excuses! I added it to my shelves in May of 2008, and then I didn't actually get it until spring of 2009. I picked it up then and started immediately, and then my life was interrupted by... well, life. Without getting into the messy details, the book was loaned out twice, lost once, halted several times, and put on the back burner more than I care to admit. I had a tough time picking it back up when I was able to do so, as the effect was that the story (for me) had become choppy and confusing. And then in July of 2009, I purchased the unabridged audio version for my mom, who was spending a lot of time in the hospital. I loaded it onto my iPod for her, and she listened to it within a few days, and adored it; she said it was one of the most enchanting stories she'd ever read (and she was a voracious reader, so that endorsement says a lot). After she died, I decided I would give it a try on audiobook, and perhaps I could finally "put it to bed," as the saying goes.

Well, I am SO glad I did so! I started the story over, and was completely enchanted, just as my mom said I would be. Water for Elephants is the story of Jacob Jankowski, who is one of the most endearing characters I have ever encountered. The story begins when he is "...ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other," and goes back in time to recount Jacob's time with The Benzini Brothers Circus. At times heartbreakingly sad, at others joyfully promising, Water for Elephants spares no detail of Jacob's absolutely fascinating tale. I laughed out loud, I sobbed uncontrollably. I cheered Jacob on, and I suffered when he suffered. There was a time when things were so bad for him that I thought perhaps reading this book was a mistake after all; how would I get through so much sadness? But Ms. Gruen brings this tale to a deliciously satisfying end, in a way completely befitting of such a wonderful character.

This book was awesome, and I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys captivating and romantic storytelling! I only wish I had the opportunity to discuss it with my mom. ...more

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Mar 05, 2008 Jessica rated it liked it

Shelves: borrowed-from-mom, historical, between-the-wars

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

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Sep 01, 2008 Kat (A Journey In Reading) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2009, owned-books, historical-fiction

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

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Feb 10, 2009 Stephanie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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. ...more

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