Modoc

[Rainey]

Modoc is a true story about the cutest, bravest, and most loving elephant ever. Readers watch Bram, the main character and Modoc form a strong, loving friendship across years of both of their lives. Bram, a young german boy, born into circus and elephant training, finds a friend in his father's elephant's child, born on the SAME day and hour. How cute! It's about life and death, struggles across lifetimes and countries, struggle of family and friends but also incredibly true stories of a cute elephant and a boy living life together. BUT (there is always a but) the cutest was appreciated and refreshing but very forced. I enjoy sentimental books, I even enjoy cutesy books occasionally but at times, Modoc felt aggressively cutesy. In some parts in the book every single line was attempting to be sentimental and cute, trying to draw on tears and emotions. And depending what mood I was in, the book was entirely unbearable, redeemable only for the elephant at parts. THAT BEING SAID, at other parts on other days I was loving it and the sweetest was so pleasant and appreciated with the current movement of the world and country. And, even though its non-fiction, it felt very fake how Helfer sometimes portrayed the story. I would say if you enjoy sentimentality and cute references, this book is for you. If you need a reminder of cute across continents and lifetimes, read this book! If you are pessimistic and totally not that person, maybe not pick it up.. If you are looking for a cute book that will make you feel good but you do not have to think about much, Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived is the book for you.