Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen - Five Stars!
I love this book - what a treasure.
The story is narrated by the main character, Jacob Jankowski, who is 90 or 93 and existing in a retirement home. He takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, switching from his wake state to dreams from his youth, where, following a family tragedy, he accidentally ends up working for a circus troupe as a vet. I don't want to give away anything, so that's all I'm sayin' about the plot.
Pure escapism at a time when I needed it most! I finished the last half of the book overnight - I couldn't put it down without knowing the ending. Thank you, Sara Gruen.
Definitely one of the best books I've ever read. The writing is fluid. The detail is astounding. Gritty and graphic in some places, I forgot the writer is female! Gruen did an outstanding job capturing the dialogue, spirit, memories and feelings from the male perspective.
I look forward to the movie and have a feeling I'm going to enjoy it, even if it can't live up to the book.
Tags: Mary Johnson, Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants, book, book club, review
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Ward on -
I definitely want to read this book. Now that the movie is out, my friends want me to see it, but i love reading the books before I see the movies. Thanks for the quick review, really looking forward to it. I love books that I can not put down!!! Looks like there might be some sleepless nights coming my way!
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Permalink Reply by rocken nana wwt on -
Mary sent the book to me when she was done and I can send it on to you but it will be over a month or so as I am reading the one I started before I got the one from mary and it is a long book and don't have new glasses yet so can only read for so long. If you can get it at your Library that would be faster. But if you want to wait till I am done I will pass it on. Let me know if you want it.
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Permalink Reply by Jacquelyn Claeys on -
I loved this book and story, couldn't put it down while reading it a few years ago. My younger brother gave it to me, so I knew it would be a good one, since he is not able, with his busy life, to read alot. I have not heard many good things about the movie. Anyone seen it yet? I hate to mess with a really good story and end up disappointed in something I really loved. Any movie goers yet?
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Permalink Reply by rocken nana wwt on
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I started reading this yesterday and it is wonderful. Didn't even turn my computer on. In fact I want to go read more right now, but will wait till later. If someone wants to read it and can wait a little bit I will be glad to mail it on. I got it from Mary, so I will move it along if someone wants it when I am done.
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