I was Hooked from Page One of this Delightful Novel!
During the Great Depression, Jacob, age 23, is in the middle of taking his veterinary medical exam and leaves, handing in a blank test. He wonders and ends up jumping on a train. Unknown at the time of his jumping, it is a circus train. He joins the circus as a veterinarian and the story really takes off from there!
The story shifts seamlessly back and forth from present day Jacob, age 93, living in a nursing home to the 23 year old Jacob. He tells of his colorful experiences with the circus and his two great loves, Marlena a performer and Rosie, an elephant. The human-animal bond shines through.
Sara Gruen really did her research for the circus lore of this amazing historical novel. The author’s note at the end of the book and the circus terminology that she uses, proves this. She portrayed this sad time in history with respect for all those who struggled.
The characters are larger than life with Gruen’s elegant prose. At times gut wrenching and at times laugh out loud funny this novel is a must read. This is the first time I have read anything by Sara Gruen and it won’t be the last.
If I could only own one book for the rest of my life, this would be it!
5/5
Also Reviewed at:
Just Another Blogger
ReadingAdventures
Maw Books
An Adventure in Reading
I loved this book too! I haven’t read Gruen before and hope to pick up another one of her books soon.
Jill
http://mrstreme.livejournal.com
This was one of my Best Reads of 2006. I thought it was great and still recommend it to others. I’m glad you enjoyed it, too! 🙂
I just moved this to the top of my pile with Pillars of the Earth. I’ve been unsure about reading it, but we have similar reading tastes. Thanks for the review.
I also loved this one and rated it 5 stars. Definitely one of my top reads of 2007.
Amy
http://sleepyreader.blogspot.com
I LOVED this book!!!
I have heard many great things about this novel. I told myself I have WAY too much to read this year and will only make a few exceptions for any additions…this sounds like one I will definitely have to fit in. Thanks for the great review.
Oh, I’ve been wanting to read this for a while and now, after your review, I want to read it even more!
high praise, teddy! i’ve got this one on my to-read list – i might have to try to get to it sooner than later.
Wow, Thanks for all the comments everyone!
Jill- I have heard that her other books aren’t as good, but I would like to judge that for myself. I will definitely read more by her.
Joy- I think you were one of the people who shoved me towards this book. Thank you!
Kristy- I read some great review when this book was first published, but I wrote it off. I think because it was a circus and I don’t like animals kept in captivity. Also, back then, animal cruelty was acceptable to many. I am soooooo glad that other bloggers and my aunt changed my mind! This book blew me away!
Let me know what you think when you’ve read it.
Amy- Have you read any other books by Gruen?
Nicola- I’m so glad you enjoyed my review. I think you will like it.
Let me know what you think when you’ve read it.
Madame Rubes- I love your name. How did you come up with it?
J.C.- I really think that this one is worth making an exception for. Let me know what you think when you’ve read it.
Alison- I think sooner is better. LOL! I wish I had read it sooner!
Let me know what you think when you’ve read it.
I hadn’t heard of this until very recently. Sounds like a good one.
Yep, It’s a good one John. I would be interested to see what you think about it, from a man’s perspective, if you do read it.
Yep. I’d give this one five stars, as well. It was one of the best books I read in 2006. A total surprise.
Hi Teddy…I’m one of the TBR group along with you, and saw your blog mentioned. Loved visiting! I really loved this book, as well; quite surprisingly enough! I had just dragged my feet reading it because it was so “recommended” but finally broke down…I loved it. It was heart-wrenching and beautifully written. I came to love that elephant nearly as much as the people…:]
Deb http://borntobebookish.wordpress.com
Hi Deb,
Thanks for dropping by! I dragged my feet on this one too. I’m so glad I finally read it.
I tried to go to your blog with the link you provided, but it didn’t work. I’ll try again latter. I’m always interested in see other book blogs.
I’ve actually read another book featuring an elephant named Rosie–Rosie is My Relative by Gerald Durrell–and absolutely hated it. So I think I should read this one quick to banish those memories. Great review!
Brown Paper,
I got so excited when I saw that there was a different book about an elephant named Rosie, then I read the rest of your comment.
Too bad it wasn’t any good, I stay clear of it, LOL!
Please let me know how you like Water for Elephants. I do think you will like it.
Teddy, I just posted my review of Water for Elephants and linked your review. BTW, I loved it!
Excellent review Kristy. I knew you would like it.
Hey everyone,
Please see Kristy’s review at:
http://kristy-justanotherblogger.blogspot.com/
Have you read her novel ‘Riding Lessons’? I love that book. ^^
No Nicole, I haven’t read “Riding Lessions” yet, but I added it to my TBR.
Found you! Gosh… Back in early August I got sifting through blogs in an effort to do John Mutford’s 1st update challenge for The 2nd Canadian Book Challenge. Your review of “Water for Elephants” was the first I’d heard of this book. What a book!! I’m a little over half way through and I already know this one is going to be one of my lifetime favourites; I absolutely love it!
I just wanted to thank you. Your line “If I could only own one book for the rest of my life, this would be it!” convinced me this was a must read.
Wanda,
I am so glad that you are enjoying it! It feels so good when I can help steer fellow readers towards great books like this one. I’m glad that my review helped.
Wanda,
BTW I just checked out your blog and really like it! You should enable comments. I am a big fan of Wayne Johnston and would love to leave a comment about your Baltamore Mansion review.
Teddy: Sorry that you were not able to leave a comment on your last visit. I’m very new to the blogging world and still learning the ins and outs. Comments seem to be working now, I even got an author visit. 🙂
Have you read “The Divine Ryans”? It’s next up as soon as I’m finished reading, “The Divide” by Nicholas Evans.
Wanda,
I haven’t read the The Divine Ryans yet, but it is on my tbr. I added your blog to my Google reader, so that I wont miss your review.
I came over to your blog from the ‘Book awards reading challenge’ This was my favourite book of 2008, and a quick look round your site suggests that we have very similar reading tastes. I’m going to have a longer look at your blog and see if I can pick up any tips for more books to add to my reading pile! Thanks for some great reviews!
Jackie
Thanks so much for stopping by Jackie! I am on my way over to you now to see what books you recommend.
Margaret, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I have this one in my e reader and can’t wait to read it!
Nice you enjoyed the book
I read this book,too. I agree with everything you say in your review right up until your last sentence. Come on! THIS is the one book you would choose if you could only own one (in 2008, anyhow)? I can think of many books that were better than this one in 2008. This was good, that’s all.
This was an amazing and different book!
This was a beautiful book with a different type of story. I should check out this author’s other books.
I see, that they have made this book into a movie. Have you seen the movie? Would you recommend it?
I saw the movie and it was very well-done! Definitely recommend it though the book is always better! 🙂
I loved the movie – well done, but the book is a little better!
Loved this book! Have you read her new one yet?
No I haven’t read her new one.