Water for Elephants: A Novel

The true art of telling a good story comes alive in Water for Elephants. It is, hands down, one of the best books I've ever read.

I don’t know why this memory sticks so fondly in my brain but I distinctly remember this book sitting on my mom’s nightstand why I was a kid. I always remember thinking I wanted to read it but it was an “adult” book, well the time has finally come where I could read it and I am happy I did. I like historically based books because there is not only realism but there’s a nostalgic feeling to them as well. I recently listened to a podcast that referenced circuses from this time period so I was aware of most of the facts throughout the book which was interesting. Plus, this one has a little bit of everything. The hardships and cruelties of the time period are displayed expertly and portrayed so much feeling it was hard not to get attached. There is a love component between humans but also a love for animals which was touching as well. Overall, a nice read - plus I believe it is a movie so I’ll have to check that out to see how it compares.

The theme of aging saved this book for me. Alone, the graphic account of circus life would have left too little to the imagination. Jacob J. is, as the author intended, flawed - and lovably so in my estimation. I found myself rooting for him, as one does for the underdog.

Great read.

OK you know that book that's been sitting in the back of your bookshelf for 15+years collecting dust. Your friends who read say it was just fantastic? Well this is that book. And yes I read it now. Did it live up to the hype? Not so sure. It was a good solid read. And yes, better than the movie.