Water for Elephants: A Novel by Gruen, Sara published by Algonquin Books (2007)

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.

So two days later I'm finished- It was a prettygood book as is evident by the rating- The story is of an old man (Jacob) flashing back to his life in the circus- How he met his wife and eventuallyhad his family which have all moved on with their lives and forget him on circus day. The book starts off with a murder, a stampede, and a secret. The story does in time and in places get to be sexually descriptive so I'd recomment this to anyone over 18. Jacob ends up getting to the circus, telling his story to the manager, the manager takes him on despite the fact that he is 93 years old- He knows Jacob belongs with the circus.

I can't believe how much I loved this book. Historical fiction with an awesome story AND I was fascinated by the time period it took place in (the Great Depression) and the circus! It's an absolute must-read.