Water for Elephants
Read the novel that inspired the blockbuster film! Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants is a mesmerizing tour de force that tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a determined young man who is days away from becoming a veterinarian when his parents are killed in a car crash. Totally shattered by grief, Jacob impulsively hops aboard a passing circus train carrying “The Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth” to its next destination. Stepping into a magical world peopled by freaks, clowns, roustabouts and misfits, Jacob is put in charge of the circus menagerie and quickly falls in love with the beautiful—and married—star of the equestrian act.
A haunting, romantic novel, Water for Elephants is utterly unforgettable.
Softcover : 368 pages
Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill ( March 01, 2011 )
Item #: 13-385689
ISBN: 9781616200701
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.92inches
Product Weight: 11.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Loved the book but the new cover makes it look trashy 
January 11, 2012
This is a wonderful book so I ordered it for my nephew. But I didn't give it to him because I don't think he'd want to be seen reading a book that looks like a Harlequin novel.
Since I'd given my old copy to a friend, I kept this one for myself. I'll probably read it again -- it's a great story.
Reviewer: Diana
August 18, 2011
I enjoyed this book! However, it is graphic in some parts and some of it I could have lived without. It is interesting to read how the circus really was though. There were things that I didn't know and never would have fathomed really happened...those poor animals! The characters develop well, and it is easy to follow, although sad at times! I can't wait to see the movie...hopefully some parts will not be included from the book.
Reviewer: cp
Not a favorite
August 17, 2011
I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie but now I no longer desire to see the movie. The animal abuse was very disturbing to me making me skip over parts in the book. While I felt the plot thickened toward the end and did find the circus history interesting, I was still not impressed with this book. Especially disturbing was the authors note at the end about the real life abuse of animals and two elephants which included electrocution.
Reviewer: Lori
The lead characters are not worty of the suffering by others
August 06, 2011
do not get all the positive reviews this book received. While the history is sadly accurate, it is too graphic and the most disturbing thing is that the lead characters are not worthy of the suffering the others did on their behalf. They are both weak and should not have been the heroes. The real heroes are those, both people and animals, who survived and didn't survive those tough times, but they are not given the proper respect, too many pages are spent on the 2 leads going on and on about their secret love.
Reviewer: Lh
better if it were short story
July 04, 2011
The novel is slow to move and had a weak story line. There are too many missed opportunities to make this a great novel, to much left out to make it a good novel, so you are left with a mediocre novel. The one thing this book does have is atmosphere too bad that is not enough to redeem this book.
Reviewer: Jane C
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