Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

[Kit_cats]

I read it last year and it made my top ten it was on my list thingy!
I cried at the end so fab!

[Doug4506]

I've just finished this book and really enjoyed it, I couldn't stop reading. Wouldn't recommend it for people who are sensitive to animal cruelty, and the violence is pretty graphic at times. Imagine this is pretty true-to-life to what circus life would have been in the 1930's in the USA, not an easy time, but a fascinating insight.
I wonder if you didn't know the author was a female, you would have thought this was written by a male? I found her style very gritty, maybe it was because it was narrated by Jacob.
Thank you for the recommendation Janet, a thoroughly good read :mrgreen:

[Jgeneske]

Bought this book the other night, Ill be starting it soon!

[readingaddict]

I've been trying to read this book for the past month or so. I got distracted by other books, but I'm planning on returning to it soon. I'm about halfway through, and though it's good, I've read better.

[Margaret]

Reserved a copy at my local library today, just got wait for it to arrive.

[Lowsparkk]

Does anyone have any input on WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, by SARA GRUEN? I saw the just-released movie here in the US, and rather enjoyed it. (Have to say, though, that I thought the chemistry was lacking between Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson.)
Having seen the movie, I'm wondering whether I ought to pick up the book.
Anyone here read it?
Thanks.
Ken



This post has been edited by Michelle: 25 April 2011 - 04:49 PM

[Easymanmoney]

I read it and really enjoyed it, excellent story, great characters, I found it quite a vibrant book, here is my review from the first time I read it ~
'Water for Elephants' was recommended to me by two friend of mines and it took me awhile to get around to buying it and eventually reading it, so thank you to my friends for the recommendation because (and believe me it deserves the capital letters) I LOVE THIS BOOK, I have never been so engrossed in a story since 'A Wild Sheep Chase' by Haruki Murakami and have never loved a character more than Jacob Jankowski, the story is told brilliantly, visually stunning, you can imagine the sights and sounds of the circus, Rosie the elephant, the main heroine of the story, is described so well and despite the fact she is a elephant she will always be a beloved character for me, she is shown in a way that despite her size she is delicate, loving, funny and stubborn.
As mentioned the characters are written well, it feels effortless to read them, you feel the love that author has for her characters and you will share it because in their own way they are all amazing people and animals, the story of the circus is told from a historical point of view, many of the tales shared in the story actually happened in various circuses (one example being, the lion and a dishwasher hiding together under a sink).
An amazing story of love, courage and how much circuses were a part of American history.
I know I will read 'Water for Elephants' again and again.
:bookworm:

[Luvinpadfoot]

I loved Water for Elephants as well. Such a great story, and beautifully told. Big thumbs up from me!

[Nliush]

I just finished Water for Elephants and absolutely loved it!

[GinNB]

I thought this book was utterly fabulous. Also, I'm really looking forward to the movie, starring Reese Witherspoon.