Search - Water for Elephants

This was a book that I truly did not think I’d like. Not a big fan of circuses, I just didn’t think it would interest me. Boy, was I ever wrong! This book thrust me into its story from the very first page, and left me wanting more. The ending is wonderful – perfect and satisfying. While I am very leary of any book that contains abuse to animals, I found that I could endure the occasional abuses described somehow. I was so completely enthralled by the characters of this book, and could see the whole story in my mind’s eye as I read. The author does say in an interview that the elephant, Rosie, was based on a real elephant (two, actually) she discovered when doing the research for this book. I often felt like I needed a shower while reading the book because it is so atmospheric and real that I felt like I’d been riding on the train without a good wash! At the same time, I felt I was a resident of the nursing home depicted in the book and wanted to have a good meal myself. Excellent book, one of the best reads of my adult life. It will definitely stay with me a long time.

I didn't think I'd like this book since I usually don't enjoy the popular best sellers. I was wrong. This is such a wonderful book that I put my husband on "hold" Valentine's night so I could finish the last five pages. I'm now on my husband's $%#@ list, but this book is now on my Top Five List! Don't pass it up!!!

This book has drawn a lot of comparisons to John Irving, and that is one of the reasons I bought it. I thought the comparison was justified, but this book left me a little unsatisfied compared to John Irving's books. While the character and story were interesting, I felt that the book lacked a bit of depth. Definitely worth reading, but I wish the author had gone a bit deeper when forming the characters and their motives/actions.

Almost perfect. Past and present in alternating chapters that come together at the end. Writing truly captures life in a circus in the 40's, life in a nursing home in the present. I had the slightest niggle of doubt at the very end, but it was still believable and in keeping with the rest of the story

This was the first book our book club chose to read. I don't know how we will ever top this one. It is excellent! Such a great read! Will be one of my favorite books of all time!

This book makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. Sara Gruen does a flawless job of switching from modern day to 1931. She makes you fall in love with the characters and feel thier pain, anguish, happiness and joy. A must read for any PBS'er.

I absolutely loved this book. Unfortunately I stayed up half the night reading it and was very tired at work the next day! I am 48 years old and my children are off to college. This book makes you think about getting older without being depressing. It is flashbacks/memories of the life of an old man in a nursing home who was a veternarian with a circus during the depression. Both mena and women would enjoy reading this book, I think.

couldn't put it down. very well written.

I didn't know what to expect, but loved this book. I liked the author's use of flashback to tell the story. Very good read!

Wonderful story. I love the glimpse into a bygone era of the traveling circus. And I love Rosie! This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last.

This was a wonderful book, great writing a fast read

Seeing as the setting was the circus for this book, I was a little worried that I wouldn't like it. After reading it, I'm glad I did. I thought it was a well-written story and kept me reading late into the night to finish it. The main character was interesting and the other characters were just as likeable, minus August. I can't wait to read something else of Sara Gruens.

I could not put this book down. I started reading it the day it arrived and stayed up late to finish it. You get so engrossed in the story it's almost sad when it's over. Great read!

One of the best books I've ever read. I had no interest in a book about the circus, but this book grabbed me immediately and never let go.

This book is one of the best I've read. I loved the ending

Excellent book.

Very good book.

Romantic story set in a traveling circus in the 1930's. Sara Gruen is an incredible writer.

this is a wonderful book of a man in his nineties recalling his life and loves in the circus in the 30's. great read

absolutely loved it