Discussions
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esmeralda
I loved this book. It was one of the few I've read recent'ly that really made me want to go to bed early so I could get started on my bedtime reading.
posted 6 years ago.
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Icedream
I thought this was a great book. It was well written with an original plot and very moving. I gave it 5 stars.
posted 6 years ago.
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karajanis
I enjoyed it! Easy, quick, engaging book. I agree with icedream - original and touching.
posted 6 years ago.
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Theophania
I enjoyed reading it, but it was one of those books that was done when it was done. It didn't stick with me the way some books do. I was glad I got it out of the library rather than buying it.
posted 6 years ago.
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leaken
I'm almost finished with this book. I have to say that is one of my favorite ones that I have read here in the last few months. Jacob the old man make me laugh and just want hug him. I would give it 5 stars!
posted 6 years ago.
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sthurner
Baa, Baa! I'm gloing along with the rest of the flock here. I enjoyed Water For Elephants. It had a sympathetic main character, and lots of "inside" circus information. I wouldn't call it great literature, but I would call it a ripping good tale.
posted 6 years ago.
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Lance
I loved this book! One of the best pieces of ficition I've read in a long time. It's not "profound" but a great story from beginning to end. You will love it!
posted 6 years ago.
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kek_fekete
I just recently finished this book, and after all the hype it got, I expected it to be a "bigger" story somehow. It was a good read, but I would have liked a more involved plot. The circus elements were interesting -- the elephant really stole the show!
posted 6 years ago.
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Starbooks
I found this to be an enjoyable read. I hadn't had a knowledge of circus life, and that made it interesting. The elephant actually made me cheer with her unexpected intelligence.
posted 6 years ago.
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birdsallhead
WOW - you are so lucky to just be picking this up. Be prepared for an enjoyable journey to our past, and to jump aboard an old fashioned adventure. I bought this book the first week it was out (basically, I liked the jacked) and it has caught on like wild fire - with good reason! I was magically taken back to an era and a circus that held such captivating characters - you can't help but to dive right in. ENJOY!
posted 6 years ago.
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Ladybook
I don't know my Bible that well...Does anyone understand how Jacob's story parallels the story of Jacob from the 'good book'?
posted 5 years ago.
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julietm removed this reply 5 years ago
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CinLove
I absolutely loved this book. My favorite parts are when he is describing how when we are young, we know exactly to the second how old we are. Then somewhere in our 30s we have to think about the answer to the question. Now he knows he is 90 or 93 or something like that. Also I loved the ending and I loved Jacob's spunk as a senior citizen.
posted 5 years ago.
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rberk
We just started this book for our book club, can't wait to read it. Has anyone yet? Any good??
posted 5 years ago.
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maggieb74
Hi rberk!
Of all the books I read in 2006, this was my favorite. Absolutely wonderful! Enjoy!posted 5 years ago.
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I read this book last summer (2006) and it is still "with" me. I found the character development to rival John Irving, in fact, the book reminded me a lot of Irving all the way around. It is a masterful depiction of an elderly person -- hardly the empty shell most of us think old folks are!
posted 5 years ago.
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catlibris
Someone else who read this, said it had a sad ending. I disagree, I thought he ended up where he wanted to be, back in the circus.
posted 5 years ago.
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Dalee removed this reply 5 years ago
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Mtnmoovr
As I started this book, I thought it was rather slow but that "little book critic in my head" kept telling me to trudge on with it. And I'm so glad I did. I ended up really liking this book....especially the ending. If a book has a great ending, everything in the story that I didnt' like sorta gets redeemed!
posted 5 years ago.
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egilmore
I enjoyed this book so much. It really made me remember that our most elderly seniors have lived lives too. I laughed, I cried and more than anything, I enjoyed. A really good look at the circus world. I wonder if it has changed much?
posted 5 years ago.
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demorgans
This was probably one of the most amazing and well written books I have ever read. Definitely up in the league with Kite Runners and Ahab's Wife, not to mention a few others that I thought were poetic and beautifully written page turning "couldn't put them down" books.
posted 5 years ago.
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elasticwaistland removed this reply 5 years ago
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katerz964
I was pretty annoyed with this book, actually. I was hoping for more medical/veterinary information, especially regarding animals. Or an analysis of veterinary practices in traveling circuses.
Much more of a "beach read" than I was looking for. Not a bad book, I just had completely different expectations of it.posted 5 years ago.
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deweydecimal
i loved how the author sara gruen described remembering one's age ... at 10 and under we know it to the month surely know it in teen years and in twenties but in the 30's we have to stop and think about it.... Very nicely put and when she says in 3rd person "i am 90 or 93 ... I really can't remember" I can so see that happening.
posted 5 years ago.
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LdyDisney
I read it! It's definitely worth reading. I liked the main character very much and it's on a topic that I've never read about before (Traveling circus during the depression)
Definitely worth a read in my opinion...
Have fun!posted 5 years ago.
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This is well researched (the author is too young to have much knowledge of the underlying story and the world of circus) and she is quite able as a writer. Sometimes the novel reads like the research, a problem of integration. On the whole an enjoyable beach read (not in the East in January) with a view of a world one might not otherwise acess.
posted 5 years ago.
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Shonna
I heard my friend Ronni mention this book several times. I finally picked it up in the bookstore . . . wow! I haven't read many stories told my men, to say nothing of elderly men reflecting in the style of 'Fried Green Tomatoes'. I get that same nostalgic feeling, especially being here in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Ringling family. It makes me want to go to the museum to see the tiny recreation of the circus (train and all). It's fantastic! Anyway, I'm just to the part in the book where he's watching them set up the circus outside his nursing home. I cringed at the part where they gave him a pill and a shot for his depression (I never want that to be me or mine). I'm lovin' it (McD has ruined that great phrase) . . . S.
posted 5 years ago.
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Shonna
I heard my friend Ronni mention this book several times. I finally picked it up in the bookstore . . . wow! I haven't read many stories told my men, to say nothing of elderly men reflecting in the style of 'Fried Green Tomatoes'. I get that same nostalgic feeling, especially being here in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Ringling family. It makes me want to go to the museum to see the tiny recreation of the circus (train and all). It's fantastic! Anyway, I'm just to the part in the book where he's watching them set up the circus outside his nursing home. I cringed at the part where they gave him a pill and a shot for his depression (I never want that to be me or mine). I'm lovin' it (McD has ruined that great phrase) . . . S.
posted 5 years ago.
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T-Rock
The story is told by a man and written by a woman. What that creates is a full well rounded delicious book. Easy to read and quick to pull you in, this is a great book to give a reluctant reader.
posted 5 years ago.
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FatherOfHollywood
This is a beautifully constructed book. The circus atmosphere is rich and detailed, and it's redolent of its time period. The images are strong and the pace, while not fast, is stately -- perhaps the way an elephant moves??
posted 5 years ago.
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dgmcnelis
If you like circus novels try to find a copy of 'Pride' by
William Wharton who also wrote Birdy and Dad.posted 5 years ago.
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Renmeleon
I just picked up the trade paperback tonight and I am already hooked on page two. It's like a trainwreck. I grew up around carnivals, my grandfather worked for the local one setting up their advertising.
When the carnival started every year I would be there helping the carnies set up and "friends" would come out of the woodwork the week prior to beg for tickets. He always gave me two 10 VIP day passes for the whole fair, rides and admission, 10 one day admission passes for my "friends" and spending money for the midway. It was a great way to spend lazy afternoons.
I am looking forward to reading this and can already tell I'll be making quick work of it. LOL This is one of those books I will be reading over and over again I think.posted 5 years ago.
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larie p removed this reply 5 years ago
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larie p removed this reply 5 years ago
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larie p
One of my most favorite books ever, I read it in a day. I couldnt put it down. The author somehow pulls you into a land of clowms,fire breathers and lions all at the same time weaving a complex plot underneath. A MUST READ!!!!!!!!
posted 5 years ago.
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Kathie H
Great fun to read. Colorful characters, compelling story and fascinating insights into a world that I knew nothing about. By the time the author got to the end, however, I think she ran out of ideas and gave us some convenient coincidences that didn't work for me.
posted 5 years ago.
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Shanna removed this reply 5 years ago
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Shanna removed this reply 5 years ago
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Shanna removed this reply 5 years ago
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Shanna removed this reply 5 years ago
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Shanna removed this reply 5 years ago
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Quilter K
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.
posted 5 years ago.
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Dragonfly
quilter k, I enjoyed reading your comments. I feel much the same about the book...very atmospheric and very enjoyable. I did approach the book with trepidation as well, but for different reasons. The subject matter was the reason I picked it up, but I was worried that the hype surrounding the book would kill it for me. For once, however, the good buzz was well-placed. Though, due to the animal abuse, I gave the book 4 instead of 5 stars. This is an excellent read and I'm quite excited to read that the movie rights have been optioned.
posted 5 years ago.
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Quilter K
Dragonfly, I had a hard time with the animal abuse, and nearly wasn't bearable. Hard to take, but someone had told me that it didn't last long and to keep reading, and I'm glad that they did. I didn't know that the movie rights have been optioned! Any idea of who is being cast in it?
posted 5 years ago.
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Dragonfly
I agree, quilter k, the animal abuse was hard to bear. It was brief, but disturbing all the same. I'm glad, however, that I didn't skip this book because of it. It's a beautifully crafted book and I'm going to be buying more books by Sara Gruen. No, I've not heard any names attached to the movie yet, but I read that it was optioned by one (or more) of the people involved with the Bourne movies, so it should be high quality! I think it will make a great movie.
posted 5 years ago.
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Quilter K
I think it will make an amazing movie. You're right -- it is a beautifully crafted book. I plan to read all that Sara Gruen writes as well, Dragonfly. She writes so descriptively that I could taste the gritty air when the tents were set up.
posted 5 years ago.
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Dragonfly removed this reply 5 years ago
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Dragonfly
Oh yes, quilter k, I am putting Sara Gruen's other books on my wish list:) Horses are at the heart of Riding Lessons and Flying Changes, so I can't wait to read both of them...they appear to be a two book series focusing on a mother and her daughter, a horse farm and the girl's Olympic dreams. They sound great:)
posted 5 years ago.
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Jenni H removed this reply 5 years ago
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Anna s
second read from shelfarians recommendations. Well written ,an interesting read ,full of fact woven into fiction, a slow start but once hooked a page turner and a quick satisfying read full of pathos. I will miss jacob , Marlena and of course Rosie!
posted 5 years ago.
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thatsewnsew
I could not put this book down until I finished. A very enjoyable read that kept me going to the end.
posted 5 years ago.
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Tomyork92
Dec 07. Adult. Enjoyable story about an old man reminiscing about his time in a traveling circus during the Depression. Accurate historical representation as to life in circus trains at the time, though story exaggerated the characters. an enjoyable read with richly developed characters and entertaining plot lines as to survival during the Great Depression.
posted 5 years ago.
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KelliMix
This book is excellent! Great characters, great plot and great writing. I was so drawn into the circus life during the Depression I could not put the book down. The author, I read, had never been to a circus before writing this book.....goes to show you that with proper research you do NOT have to "write what you know".
posted 5 years ago.
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greenmom
Masterfully descriptive, subtle plot, and engaging characters. Four stars instead of five because I personally prefer a little less detail about naked dancing women, love scenes, 93 year old private parts, and gritty language. Otherwise a beautiful, rich story with an absolutely delightful ending!
posted 5 years ago.
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Nancy T
Couldn't put this book down - I never thought I would be so fascinated by circus life!
posted 5 years ago.
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Nancy T
Couldn't put this book down - I never thought I would be so fascinated by circus life!
posted 5 years ago.
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Fanny K
Ask a question, kick off a discussion, or just talk about this book...I really enjoyed reading this book. It's pretty much a straight narrative with wonderful flashbacks to life in the circus in the 1930's. Great characters! FUN beach reading.
posted 5 years ago.
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Laura B
I was hesitant tp read this book, being an animal lover and therefore disliking circuses but I have to say that it was so well written and different that I could not put it down. Enjoy!
posted 5 years ago.
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Laura B
I was hesitant tp read this book, being an animal lover and therefore disliking circuses but I have to say that it was so well written and different that I could not put it down. Enjoy!
posted 5 years ago.
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Book-Lubber
Very quick easy read. Nice time period. Wraps up in the end happily and neatly.
posted 5 years ago.
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Marsha C
I just finished this book and I hated to see it end it was such a good read. I can certainly understand why it has been on the best sellar list for so long. She gives us a slice of life on the road with the circus. I love her charactors they bring life to the book - she is definitely on my author list..
posted 5 years ago.
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Kim S
Very well written and gives you a real taste of the circus life. A quick, easy read.
posted 5 years ago.
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Ann P
Hi Kim: The book was also wonderful to follow an old man's life and what happened to him over the years.
posted 5 years ago.
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Jennifer D removed this reply 5 years ago
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Susan removed this reply 5 years ago
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Susan
I loved this book. I was sorry when it ended. I loved the characters, and it was a book I just couldn't put down.
posted 5 years ago.
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Rob H
I think the ending was a little to short, but I liked the Circus people and the history.
posted 5 years ago.
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Amanda
See a great review on Water for Elephants by one of our users:
http://shelfari.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/review-water-fo.htmlposted 5 years ago.
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Kibbles
Thanks for the link, Amanda! I enjoyed reading that review, which was well written and thought out.
By the way, I tried to reply to your comment by hitting the "reply" button associated with your comment, but the only thing that happened was that the page refreshed, taking the "reply" button with it. Strange, eh?posted 5 years ago.
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LyndsD81 removed this reply 5 years ago
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LyndsD81
I loved this book. I was completely engrossed. Its an adventure and a love story all in one. Gruen has so clearly done her research that you learn about the circus industry around the time of the Great Depression without feeling like you are studying the topic. It is a fabulous story. A must read!
posted 5 years ago.
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Debbie F
I have to agree. This is one of the best books I have ever read. It drew me in from the very beginning and I couldn't put the book down. A must read!
posted 5 years ago.
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sara h
i pretty much liked this book, though i didnt like it at first but when i reached chapter 5 i couldnt put it down till i finished it , i recommend it as a must read if you are intrested in reading novels.
posted 5 years ago.
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Christina J
I loved this book. It was moving in every emotional direction. I hope those who read this book see our Senior Community in a different light.
posted 5 years ago.
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Ginny V
I too loved this book. Not only did it give me insight to circus life during the depression, but it gave me a better understanding of the feelings of an older senior dependant on others.
Puts things into perspective. Sara Gruen did a great job in researching the life and times of circus people of that era.posted 4 years ago.
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Valerie H removed this reply 5 years ago
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sarah c removed this reply 5 years ago
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Pam W
The characters are very dynamic and the author skillfully uses flashback to develop the plot. I cried within the first few pages.
posted 5 years ago.
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heatherhusker
I had a hard time getting through the first 100 pages of this book, but then I couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed the ending and actually the whole book. It was well written. I do however believe if it hadn't been a book for my book club I would have never have chosen it. However, I am glad I read it.
I was very interested in how the author came to write about the topic of the circus and the research she did to write a fiction book that did include some historical anacdotes.posted 5 years ago.
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Dani loves books
I have been looking forward to reading this book for over a year and finally did; in one day!!! I'm so glad to say I really enjoyed it and wasn't disappointed with it at all! Great story!!
posted 5 years ago.
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mslady
This book started out slow to me. I stuck it out and kept reading. Loved it. I really like the chapters with the older Jacob.
posted 5 years ago.
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Laurel M
Loved it while I was reading it, it definitely held my attention. Can't remember much about it now, though. Definitely a mood book, well-written.
posted 5 years ago.
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Dana P
I read this book in two days. Not the type of book I usually read (a little more on the darkerside) but I enjoyed hearing about Jacob adventures past & present. Rosie was also such a cute character. What Irony to run away to the circus twice!
posted 5 years ago.
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Amanda W
I'm not a big fiction reader, but I absolutely LOVED this book! The story enveloped me and the characters truly came alive. There were violent parts that were difficult to read but they really helped to develop the story. I passed my copy along to my mom and she has since passed it onto at least 5 other people!
posted 5 years ago.
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Jennifer M
Loved this book because it gave such a feeling of that "time", sometimes ruthless, cruel, but at the same decent and in some ways innocent. Loved the writing. It's one of those books that after you read the book, your memory of it is almost as if you had seen it as a movie.
posted 5 years ago.
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Autumn C
I immediately love Gruen's writing style, which reminded me of Joseph Mitchell's accounts of old New York City; however, it took me a while to get into the plot. In fact, I'd almost abandoned hope, and I even put the book down for a month. I hate to admit it, but if a book doesn't snare my attention within the first few pages as far as the action goes, I tend to put it down in favor of something else. I stuck with it though, and about halfway through, I found that I couldn't put it down. Once I reached that part, I finished in a day.
posted 5 years ago.
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Sharon G
This was very easy to read because I was always anxious to pick it up and run away to the circus. It gave me the sense of learning what it really would be like to be a carnie during the depression era. What a tough life! The characters were well crafted and presented so that you feel their struggles. Sara Gruen did her art well, with enough foreshadowing to pull you into the story. And the narrator's perspective was quite unique, explaining an elderly man's fear of aging as he recounts his youth spent with the circus.
posted 5 years ago.
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Mary M
Wonderful read. Well plotted and well crafted with marvelous human and animal characters!
posted 5 years ago.
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Lucille S
What did you like about Water for Elephants? Did the ending surprise you?
posted 5 years ago.
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Elena S
Not quite finished yet. I discipline myself to read it only on the train so that it'll last longer. I'm close to the end though. I think I know what part you're refering to in your question, though, and no, I wasn't really surprised.
posted 5 years ago.
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Elena S
I sat down next to 2 people on the train with this book in my hand, and they both exclaimed, "Oh, that book is sooo good!"
posted 5 years ago.
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Karen K (K2)
“I loved this book. Reading it is like hearing my Granddad tell a story. The old-fashion photos of circus life added to the reality of the story. The ending has a great twist.”
posted 5 years ago.
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Elena S
Here's an interesting and relevant piece from The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 31, 2008: I Am an Elephant by Stu Bykofsky:
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080331_I_am_an_elephant.htmlposted 5 years ago.
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Linda S
What's all the hype about this book? The plot is simplistic and the characters forgettable. It is a "nice" read - nothing more.
posted 5 years ago.
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Pat D
I loved this book! When my grandparents were in nursing homes at the end of their lives I knew they must have felt like being put on a shelf. My grandfather said to me once. " I know I'm 93 but I don't feel any different than when I was 13." I could relate to the character, and his wanting (still) a rich life. I loved the life he lived as a circus hand. The ending of him waiting for his son to take him and his anxiousness to get to the circus in time, left me feeling so empty.
posted 5 years ago.
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aphroditesings
i love this book! best one i've read so far. i thought that Gruen did an amazing job creating a life in the circus. you get to read different lives of different people working in a circus. the adventure, excitement and romance in this book kept me hooked! i finished it in less than a week!
posted 5 years ago.
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Diana Elisa
Beautiful book - you get the feeling it's being told to you as a story, by a family member, not as a historic moment book, which are usually heavy and take quite some side-reading to understand. This is a contagious, hard-to-let-go book.
posted 5 years ago.
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ErinDianna
I liked this book so much that I'm writing my first review. The pace was perfect and I couldn't put it down. For me, there was never a dull moment.
posted 5 years ago.
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Wind Reader removed this reply 4 years ago
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Jacquelyn D
i planning on reading it over the summer. couldanyone tell me wha tit is about?
posted 5 years ago.
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Shannon
It's about a boys adventure of joining the circus and the life of a circus no one talks about. I read it in one sitting...that's how much I enjoyed it.
posted 5 years ago.
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jennifer c
This was an amazing books with one of the best endings I can remember.
posted 5 years ago.
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Roxann A
It's about a man in an old folks home reminiscing about his life in a Depression Era circus. Great characters, great writing. By turns poignant, vivid, and suspenseful. Well worth reading.
posted 5 years ago.
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Mike S
I'm gonna go to the public library today and check this book out. I've heard a lot of great things about it. Can't wait to read it!
posted 5 years ago.
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Barbara M
Hurray for you! I love people who go to the public library to get their books. Buy your favorites but give it a test drive with a copy from your library! :-)
posted 5 years ago.
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jennifer p
I read this book around the same time of year that I took my kids to the circus, making it so vivid in my mind. Also, if this book had a soundtrack, it should include Rufus Wainwright's "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk". I have this on CD, and everytime I hear it I think of Water for Elephants...they just kind of go together, know what I mean? Some of the lyrics to the song go:
you got to keep in the game
maintaining mystique while facing forward
i suggest a reading of 'a lesson in tightropes'
or 'surfing your high hopes' or 'adios kansas'
Seriously, download the song if you can and listen to it with this book in mind! I think you can also hear it on youtube, but am not sure.posted 5 years ago.
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Tayler P
I totaly agree with you review on "Water for Elephants" that you posted. I checked out that song and it really does mach with a creepy tone to it.
posted 5 years ago.
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Mary M
I got a chance to hear Sara Gruen speak in person. Her personal story of writing this books is fascinating. I work at a high school and about 60 students read the book and loved it. Several students were admitted non-readers but found this one engaging. I usually like darker books with a deeper message, this was entertaining.
posted 5 years ago.
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Linda S
One of the best books I've ever read -- and I read a LOT. Read it, read it, read it.
posted 5 years ago.
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Simone B
This is the most amazing book I have read in a long time.
I found it very believable and hard to put down! Made me think about all I don't know about circus'!!!! What a fascinating life that must have been!posted 5 years ago.
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jenn
i'm in the middle, and i literally walk around reading it bc i can't put it down! by far-one THE best books in my entire life. I've never felt so drawn and invested in a character-Jacob, of course. I don't want it to end!! I am going to find some other books written by her!
posted 5 years ago.
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Finally, a popular book that deserves all its rave reviews. I dare you not to get into the current story and the "backstory". Nothing so bad that it'll scar you for life, but the characters will be remembered.
Best ending I've read in a long time. Way to go, Sara Gruen! Thank you for writing this book in the manner/style/plot it ended up being published in. Perfection!posted 4 years ago.
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Libby S
I agree with eden and angelcat11! I would put this on a 'Must Read' list.
posted 4 years ago.
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angelcatrom
I could not agree more with Eden's review- she reall hit the key points on why you should read this book!
posted 4 years ago.
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I really loved the ending of this book... how it came full circle. I won't give details because it might be a spoiler, but that was probably my favorite part. I loved the colorful cast of characters and how each and every one of them played a specific role in the novel, and how some surprising characters had deeper layers than you'd have thought.
posted 4 years ago.
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Netterloo L
Seriously excellent book - this is one I will re-read again and again. I loved how the author told this story - from an old man's first person point of view as he reminisces and flashes back to his time in the circus (some seventy years prior). And also? I think I need my very own elephant now thanks to the antics of the lovely (and brilliant) Rosie.
Go read this book RIGHT NOW.posted 4 years ago.
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jmadigan
I'm about halfway through this book, and I have to ask: Am I the only one who can't stand the parts from the POV of 90 (or 93) year old Jacob? I'm really enjoying the flashback scenes with the circus, but the nursing home stuff is really striking me as trite, cliched, melodramatic, and too obvious in its attempts at pulling the heart strings. It's gotten to the point where I'm skimming these parts to get back to the part I enjoy. Am I going to miss anything important doing this?
posted 4 years ago.
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SouthWestZippy
Have you ever been to a nursing home jmadigan? I have, practically grew up in one. My Mom worked there and I( at a young age) did volunteer work. The home stuff is in no way trite, cliched and melodramatic. It is real life put in the form of a fiction setting. All you have to do is sit and listen to the stories they have to tell to know this.
posted 4 years ago.
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sharmee
no, you won't miss a thing. I was getting a little annoyed with those parts also.
posted 4 years ago.
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koren56
As someone who works in a nursing home, I found the nursing home scenes the most incredible part of the book. It made me really open my eyes to the fact that behaviors in our residents could be something that is going on in their minds that we know nothing about. One of my favorite residents had recently passed away before I read this book and old Jacob reminded me so much of him it was incredible. We also had a similar incident shortly after I read this book where a resident tried to run away, not to see a circus but to see a parade. I saw her actions in a totally different light than other staff because I had read this book. There was only one part that wasn't very true to life. That was where Jacob became a problem and they immediately gave him a shot that knocked him out. Where I live that would be considered a chemical restraint and would be very illegal, although I suppose it could be legal in other places. The part where Jacob sat by the door waiting for his son to come brought me to tears. I've seen that happen so many times. This book will stay close to my heart forever.
By the way, it was the parts with the elephant that I found contrived.posted 4 years ago.
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Roxann A
I agree that the nursing home scenes are some of the most touching and realistic in the book. In my opinion, that is what gives this book its depth, and provides the foundation for the flashbacks.
posted 4 years ago.
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jmadigan
Eh, I'm almost done with the book and have been skipping the nursing home parts entirely. I just can't stand them. The rest is good enough to stand on its own.
posted 4 years ago.
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Bex A
Well, I am sorry to be the one to inform you, but you don't know how to read a book. And such an excellent one at that. Although I do agree with you that the nursing home parts are not quite as exciting and interesting as the rest of the book; however, you missed out on the story. What is the point in taking the time to read a book if you aren't willing to envelope yourself in the full story? I am sorry for you that you have missed the opportunity to enjoy this book to its full potential as of right now. I challenge you to read the book and give the nursing home bits the justice they deserve.
posted 4 years ago.
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Erin Quinn
I loved this book and I thought the nursing home parts were wonderful. I guess that shows that different stories speak to different readers. If you are a fan of audio books, or even if you have never listened to one before, this is a great book to start with. Awesome readers and the older voice is fantastic!
posted 4 years ago.
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Laura K
I have only read about 80 pages but already love this book. It flows so easily. I had to stop reading only because I had to put my son to bed. I can already tell its going to be a long night! Thank you for everyone who recommended this!!
posted 4 years ago.
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Marlene R
This is a wonderful book, Elizabeth. Sara Gruen has really done her homework in researching circuses in the USA Depression times. I found the photographs that interspersed the chapters fascinating. The book offers a great bunch of memorable characters who work for the circus but are always under threat of being thrown off the circus train when they are no longer required. There is all the razzmatazz of performance in the big top and the hard slog of setting things up. There's romance, humour and a story of survival.
The story is framed by the Jacob the circus vet as an old man in a nursing home. This greatly adds to the impact of the story and our understanding of human nature.
Read it - you will enjoy it. The only word of warning is that there is some animal cruelty - but the animals (certainly the elephant Rosie) overcome their tormentors.posted 4 years ago.
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jmadigan
Yes, I've been in a nursing home. And yes, I know how to read a book. I've read several!
After finishing the book and reading some more of the nursing home stuff it still strikes me as the weakest part by far. It's not that I mind sympathetic characters, but Gruen is so obvious in her attempts to paint the same cliched picture of a person being held prisoner in a nursing home that it annoyed me. It was like a slightly tarted up version of an After School Special. It should have all been excised except maybe at the very beginning and very end to bracket the real story.
I enjoyed the rest of the book, though, mainly for its portrayal of the whole Depression era circus scene. Nice, easy read that zipped along and Jacob was an interesting character.posted 4 years ago.
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SouthWestZippy
Fair enough jmadigan. I guess I see if from the Jacobs point of view. To him he is being held prisoner. Nursing homes are not on a lot of peoples when you get old things to do list.
You do make a good point about the to bracket the beginning and end of the story but I still like the way it was done so I am standing by the book, as it.
I am happy to hear you enjoyed the rest of the book, yes he is an interesting character. Do you have any other books that you like that run along the lines of this book?posted 4 years ago.
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Julie Booker
i spent some time working in an old peoples home.One was a nice place and us nursing staff were more like Rosemary.Unfortunately i left the other one as the staff were as unreasonable as those Jacob had to deal with.They didn't like my way of caring.I chose to move and work in a place where they did care.
posted 4 years ago.
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Jillian
Do you think it was the nursing home that made him feel like a prisoner or the lack of visitors?
posted 4 years ago.
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kristin h
Nursing HOmes are not a pleasant place and I think it was successful in showing how isolated and dealing with the diffulties of being an old man. It was depressing to read as it is our fate and reality of life of any normal person but I don't see those chapters in the book as "cliched". The Nursing Home was a second character. He could have been holed away in a room of one of his kids and it could have been just as depressing. It's about him feeling trapped within his decrepit body and mind while the "stirrings" of the circus was keeping him "alive" in this place, place in life.
posted 4 years ago.
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cyclonewriter
This is the best book I have read in ages...I love it. I hope that others will read it and enjoy it as much as I have. It made me think about the "What If" moments in life....I mean so many different directions could have been taken by the author when the main character lost his parents...Amazing !!!!
posted 4 years ago.
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Laura K
I have about 75 pages left. It has really gotten exciting....as much as I can't wait to see how it ends, I will be so sad. I have absolutely fallen in love with these characters.
I don't want it to end. This is one of the best novels I have read in a long time.posted 4 years ago.
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magsimprov
I just finished Water for Elephants and looked at other reviews. Yours caught my eye because you had not read the ending yet. It is one of my most favorite parts!
posted 4 years ago.
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Ashley M
Hey!! :) I just finished the book today in the library..and I just wanted to tell you that I totally agree with you that it is really easy to fall in love with the characters. I'm kinda sad it's over :'( lol
^.^ you are going to love the end!!! *promise!*posted 4 years ago.
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saradoodles m
this book has alot of things happening all at once (i love that) it makes u think and remember it gets u into the book and keeps u there unlike other books that u can put down at night u cant put this 1 down it holds u
posted 4 years ago.
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Stefanie R
I really want to read this but I'm concerned about the cruelty to animals stuff. Is it bad?
posted 4 years ago.
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Lylee V
I do not remember the cruelty to animals as much as a particular characters general cruelty, which is an important aspect of the plot. What I do remember is the way the author describes the elephants so that as we read we get the individual elephant's personalities. The animals are important characters, and while some uncomfortable things may happen, they have humans who do champion their cause, also key to the plot, and they also manage to take care of some of their less pleasant handling.
posted 4 years ago.
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It's been awhile since I finished Water For Elephants, but here's what I recall.
Yes, there is discussion of how animals are treated in the circus. No, it is not pretty. As a vegetarian and animal-lover I remember finding some parts uncomfortable but nothing so extreme as to make me stop reading. I think it's important that we educate ourselves on the less-than-nice things in this world, which I feel was part of the author's intent.posted 4 years ago.
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Susan K Johnson
The cruelty to animals stuff is pretty bad, in my opinion. For me, it didn't ruin the book, and it was still worth reading. But if you're sensitive about those issues, there are a lot of good books out there.
posted 4 years ago.
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Jillian
I honestly don't remember much cruelty to the animals - yes, there is some but it is not the key focus of the book. While some parts might be hard to swallow, the reality is that this is how it was (and I'm sure in some cases worse and some cases better!) and still is in places!
posted 4 years ago.
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Pam
that bothers me, too... but I didn't think it was that bad, really. There were some sad parts, but I liked the animal characters, only wished they had been even more a part of the story. There wasn't as much about the animals as I would have liked. But it was a very good story, very realistic I think to the times it was set in,which I enjoyed. I really liked the book, I'd recommend it. It read really fast... I couldn't put it down.
posted 4 years ago.
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kristin h
It's unsettling but it shouldn't deter you from reading it. It's within the context of the plot and the portrayal of crazy cry circus life during the depression.
posted 4 years ago.
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Hope O
Wouldn't life be wonderful if nothing bad or cruel or sad every happened in our lives or the lives of any of God's creations? Let's see this book through the eyes of the old man recounting what he witnessed...not a white-washed version that's neatly tied up in a pretty ribbon with only the good stuff. Sadly, that is not what life is or was ever about. All these issues develop the plot and purpose of the story. Read, weep, laugh, enjoy, then work to change the things that make you unhappy or angry...
posted 4 years ago.
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Janet R
There is some, but the animals generally win out. Rosie, the elephant, is one of the heroes. I found the storyline captivating.
posted 4 years ago.
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Trish Baker
I thought the book was a great read except I did have a little problem with the cruelty to animals part (I love animals). But overall it was worth it. My daughter read it and loved it. We both would recommend it.
posted 4 years ago.
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Rebecca K
Sara Gruen does not go into detail about the cruelty to animals. There is nothing gory written to where you will keep replaying the image in your head. I am a HUGE animal lover and had no problem reading the book. I didn't have to skip over the parts that elude or talk about the cruelty. You will miss out on a really good book if you choose not to read it, but I understand if you don't.
posted 4 years ago.
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Kristin s
This book was fabulous. I've always been in love with the circus and the chaos that seems to come with it. This man's life begins in a structured environment of planing and goals, and then he throws caution to the wind when he jumps on that train. The animal cruelty and sex scenes that someone mentioned as having nothing to do with the plot have every bit to do with it. They were all a part of the craziness of life: the ups and downs and chaos of it all. As a whole I found this to be a very entertaining and inventive book. One of my favorites :).
posted 4 years ago.
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Kathy P
Did anyone really enjoy reading Water for Elephants? I am sorry to say it is at the bottom of my list.
posted 4 years ago.
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Alisa D
I got this book out of the library 3 seperate times before I actually read it--and I loved it! I had no interest in the circus but the character descriptions and the love story were well done., AD
posted 4 years ago.
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Grapes
I loved "Water For Elephants." It's more than a book about a circus. It's about the lives of the people who travel with the circus. I had never thought about the daily life of the people who do circus acts. What happens when they're not training a lion or doing acrobatics? It's a wonderful book.
It's also about the life of an elderly gentleman. He remembers his life with the circus. The book tells what life is like for him now in a nursing home.posted 4 years ago.
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Tamia B
Have you read this yet? I think the people who enjoy reading it are the ones who look at this as more than just the story of a guy who works for a circus. This is really a look at the way people coped with the usual trials of life exacerbated by the dire circumstances of the Great Depression. It's a good read.
posted 4 years ago.
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Alizabeth S
I loved this book. What does everyone else think? What literary features did you notice? Metaphors? Style? Etc.
posted 4 years ago.
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Jillian
I loved the character development. You can't help but fall in love with the crazy social misfits that fit so perfectly well together!
posted 4 years ago.
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Janet R
I thought the book was a great depiction of the depression era and also poignant. Someone in my bookclub brought up that the end of the book is just an illusion. That he really died. I prefer the happier thought.
posted 4 years ago.
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Sandy B Groovy
I never thought of that. How is the end an illusion? Where did it change to fantasy in the book?
posted 4 years ago.
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Barbara G
I enjoyed this book; it was a fast read and filled with historical information. i never liked the circus, zoos or carnivals and if this is a good reflection of how it was, my insticts were right. never the less, i always enjoy a good story!
posted 4 years ago.
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Marie A
The funny thing is that most people you talk to don't like the circus, carnivals or CLOWNS!!!Yet I enjoyed this book and so did alot of other people! Go figure!
posted 4 years ago.
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cama
What I loved most about this book is how the author depicts Jacob's life; it comes full circle. It's an epic of life's struggles of circumstances beyond our control. In the former years, the struggle to find and develop his life and identity, then, in the latter, the struggle to hold on to his identity, purpose, and personal worth as his mind and body aged.
posted 4 years ago.
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Lisa M
I may be stupid, but in the back of my book there was a book club suggested questions section. In it someone said that the story parallels the Jacob of the Bible. I don't get it. Does anyone else?
posted 4 years ago.
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Angela H
I was wondering the same thing. Did you ever find out? I guess I could get my Bible...
posted 4 years ago.
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Rochelle S
Although, I didn't think I would like this book, I found it compelling. I would get caught up in one era of his life and forget about his narration from the senior home, becoming surprised time after time of how it "caught" me. I was never fond of circuses as a child or the one time I took me daughter. I was always repulsed by the animal acts, however, reading about the life these characters lived was interesting and possibly close to the truth. Whether we approve or not, the author delivered a great story.
posted 4 years ago.
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A Really Sweet Read – This book is full of surprises, dark mystery, true tragedy, comic moments and even love. Initially I wasn't keen on reading this book that alternates between a modern day nursing home and a depression era circus. However, Water for Elephants came highly recommended by my oldest brother -- sorry Bill about the oldest crack -- so I took the dive and was completely hooked by the time I finished chapter two of what turned out to be a really sweet read. And yes, treacherous and dark was the life path from which this protective family of unlikely souls was slowly gathered.
posted 4 years ago.
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Andrea
Honestly, I preferred hearing about Jacob's experiences in the nursing home. I found them to be much more real than his circus adventures. A better book would have just been about an elderly man living in nursing home dealing with his childrens' indifference toward him. It would have been very sad, but also moving and eye-opening.
posted 4 years ago.
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Blakesgal
And it would not have been anything like this book. Clearly from the title and the book jacket, this book was going to be about the circus. From your comment, I do not think you even knew what kind of book you were reading and putting a comment like this on a message board meant to discuss the book makes you look foolish. There are a great many books out there about family and the elderly -- pick one of those up and stop wishing you could change the subject matter of this wonderful bok to suit you instead of heading to the library to pick up what you really want to read.
posted 4 years ago.
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Marina
I agree with you about this being my favorite part of the book, but really can you get the full impact of his now story without the story of his life? This book was simply about Jacob, who he was and how that made him who he is. I think its smashing the way that she did this.
posted 4 years ago.
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Jillian
I also liked hearing about his time in the nursing home, but loved hearing his life story. One of my favorite parts about my grandpa is when he opens up about his life growing up. It helps me to understand who is he today and what experiences made him the man he is today. I don't think we can truely understand a person without wanting to know their past.
posted 4 years ago.
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Carol W
Loved the ending. As I neared the end of this book I feared the worst for Jacob. I was so surprised, pleasantly I might add, to find out what the author had in story for geriatric Jacob.
posted 4 years ago.
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Carol W removed this reply 4 years ago
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Kathy F
I didn't really care for the book. I thought it slow moving and dull. It was okay but overall, I wasn't impressed with it at all.
posted 4 years ago.
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King of the Ice Dragons
I really loved this book. When I first started reading it, I thought it was going to be a sad book, on how life doesn't turn out the way that you always thought it would. I was wrong. The author brings all of the characters to life, and likely describes the era and the circuses of the time realistically. Well, if you like circuses, and then read about the animal cruelty that goes on at them, you may not like the book, because it doesn't hide that aspect at all. It also reminds us that everyone is a story, and in a world where we often try to minimize others because we don't like them or don't have time to really care about them, or we think they're old and irrelevent, that is a refreshing change. While the book is about Jacob's memories of his first three and a half months working for the circus, you can tell that he loved the people who crossed his path dearly, and that he truly had a good and happy life.
posted 3 years ago.
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Melissa R
They are making a movie out of it. It is filming now starring reese witherspoon as marlena
posted 2 years ago.
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Melody
I never thought I'd love this book as much as I do. I guess I have a penchant for circus plots. Such a good story.
posted 3 years ago.
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Mike J
I read this book last summer and it's the best book I've read in years! The history behind the traveling circuses is amazing.
posted 3 years ago.
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Eva D
The book was great until they brought in the sex. It was unneeded to keep the story going. Too graphic for my taste.
posted 3 years ago.
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Elizabeth C
I just put this on my shelf, Dawn. I read it sometime last year or the year before. What did you think of it? I agree with Eva, it was a bit graphic, but it was a part of his story. If we objected to all the bad things that happened in the book, we'd burn it or something! All in all, though, it was a good read, totally surprising for me as I read it without knowing what it was about.
posted 3 years ago.
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kevin m
I close to finishing this book, interesting read! The author is fantastic in providing descriptions of everyday life for the workers and performers. The images she presented were vivid.
posted 3 years ago.
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kevin m
I thought this book captured a powerful representation of an elderely person remembering experiences from their life. The parts about Jacob expressing his frustrations at being in a elder care facility were powerful and added to the narrative.
posted 3 years ago.
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Mrs. Oumarou
What happens to a person when they realize their body can no longer do all that it used?
posted 3 years ago.
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Janet H
This was a fascinating read! I had no idea what it was about when I got it as a gift, and the graphic sex scenes bothered me. But as it turned out, I couldn't put it down. I have definitely read no other book like it before. Reading about life in a depression-era circus was sooo interesting. It certainly had a dark side. I'm also an animal lover so I don't like reading about animals being mistreated, but I'm sure that's how it was/is. I liked how you learned to see good in people who gave a first impression of not being so great. Nice to see the "good" win out in the end.
posted 3 years ago.
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Aileen D
Told from an awesome point of view. It was like watching a move in Imaax 3D, the story was so vivid and exciting. Not something you can easily put down.
posted 3 years ago.
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Maureen T
Heart-warming, well-drawn characters, interesting historical background, including fascinating photos. Although I hate the circus normally, this poignant book made me want to get on the train and go!
posted 3 years ago.
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Nick h
i found this poignant and well written. the failing old man point of view made it particularly interesting
posted 3 years ago.
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LeAnn
I absolutely loved the ending of this book! I got very wrapped up in the characters, they just came to life for me!!
posted 3 years ago.
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Dave Simmons
This book may be somewhat quirky with its writing but, its story line and somewhat seductive historical accuracy of a train circus is both addictive and sexy.
posted 3 years ago.
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Roser G
Fantastic book, good ending, you get involve more and more with the animals and with Jacob-Marlena story, but the best part is the end!!!
posted 3 years ago.
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Whitney
Loved this book. Read it in 2 days and could not put it down. I would have probably never read it, but it was highly recommended by a friend. There is never a dull moment in the book and there is something for everyone...romance, comedy, suspense - you name it. It also has an absolutely perfect ending. Can't wait to see the movie!
posted 2 years ago.
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MaxM19
Everybody says its so good but I have so many other "plan to reads"!
Should I read this one?posted 2 years ago.
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Angel J
Yess!! I finally picked it up after having heard so many people talking about it. I wasn't sure if it would be worth it or not. I just finished it today and I absolutely loved it. One of my favorites.
posted 2 years ago.
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Daniela R
I can't stop thinking about big fish, is this book anything like that?
posted 2 years ago.
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Shelandi M
I hope for a sequel...there is much more story to be told. The historical tid-bits of Depression-era circus life were fascinating.
posted 2 years ago.
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Angzee
After 3 people recommended this book to me, I finally picked it up. Wow, were they ever right! What an enjoyable read! Can't wait to check out other books by Sara Gruen.
posted 2 years ago.
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A Book Lover
They are making a movie based on this, starring:
Robert Pattinson as Jacob Jankowski,
Reese Witherspoon as Marlena Rosenbluth,
Christoph Waltz as August Rosenbluth,
I think it's a great casting though I would have chosen James McAvoy as Jacob and Clive Owen as August. I think McAvoy is a much better actor than Pattinson.posted 2 years ago.
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Marsha
James McAvoy and Clive Owen - yes!! I like Christoph Waltz but August didn't seem as old as Christoph in my head.
posted 2 years ago.
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Angel J
I just finished this book. I completely agree, I think McAvoy would do a much better job than Pattinson! I approve of your casting. :)
posted 2 years ago.
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Julie L
Great story! I've read some of Sara Gruens other works and they are just as good!
posted 2 years ago.
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LaurieFan
I thought this was a good book, but I would have enjoyed it more without the prologue. I felt the prologue gave away what could have been a surprising ending. It should have said "spoiler alert".
posted 2 years ago.
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Kim K
i'm planning to read this.. so, should i leave the prologue out and read it after finishing the rest of the book?
posted 2 years ago.
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Nina B
i totally agree. Kinda disappointing because I think the book is really good.
posted 2 years ago.
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Peen
thanks for letting me know. i will skip the prologue. will it affect my understanding/experience of the novel, though, if i skip the prologue?
posted 2 years ago.
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Amanda W
This book was fabulous. Very well written and engrosing. Gruen captures the reader and keeps them. I could not put this book down. I was so sad that it was over I wanted to keep reading it. I have not read a book this good in a long long time. I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone. Even tho there was alot of painful and sad things happening to people in this book it made me want to be in the circus back in the 30's. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this book. It is a must read for and fiction lover.
It has a little bit of something for everyone. Love,action,suspense,etc.
Splinded delivery can't wait to read more from Gruen.posted 2 years ago.
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Nina B
i am partially through the book and for the most part I like it. There are many parts that read like a movie I've already seen though. Just an observation. Anyone else get this feeling while they were reading. I actually think the old man's perspective and musings about aging and life are profound and enjoyable. That's all i got so far. In some ways i feel like we are stretching it out to get to the good stuff for some reason. Moving just a tad slow....
posted 2 years ago.
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Alex Askew
It reminded me of the movie Big Fish (old man talking about his younger self...some scenes in a circus).
posted 2 years ago.
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Lasallegirl
I definitely loved Old Jacob, best. I thought the story was really enjoyable throughout. Oh there is def a happy ending (as I'm sure you know now). How did you like the ending.
posted 2 years ago.
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Nina B
Oh dear, i feel maybe it's taken a turn for the worse. Yes, why oh why did the author include the prologue?! I'm just a couple chapters from finishing and I kinda don't want to because I am sure of how it ends. (I flipped ahead once i got discouraged.)
posted 2 years ago.
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Dana L
This was such a disappointing read... horrible prose and character development. How one-dimensional and thoroughly cliché can the main couple, not to mention the entire book, be? The only enjoyable part was the arc about Camel and Kinko.
posted 2 years ago.
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emy75
This is going to be a movie starring Robert pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. I like the book and I hope they do justice with it in the movie.
posted 2 years ago.
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Joyce K
I agree. I actually knew about the movie before I read the book, since I happen to be a Robert Pattinson fan, yet when I read the book..I never once imagined Jacob to be played by Robert, so let's just see how that goes..
posted 2 years ago.
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Joyce K removed this reply 2 years ago
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Lasallegirl
The trailer looks good. I still haven't forgiven Pattison for the horrible Twilight movies. He better no mess up another on of my favorit books.
posted 2 years ago.
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Maya D
the movie better be good. it will really get on my nerves if it turns out to be crap b/c water for elephants was one of my all time fav books
posted 2 years ago.
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Amanda S
This book is not allowed to be taught in my high school. I personally believe this book would be the perfect book to be discussed in a setting surrounded by my peers. Last year we completed and had many discussions about the book "catcher in the rye" by J.D Salinger and i think that that book was similar to this book. About a teenager who is lost and confused and struggles to find something that makes some sort of sense to him. I know it has to deal with the fact of virginity, and how it is a sensitive topic among many teenagers. Besides that topic, this book also goes more into depth about age and how every age has its own difficulties. I feel this book is more real about events people may face then the events in catcher in the rye. My english teacher from the pervious school year and I were talking about presenting this book to the pricipal and giving english teachers the chance to teach it to their students in 12th grade, which i think is the right age group for this book. If anyone has an opinion on this book of why it would not be allowed, please share with me. Thank you.
posted 2 years ago.
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Rebekah H
Doesn't Catcher in the Rye have a lot of sexual discussion? And the language in Catcher is WAAAAY worse than in Water for Elephants. (And I remember this specifically because the copy of Catcher in the Rye I bought was from a used bookstore in Appalachia, and the previous owner had scratched through EVERY SINGLE obscenity AND all taking of the Lord's name in vain with a pen. I couldn't even understand a few sentences and had to look them up online.)
posted 1 year ago.
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Rebekah H
PS I think Water For Elephants is way better than Catcher in the Rye anyway. The plot is cleaner, and I just didn't have much sympathy for Holden Caufield.
posted 1 year ago.
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Rebekah H
I know that feeling. The Time Traveler's Wife did that for me in early April, and I've been raiding my bookshelves ever since. :) But I can definitely see how this book would have that effect! Isn't that a refreshing feeling?
posted 1 year ago.
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cooperbids
is this a good story? I started reading a few pages and i felt a little bored. Is it worth reading?
posted 2 years ago.
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Lasallegirl
Read it twice and plan to read it every year. This is an amazing story. I can't believe you were bored with the first few pages.
posted 2 years ago.
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Gothic Gigglz
It grabbed a hold of me from the first chapter and wouldn't let go. It's so much better than I expected (though it pulls the heart strings more than I am used to).
I tend to NOT like too many books that go back and forth in time, but this was so well written, I think it is worth the effort.
I challenge you to read a handful of chapters and see if it grabs a hold of you too.
HAPPY READING!posted 2 years ago.
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Agnes S (BeaderBubbe)
Didnt know what to expect when I started reading this book....but a friend insisted, so I owed it to her to finish.......didnt need a push anymore.....great book....
posted 2 years ago.
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vanmellon
I loved this book. It's a historical look at the travelling circus as well as a love story. But there is a dark side, as well.
posted 2 years ago.
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artsylady
I agree but I think it was probably an authentic portrayal of the circus at that time. I thought it was very good and it left me with a lot to think about.
posted 2 years ago.
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Michele L
You have to read this book. 'whipped through it in 2 days. Couldnt put it down. It wont dissapoint.
posted 2 years ago.
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Agnes S (BeaderBubbe)
I also went through it in two days....and a friend had to push me to read it....so glad I listened...
posted 2 years ago.
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Nikki M
I really loved this book, especially enjoyed Jacob as an old man, very interesting insight into how it is to be old.. how depressing... but interesting to read and wonder if that is what is like to be in an old people's home. Quite destressing with regard to the treatment of animals especially after recently seeing real video of beating of an elephant in an English circus. Needless to say I won't be going to the circus again but from an historical point of view I enjoyed reading about how the circus travelled on a train and how they set it up etc.
posted 2 years ago.
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artsylady
The treatment of the animals is disturbing, but the book is realistic, especially at that time, and it lent authenticity to the story. I loved the book also and thought it was very well written and very thought provoking.
posted 2 years ago.
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ishabali
I remember reading n loving enid blyton's Circus books as a kid. Any similiarity ? so I shd. like this one ?
posted 1 year ago.
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Jenny H
I think this book is one of my all time favourites.. it was a fantastic story that had a bit of everything in it.
posted 1 year ago.
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Princess Dana
I just saw Water for Elephants (The movie). I read the book so mainly I know everything that will happen, and as I predicted I loved the movie much more (100 times) than the book. The director removed all the scenes I saw as unnecessary and grotesque.
I cried when August hit Rosie and later when he tried to kill Marlena.
But I loved the movie and I plan on re-watching it soon :)posted 1 year ago.
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Turtlenorthwest
I think I was the oposite. I loved the book and felt like they did a decent job on the movie, but cut a little too much out. Overall though, both are very good, I just prefered the book over the movie.
posted 1 year ago.
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Rebekah H
I'm a little embarrassed to ask this question... But I'm still confused about why Jacob got so mad at McGuirty for saying he carried water for elephants. Other than the fact that McGuirty would have been a rube (and Jacob's response was about the amount of water rather than the fact that McGuirty didn't work for the circus), I'm confused as to why he was so certain McGuirty was lying.
Or maybe he was just upset that someone else was presenting himself as an insider of traveling circuses?posted 1 year ago.
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Turtlenorthwest
He was upset becuase he was obviously lying. A person cannot carry water for elephants becuase the quantity they need is so large....in other words, the amount of water a person could carry for an elephant would not satisfy the animal. Hope that clarifies.
posted 1 year ago.
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Rebekah H
I thought of that, but then I thought, well, why couldn't he make several trips? Of course he couldn't carry ALL the water.
I think a lot of his response was emotion too -- with the circus in town, McGuirty bringing up elephants, his relationship with Rosie and how bored he is...
But your explanation makes sense. The multiple trips thing might have been over-thinking it a little. I was an English and psychology major, so even though that was my first thought, I immediately followed it with, "It can't be THAT easy." Or maybe Jacob didn't think about making multiple trips. :) Thanks for answering.posted 1 year ago.
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Miss Johnson
Research how much water an elephant needs to drink per day. The most I have read for a captive elephant is 200L. My horse only drinks about 20L if that helps put it in perspective. I can't imagine making that many trips back and forth. And when time seems to be so important to so many of them, I can't imagine spending the time filling up buckets of water, hauling them (they can be heavy and messy) and then securing them or placing them where they need to be. And I don't imagine they would want buckets left lying around, so you would need to spend the time tidying those up, monitoring when they get empty or low, etc. It would be much eaiser to fill a large tub or huge trough and leave it be for the day than to fill all the buckets or continue to refill buckets over the course of the day.
posted 1 year ago.
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Sara R
Jacob hadn't told anyone about his circus life: he had been keeping his story to himself in order to keep his secret about Rosie safe from Marlena. Jacob was upset because Mr. McGuirty was bragging about it a life he didn't even live, and Jacob desperately wanted to talk about the life he actually lived, but couldn't.
posted 1 year ago.
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AmyAmy
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(contains spoilers)
1. Why does Jacob get so mad when Mr. McGuinity lies about carrying water for elephants?
2. Did you find it hard to believe that in ivy league student would loose everything by running away and joining the circus after his father died? Did you see any other options for Jacob?
3. How would the novel be different if Gruen had only written about the younger Jacob, never describing Jacob’s life as an old man?
4. What disorder do you think August had?
5. Did the chapters about the nursing home change how you think about older people?
6. Did you know that elephants could smile?
7. Did you prefer young Jacob, or older Jacob?
8. Why do the performers hate the workers, and the workers hate the performers? What other groups in society are like this?
9. Are you satisfied with the end?
10. What did you think about an elephant who repeatedly pulled out her stake and stole lemonade? Unbelievable. Did you know this was true?
11. How do August and Jacob differ in terms of the importance each places on Marlena's sixth sense with horses?
12. Why do we crave the illusions that the circus represents?
13. Jacob says, "My real stories are all out of date. So what if I can speak firsthand about the Spanish flu, the advent of the automobile, world wars, cold wars, guerrilla wars, and Sputnik --- that's all ancient history now. What else do I have to offer?" How might we learn to appreciate the stories and life lessons of our elders and encourage young people to appreciate them as well?
14. Looking at himself in the mirror, the old Jacob tries to see beyond his sagging flesh. But he claims, "It's no good. I can't find myself anymore. When did I stop being me?" How would you answer that question for Jacob, or for yourself?
15. Have you ever had a friend like Rosie?
16. After Jacob successfully coaches August in Polish commands for Rosie, he observes, "It's only when I catch Rosie actually purring under August's loving ministrations that my conviction starts to crumble. And what I'm left looking at in its place is a terrible thing" (page 229). What is Jacob left "looking at," how does it pertain to August's personality and Jacob's relationship with August, and what makes it a "terrible thing"?
15. Sara Gruen has said that her novel parallels the biblical story of Jacob in Genesis. How?posted 1 year ago.
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Brianna
#1 i believe it was because Mr. McGuinity was sitting at Jacob's table and talking to all of his lady friends so Jacob was agervated to begin with. Then when Mr. McGuinity said that he carried water for elephants, which was obviously a lie, he then flipped out.
posted 9 months ago.
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Don Walters
After reading Water for Elephants, Rosie stays with me more than anyone or anything else, but I give a tip of the hat to Gruen for re-creating an era that was visceral and compelling in her hands.
posted 1 year ago.
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Bell Y
Still don't get why Jacob was mad about Mr. McGuinity supposedly lying about carrying water for elephants.
posted 1 year ago.
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Brianna
does anyone have any recommendations for other books like Water for Elephants?
posted 9 months ago.
