Water for Elephants was a great book, especially good for discussions in book clubs. I enjoyed the characters, especially how descriptive the author made me see them. The fact that the main character was telling his story in the past as a memory, as well as in the present made it seem as though he was two separate characters. The theme of the carnival was something I had not read before, and while it was interesting to learn about the lives of those in that business, I found it more interesting to realize that people really did live that way. I had not given much thought to those who work in the carnival and how they lived. The way it goes back and forth between present and past was excellently done. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it not only to those in book clubs, but to anyone who enjoys a good read.