Water for Elephants Reviews

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is my favorite book that I've read this year. The title alone drew me in, but I had no idea what to expect. I'm so glad I chose to read this book thougha nd I highly recommend it. — Water for Elephants is set in the depression when people would do just about anything for a little cash. It is a story about a traveling train circus, how the workers and animals are treated, the friendships that are formed, the friends who are lost and the power of love. — The whole story is told by an old man in a nursing home who can't even remember how old he is.… read full review »

I would throw caution to animal lovers!  However, in the end-it would be an animal lovers dream!  I could not put this book down!  THis was a fast and easy book to read!  I would recommend having a coupld hours a free time when sitting down to read this book because you aren't going to be able to put it down! —… read full review »

Water for Elephants is an educational story which absorbs the reader into the life of a traveling circus during the Depression Era. I learned more about circus life is this fictional novel than I imagine I would from a nonfiction counterpart. The story is so well written that I kept forgetting that I was reading fiction. — Though the story is based around a circus theme, the underlying content is more about long-forgotten or long-disclosed memories. Memories of youth and innocence lost, memories of love and tragedy, memories of survival and memories of long kept secrets. I will… read full review »

This is a great story about the life of circus workers.  It is a harsh life, but the characters are thankful to have shelter and food as it is based during the depression.  An interesting side of the circus is presented as we see the dynamics behind the scenes.  The treatment of the animals is brutal at times which is even harder to stomach once the reader gets to know some of the animals better.  The most beautiful yet ugly parts of the novel are the relationships both human to human and human to animal.  It is encouraging as the characters hang onto dreams and their… read full review »

Sara Gruen is a fantastic writer. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I felt like I could imagine every detail in her story, but she still managed to do so without bogging the reader down with endless details. — I liked the pace of the book, the intrigue, and characters. If you liked 'The Kite Runner," I think you'll like this book, too. —  For those of you who get irritated by the crummy grammar that's too often considered passable in novels, Water for Elephants is for you. Sara Gruen comes up flawless in the grammar department. As an English teacher, I… read full review »

   Although I read constantly, I am rarely impressed anymore -- this one impressed me because it is new and different.  In fact, everyone I have loaned this novel to absolutely loved it including someone who doesn't normally take the time to read.  This love story is set in a traveling circus during the depression but is narrated by an elderly character in modern times.  Thus, it will appeal to readers of all ages and has a positive message about what older people can still accomplish today.  No one who picks it up can put it down and everyone falls in love… read full review »

I wasn't sure I'd like this book when I read the back page description and since it was about circus life, but boy was I wrong.  This book kept my interest from the very beginning and I was so sad to finish it.  Sara Gruen is an amazing storyteller.  Loved the characters and felt like I was back in the 30s.  I just sent this book to my Mother as a Christmas present.   A great read, highly… read full review »

Phenomenal book. You'll take a trip back to the Depression with description so vivid you'll feel like you're living the circus life with Jacob and Marlena and the rest of the characters. An obviously well-researched book with a few vintage circus pictures peppered in, Water for Elephants ponders life's purpose as its characters, past and present, struggle to… read full review »

Water for Elephants is a remarkable look at the life of a 90 (or 93) year old man who traveled with the circus during the depression.  Wonderful insights into the struggles of a common man during this time.  Story action switches seamlessly between our 90 year old narrator & back to his youthful self.  You will be on the edge of your seat reading this one. … read full review »

Water for Elephants was a quick read because it's was so entertainingthat I didn't want to put it down. It has a very creative storyline that really grabded my interest. The writer does a wonderful job of transporting you into the time era of the dpression. I also liked the perspectives from two points in the main character's life.  —… read full review »

I was totally taken in by this book.  Couldn't put it down once I started it.  Good historical data and a very engrossing story.  Particularly enjoyed the… read full review »

This is one of the best books I have ever read.  Definitely on my favorite list.  Couldn't put this one down. You MUST read… read full review »

Great book - not at all what I thought it was going to… read full review »