Speaking of Books...

Can I just put a plug in for a great book, Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. This book was one of the "in" books for bookclubs. I had noticed it a few times and thought it might be interesting but I was in no hurry to read it. I placed it on my wishlist on paperbackswap (I think I am 5oo and something in line to get it) and continued working my way thru other books.

It wasn't until one of the internet bookclubs I belong to on SP chose it as the September book that I really started to look for a copy. My position at the library was 85... definitely wouldn't have it this month. I decided to get it from Audible then I could listen to and from work each day. The only problem is that this book grabbed my attention (mainly due to the two narrators) and I found myself walking around the house with my mp3 player on.

I found myself absorbed in the story. I am not sure if it was the words or the readers who took me straight to circus grounds. I could smell the horses as the train raced down the track headed to its next destination. The sounds of organized chaos surrounded me as the tents were being set up in anticipation for that night's show. And I could feel Jacob's heartache, confusion and anger as he tries to figure it all out that summer spent with the circus. As for Jacob at 93, it made me think about our families that we dump in nursing homes and honor them with our Sunday visits. Isn't that wonderful of us? What is their life like those other 6 days while we are so busy living our lives? Jacob at 93 made me laugh, cry and cheer him on.

I really loved this book...

From the Publisher:
An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of Riding Lessons.

When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.

Beautifully written, Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.