A very good audiobook. This is a story of a way-of-life the is not often written about...the circus ... specifically during the depression. The descriptions are quite vivid and the characters well developed. The audiobook is well read with an wonderful contrast in the presentations between the old and young Jacob. Jacob at 23 weaves a fine tale of life in the circus. Jacob at 90..or is it 93...is a heart-wrenching portrayal of old age and its loss of abilities, facilities and dignity.  ( )

An easy and enjoyable read. A interesting look into an unusual way of life. Highly recommend. I'll check out her other books. ( )

Synopsis: Recently orphaned and unable to focus in his veterinarian finals, Jacob Jankowski ends up on a circus train whilst wandering and lands himself a job as the vet. He learns to adapt to the tough life of the circus during the Great Depression while falling in love with his boss' wife.
My Opinion: Incorporating both the present time with the past, Water for Elephants is a book full of life. ( )

This gritty and astonishing tale of a circus during the 1930s wasn't what I expected. I don't really know what I had expected, but this certainly wasn't it. After a series of unfortunate events, Jacob joins a traveling circus as a vet only to meet the beautiful Marlena who happens to be married to his boss, August. And did I mention August is crazy? Certifiably. Jacob vows to find a way to protect those he loves - Marlena and the animals - from him.I was really turned off with all the bad language and the many violent/disturbing scenes. Jacob was a mixed character for me. I liked him when he was a naive/clueless hardworking guy and didn't especially like him after he got a bit of street smarts. As an old man he was very interesting however. One of the redeeming facets of this book is Gruen's prose. So beautiful. ( )

to be read