i recently bought this book at a yard sale and loved it i had watched the movie first and loved it so i figured the book had to be just as good as the movie, only i found the book better. id recommoned this to anyone who loves to read

Incredible! The magic, mystery and romance of the circus, suspense and a love story all rolled into one. I purchased it to read on a recent beach vacation and couldn't put it down (I had the sunburn to prove it).

This was a great summer read. Found it in a recommended book list in a magazine, and checked it out of my local library. Wasn't too sure about it since I was never a big fan of the circus, but thought I'd give it a try.
I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed it, the main characters were great, and I loved the ending it made me want to laugh and cry at the same time, very moving.
Can't wait for the movie!

It has been a while since I read a book I could not put down. Water for Elephants is a story of remembrance - glory days, secrets, lies, love, and a bygone era, by bestselling Canadian author Sara Gruen.

Jacob is on the verge of graduating as a vet from the prestigious Cornell University, when personal tragedy intervenes and sets him accidentally in the path of a traveling train circus in the early years of the Great Depression. He relates his story partly in the present day as an old man stashed away forgotten in a nursing home, and partly in the past as he lived it.

Unlike the previous reviewer, I saw little humour in this story. There were funny moments, but for me they were decidedly bittersweet. Jacob wrestles with his past and present (both in the past and the present!), and I realized anew that beneath the wrinkles and white hair, our grandparents and great-grandparents were just like us... and in every way that matters, still are.

This story touched me in a similar way as Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl (though for different reasons). For me it was a "thinker", but many of you will simply enjoy it as a vacation read. Either way, I definitely recommend it!

One of the best books I've read this year. It's gripping, touching and romantic. Once you start it, you won't be able to put it down until the end. And then, you'll wish it wasn't over!