Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

This book was a recent book discussion title in our library. Many of the participants raved about it and many had quite a bit to say about it.

It is the story of a 93 year old veterinarian who is living in a nursing home when the story opens. We are then alternately led on the story of how Jacob Jankowski ran away and joined the circus. The reader is exposed to the inside workings of a less-than-famous circus and how Jacob becomes involved with a particular human performer and an exceptional elephant.

Jacob (aka Ms. Gruen) takes the reader on an interesting journey into the mainstream of circus life. In the end, we can wonder if the story was actually a figment of Mr. Jankowski’s imagination.

No matter—it’s well worth your time.

Ladybookbug!