American Lit 101

June 22, 2009 by tina.

I have another book review for you. Because I am the next host for one of my book clubs and the host picks the book, they are all (hopefully) reading “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen. If you are looking for a wonderful, endearing summer read, look no further. It all starts as the residents of a nursing home are excited about the coming circus. One boasts of carrying water for the elephants when he was young. Our hero grumpily calls him out as a liar and, after being sent to his room, reminisces of his time as a transient worker for the Benzini Brothers circus during the depression. While young and in his last semester of veterinary school, he loses his parents suddenly and soon finds himself wandering. Fortunately for him, and all of us, he happens to end up on a circus train.
The story is absolutely wonderful! Obviously, he works with the animals after the powers that be discover his veterinary training, but he also befriends his reluctant, belligerent, midget bunk-mate, falls in love with the beautiful equestrian performer, and cares for the alcoholic road-crew member that pulled him on board in the first place.
I’m sorry, I really stink at book reviews because I don’t want to give away too much so then I might end up selling the book short…you should just read it because it’s a really nice book!

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