Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is the story of Jacob Jankowski. The story begins with Jacob living in a nursing home at the ripe old age of "ninety or ninety-three". When he was young, Jacob dropped out of veterinary school after the tragic death of his parents. With nowhere to go, he hops onto a moving train car desperate to escape his current life. What he doesn't realize is that it is a circus train. Soon he finds himself working for Uncle Al, the money grubbing ring master, cleaning cages and being the vet to the many circus animals, including the horses of the beautiful Marlena. He befriends Marlena's schizophrenic husband, August, and finds himself in a terrible position - in love with another man's wife.

Sara Gruen transports you into a mysterious world, one where you feel you are peeking into a circus tent, and to scenes which would have otherwise been forbidden. The story is mesmerizing and unforgettable. Will Marlena escape from her abusive and insane husband and run away with Jacob? Will the circus crumble under the weight of the depression? What will happen to the stubborn, Polish elephant Rosie? You must read it to find out. Its a fast read, and I definitely recommend it!