Sarah A. (sla506) - , reviewed on 7/26/2009 + 35 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

I absolutely fell in love with this book. It had been sitting on my bookshelf for close to a year, and everytime I would pick it up I'd think: I don't want to read about a circus. How boring. But, to say I was pleasantly surprised is a complete understatement. The transition from past to present throughout the book added a lot of depth to the story. I felt truly drawn into the main character's life, and his "present" situation and thoughts added meaning to his past reflections. I loved the intesity of the characters - each had a very distinct and vivid personality. I also really enjoyed the time period in which the story takes place. Gruen does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into an exciting and sensual world that he or she may not have otherwise visited.

I am, usually, a reader of classic literature. Until recently, I've been quite skeptical of modern/contemporary/pop-culture (whatever you want to call it) literature, and I have a difficult time finding books that are worth reading when there are an infinite number of classics out there just waiting to be discovered. HOWEVER, Water for Elephants is a complete exception. It was refreshing to read a "contemporary" novel that wasn't unintelligent, cliche drivel (do the initials "J.P." ring a bell?).

I loved this novel so much, in fact, that I went out and got some of her other novels. I hope they are as suprisingly captivating as Water for Elephants.

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