Emily P. (mizparker) reviewed on 2/4/2009 + 87 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful story! I laughed and cried. Even if you have little interest in the seedy history of the great American circus tradition, this book will suck you right in! Peppered with fact and history, this story begins in the mind of ninety (or ninety-three, he can't remember which) year-old Jacob Jankowski. Not-quite-forgotten in a nursing home, he contents himself with harassing his nurses and complaining about the food. That is, until the circus comes to town and another elderly resident claims to have carried "water for the elephants." Jacob recalls his life as a circus veterinarian, and the wild ride that is life on a circus train. With love, cruelty, murder, and of course the bearded lady, the show must go on! Highly recommended.

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