Today I'm happy to be taking part in Turn the Page ... Tuesday over at Some of a Kind.I'm also happy to tell you about a book I really enjoyed, Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. I wasn't sure I wanted to read a book about the circus. But my sister told me I would like it, and she liked the ending. Then I remembered that my great-grandfather--true story--had run away with the circus for a while as a young man. So, I decided to give it a go.
Water for Elephants takes place in 1930. A young man, having just suffered some tragic news, leaves university and jumps on a train. Turns out to be a circus train. The story is told as the protagonist sits in a nursing home recalling his own experiences as a big top is set up nearby. It is an intriguing story of love, loss, kindness, and cruelty. I very much enjoyed the main character as both a young and old man.
This is the kind of novel that, had I nothing else to do, I would probably have read through in one day. And I was thinking, after I finished reading, that it could make a good movie. I guess I'm not the only one--here's the link.
This made it to my favs list - I used to work in a nursing home so the main character really touched me. It definitly was a good read! So glad you participated ;-)
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this book! One of the best that I've read this year for sure. Just passed it on to a friend who, like you, wasn't sure if she wanted to read a book about a circus, but loved it as well.
ReplyDeleteLoved this book! Good recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThat was a good book. I really liked it. Something else we have in common.
ReplyDeleteSo many have commented on this book -- and favorably! I guess I'm next in line to read it after all these glowing recommendations. I know how it is...."had I nothing else to do." Someday, we should all take time out to do just what we want and nothing else.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite books!!!
ReplyDeleteI work in a nursing home & get to visit with the elderly. They do have amazing stories.