Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants  is one of the best books that I have ever read!

This is the story of Jacob Jankowski and how he grew into a man.  While completing his finals at Cornell, Jacob suffers a horrific accident which causes him to run away from home during the Great Depression.  Unsure of what to do, Jacob jumps the nearest train.  This train, which belongs to the Benzini Brother's traveling circus, brings Jacob into a world he never could have imagined.  The story, told by an 80 year old Jacob, will bring you into a world of courage, corruption, and everlasting love. 

I could not put this book down.  The story draws you in from the beginning and does not let go until its unforgettable ending.  I fell in love with the characters.  I rooted for them.  I cried with them, and I was angry at them. 

The three main characters, Jacob, Marlena, and August, are characters that the reader can relate too.  Jacob is strong, hardworking and romantic.  Marlena is quiet, cunning and just wants to be loved.  August is hot-tempered and mean.   

I had a discussion with my mother the other day about the book and how it related to the movie. She has yet to read the book but was deeply moved by the beautifully directed film.  I told her that she has to read the novel now because the passion that is portrayed on screen is only a fraction of that depicted in the book. 

I do not have much more to say about this book, except for READ IT.  This is one of the books that must be read.  Now a major motion picture starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon even the movie is a must see.