Review: Water for Elephants

Hey Y'all! I just finished Water for Elephants, and I wanted to give all of you a review! It's amazing, so read it, as well as see the movie. It's way different!

Book Review: Water for Elephants

Book by: Sara Gruen

Review by: Willa Smith

Release Date: 2006 (Movie tie-in edition - March 2011)

Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill

        Jacob Jankowski has just sat down in class, a few days before final exams, when he is called into the hall. His parents have died in a car accident, and everything left behind belongs to the bank. At 23, he has not a penny to his name, just the creditability of an almost-finished degree in Veterinary Sciences, and the clothes on his back.  So, he goes in search of work, and does what everyone else does in the 1930's, hops a train. But, the train he hops isn't any old train. It's the cars of the Benzini Brother's Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

        As Jacob becomes used to being the circus' on-show vet, he falls in love with the beautiful equestrian star of the show- Marlena, who also happens to be wife of one of the most important people in the circus, August, and Jacob's boss.  When the circus purchases an elephant, Rosie, they are told she is the stupidest elephant known to man. This is far from the truth. Jacob and Marlena become friends, and maybe something more, and Rosie becomes a star, but is the trio's bond enough to hold them together?

       Unfortunately, I read the book after seeing the movie, which isn't quite as good. Don't get me wrong, the movie is great! Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson are fantastic at Marlena and Jacob, but the book is far better. This enchanting story told from Mr. Jankowski's later years, is one of my favorite books. It provokes every single emotion, fear, sadness, love, and humor. Gruen has crafted a spectacular novel, and one that holds it's own. Just like Rosie.

I require that EVERYONE read this. It's amazing. 5 stars.

--Willa