Thursday, September 2, 2010

Running Away to the Circus

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
I had heard great things about this book, but it wasn't until I heard about the movie that I decided to read. And I'm definitely glad I did. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. Seriously, I bought the book and was finished within 36 hours.

The book takes places in the 1930s and tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a college student who almost accidentally runs away and joins the circus. There is a romance story, and in a while it reminded me a lot of The Notebook. Besides the actual romance, there's all types of historical tidbits of what circus life was like during the Great Depression, and a fun bit of randomness are all the 1930's circus pictures throughout the book.

Having read the book I can't wait to see how they've done the movie. I don't think the movie lends itself very easily to the screen, but its such a great story I know why they're trying. I even think Robert Pattison should fit perfect as Jacob, and Reese Witherspoon will be great as Marlena, a performer whose act is with the liberty horses. It's easily one of the best books I've read in a while.

Anyone else love this book too? Or are you planning on waiting for the movie for this one?

~Shoshanah

6 comments:

  1. Planning on reading this soon!

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  2. I wasnt sure but now I am going to read it!

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  3. This in on my tbr list. I didn't know there was a movie in the works. I will have to read it sooner!

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  4. I have been wanting to read this for awhile! I better get on it before the movie comes out otherwise I'll never read it.

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  5. I absolutely loved this book. When my mom recently visited me, she complained that she hadn't been an avid reader in years, so I gave her Water for Elephants and she had completely read it in a week.
    Great stuff for all generations!

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  6. I've been hearing about this book for some time, but haven't read it yet! I think I'll read it before the movie.

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