Water For Elephants - Sara Gruen

I'd heard about Water For Elephants, but never got it until I saw it at the used paperback store a few weeks ago. Still, I was in the middle of a few other books and wanted to finish the other ones I started first (Love In The Time Of Cholera, Raw Shark Texts, etc.) But last night I had dinner with my friends Erin and Denise, and Denise mentioned how excited she was to get home to read her book. I asked what she was reading and she said Water For Elephants. That was all the recommendation I needed. I know that feeling all too well, of looking forward to reading, and when I got home last night, I started reading. I came home for lunch and read some more. I read it when I walked on the treadmill. I read it through dinner. And I just finished it, with tears in my eyes, telling Tom, "That was sooo good!"

It was well-written, without being too descriptive or flowery. It was fast-paced, but the plot was well-developed. And of course, I have a huge weakness for any story about animals, and the interaction between the animals and the main character was really touching and sweet. I also have a huge soft spot for elephants, I LOVE them. And even the character of the animals was developed enough so that their personalities were also part of the story.

The story was written with alternating time frames between present-day and the past, told from the first person point of view, which I thought was interesting, and was done seamlessly. The story ranges from humorous to dark and dramatic, but always touching and moving.

I really loved this book.