BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND TWITTER BACKGROUNDS »

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Wow!


Water for Elephants
By: Sara Gruen
Grade I gave it: A+ (or 5/5)
pages:336
Water for Elephants was the GREATEST book! I thoroughly enjoyed it, there were not many lulls, if any, that I can remember. The author sweeps back and forth between the here and now to the past in the memories of an elderly man's mind. His memoirs as a vet traveling with a circus, are exciting, and enchanting.
It made me remember that so many times as a young person I disregard old people and how they think and the things they have seen and done, and yet if you take time to really sit down with them and listen, they have got some gems to tell! This is what I thought of reading this book. I felt as though I was sitting beside this poor lonely old man and listening to him tell me his great adventures traveling with the circus. I couldn't put it down!! I finished it in 5 days, and for me that is a record-at 335 pages!
I think I have said it here before, but this year I have made a pact with myself to branch out in my reading choices, and read some authors I wouldn't before. This was my first stepping- out- of- my- comfort- zone- read, and I was NOT disappointed. I am definitely going to be looking for other works by this author.
Next up: Entering Normal by: Anne D. LeClaire
Also a new author to me...so we shall see if I am satisfied and eager to reach for the next one I have by her: Leaving Eden

2 comments:

Kelly said...

I think you've talked me into it, Shannon. I'll have to add this book to my list of books to read. I also think that it's absolutely fascinating to hear someone from another generation talk about their life experiences. I'm looking forward to this book!

Jill said...

Hi, this is Jill from the Summer Reading Challenge. I read Water for Elephants a couple of weeks ago, and like you, I really loved the story. One of my tales for the year.

I also read Drowning Ruth, and your initial impressions are spot on. It has a little suspense element to it, so stick with it. You may like it as the story progresses.

Happy Reading!
=) Jill
http://mrstreme.livejournal.com