Friday, January 19, 2007

... Jacob Jankowski

Jacob at 21: In his final weeks at veterinary school, Jacob's parents are killed in a car crash. Unable to concentrate on his exams, Jacob stands up, walks out of the room, walks out of the town, and hops onto a moving train car. It's the beginning of the The Great Depression and the train car he happens to hop belongs to "The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth". A circus car.

Jacob at 91... or 93: Jacob is in good health and sound mind (except that he can't quite remember if he is 91 or 93). He has been discarded by his children, and childrens children and is forced to put up with gabby old women and patronizing nurses in the nursing home. In the empty lot next door, tents are being erected. The circus has come to town.


Sara Gruen weaves an enchanting tale. The depression era circus provides an ideal backdrop for a young man at a crossroads in life. All the necessary elements are present: A forbidden love with the breathtaking Marlena - the horsetaming star of the show who dons pink sequins; A loveable, cantankerous elephant named Rosie; August, Jacobs spiteful boss; Walter, his midget roommate; Camel, the elderly drunkard; And, my favorite character... on occassion you get to hear from Jacob in his old age where he is a wonderfully lovable, grouchy thing of a man.

Water for Elephants is the type of story you curl up on the couch with a cup of hot tea and become so enthralled that you find, as you finish the last chapter and give a long sigh, that the day has slipped by without a thought and you happen to have a smile on your face.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds fantastic! I can't wait to read it!

Anonymous said...

I was wondering about this book. I saw Catherine was reading it and left a comment asking about it but blogger was acting up and it never went through. I have been wanting to read this book. Glad you liked it.

Ashleigh said...

Sounds good. I'll have to look for it next time I'm at the library.

Bethany said...

I just realized you linked to my tea post. ;)

Bethany said...

So I just can't resist....

You have been posting a lot lately...does that mean someone is out of town???? ;)

Michelle said...

haha... no... Just got back in the groove since Amy's poke at me for not posting in a while. I am a habit kinda girl so if I'm in the habit of posting, I do it... That is all. ;-)

Katie Virginia said...

Michelle! Hello! I love reading about what books you've read. You inspire me :)

Katie Virginia said...

Michelle! Hello! I love reading about what books you've read. You inspire me :)

Bethany said...

And ummmm can you ask Amy when she is going to update her blog? ;) HINT HINT why doesn't she have one?

Porter said...

I'm a blurker. How's this thing already know my name? Oh well. I'm sitting in the airport yet again. Great book. I agree with your assessment.

anne said...

Thanks for commenting on this book! I was looking at this one the other day in Barnes and Noble wondering if it was worth it! Now I am going to get it ! Thanks! :)

By the way allow me to introduce myself...I am Anne, part of the Book Club, I know I have seen your blog before somehow but now I shall visit more often! Nice to meet you!

Michelle said...

Hey Ann! Nice to meet you too. I hope you enjoy the book. :-)