Water for Elephants: A Novel (Paperback)

I bought this book once I found out about the movie, I like to read books before I see the movie. I loved it so much and I think I would read it all over again. There is a couple parts that really tick me off, but the ending is real good. I do recommend you read the book before you watch the movie.

A love story, set behind the scenes of a small circus, Water for Elephants is absolutely charming. Having long been fascinated with the circus, I appreciated the lore and terminology that went with this book. Many of the stories were pulled from actual events. I would have liked more bonding with the animals and more romance, but what was there was good. Also, I think some situations are wrapped up too neatly and the villains aren't as bad as I have seen. They could actually be people I know, people who get wrapped up in what they are and what they have to the detriment of others, but are not "Hitler-esque". But what may seem to be a weakness about the book actually is what makes it so uplifting: the bad guys aren't so bad and everything works out alright in the end. This book, set in the Great Depression, is great for our own bleak times. Pick it up and read it and go see the movie in April too.