It has been quite a while since Mrs Readalot fell totally in ♥ with a book. Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen was such a book.
A quote on the cover of the books sums it up nicely: "An utterly transporting novel richly full of the stuff of life..." Have you ever read a book about an olde-timey travelling circus?
Did you know that in the "olden days" circuses travelled around by train? They would set up, do their show and be on to the next stop within a mere twenty-four hours.
Remember the Disney Movie, Dumbo?? That was a Train Circus.
And this unique setting is the backdrop for a gripping story...
And this unique setting is the backdrop for a gripping story...
I'll let Mrs Readalot tell you about it in her own words...
Mrs Readalot says:
The book opens with drama and action - murder - right off the bat.
"She was cool, languid. Smiling even. I started pushing my way toward her, but something about her expression stopped me cold.
That son of a bitch was standing with his back to her, red-faced and bellowing, flapping his arms and swinging his silver-tipped cane...
"She reached for something... an iron stake. She held it loosely, resting its end on the hard dirt. She looked back at me again, bemused. Then her gaze shifted to the back of his head.
..."I stumbled forward, screaming though there was no hope of my voice reaching her. 'Don't do it! Don't do it!'
She lifted the stake high in the air and brought it down, splitting his head like a watermelon... He fell to his knees and toppled forward into the straw.
I was too stunned to move, even as a young orangutan flung its elastic arms around my legs.
So long ago. So long. But still it haunts me..."
But don't be fooled. This is not a whodunnit. Not a murder-mystery. It's original in every way. Intriguing, exciting - the writer draws you in and sets the scene for a fast-paced adventure, while at the same time introducing you to three-dimensional characters who feel real and are very relatable.
Next you find yourself in a sleepy nursing home, where Old Folks dribble into their food and the central character, Jacob, is frustrated at being locked inside his aging body, whilst in him still beats the heart of a young man.
Throughout the book we alternate between Jacob's present and his past memories of the circus.
Through it all runs a puzzle, the thread of a mystery; pieces of the story not quite made clear in that tumultuous opening chapter.
At the end - a neat twist and a satisfying conclusion. *sigh*
Such an easy-to-devour book. My only complaint is that Water for Elephants wasn't longer - because I loved it so much I didn't want it to end!
This book was gobbled up in less than two days. It was one worth staying up for; a real eyelid drooper - my favourite kinda book.
Now I'm almost scared to see the movie... can it live up to the beauty of the book??
We shall see.
Water for Elephants is a Must-Read. And for the first time ever, I am going to give it FIVE HEARTS because I loved loved LOVED it.
Must. Read. Water. For. Elephants.
Mrs Readalot rates Water for Elephants:
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Now its your turn.
Have you read any good books lately?
Write a review and link up below.
If you've read Water for Elephants, share your thoughts. Have you seen the Movie yet? How do they compare?
You can either read and review the Book of the Month, or review and link up any other book of your choice.
If you don't have a blog, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. Go visit the links and see what other people are reading... you might get some great suggestions for reading material... and some great new blogs to follow!
Helen's choice for June's Book of the Month is: Novel About My Wife by Emily Perkins, which sounds like it will be full of mystery/suspense!
The next linky will be up on Thursday June 30 over at One Trick Pony along with Helen's review. Mrs Readalot's post will point you in the right direction, so don't worry about getting lost ♥
19 comments:
I'll be linking up in just a couple of hours. I might be doing a giveaway for my copy of the book! I'm working on that.
I can't wait to see the movie now. One of my friends said it was even BETTER than the book!
Hey Simoney
just linked a party on your party linky....
I am going to watch the movie and then I will post my thoughts on Water for Elephants
your review was great, i could feel your excitement for the book!
love and light
I just finished the book and loved it! I am enjoying your pictures. They are perfect to go with the book. Almost afraid to see the movie. They never seem to live up to the written word.
I wanted to read that one but somebody beat me to it at the library so I have to wait patiently. (Or not so patiently...)
Broot,
I understand completely. There were more than 100 people ahead of me in the hold queue at the library, so I had to break down and buy the book at the used book store. It was worth it!
Hmmm... just might have to read this one!
Can't wait to get my hands on a copy now! Great review Mrs. Readalot!
oooh you've got me wanting to read that now!!!
I just finished Water for Elephants last week - loved it! I almost don't want to see the movie now in case it doesn't live up to the fantastic book. I loved the back and forth between Jacob's memories and the present day. I was hooked by the end of the first page.
Eeek! I totally didn't know about this little linky situation! I am SO IN! FO SHO! :) Can I finish my current book in time is the only question...! Better get reading! & Thanks for the awesome review. Looks like I'll be adding Water For Elephants to my 'to read' list.
havent read the book
did see the movie a couple of weeks ago
wonderful story
Love linking up for this book - it was the best one I've read in a wee while. I love the pics you've got on here - that's exactly how I imagined it to be!!! Exciting that you saw the movie - I'm very jeal - though AWESOME to hear that it was good and not a huge disappointment - I hope that I get to see it at the movies - I bet the circus part would be AMAZING! I totally agree with The Lovely Bones - I hated the movie. Glad the button is working too xx
I loved Water for Elephants. Such an amazing book and such an easy read! I can't wait to see the movie too!
Another really good book that's quite easy to read is 'till we meet again' by lesley pearse. And I also loved The Pact by Jodi Picoult - that one was about an Amish girl who had a baby out of wedlock and it mysteriously died, a lawyer got called in and she had to live in with this girl AND I wont say anymore before ruining it!
:)
OK for a gal who is a VERY fussy reader since I have so little spare time for reading..and a copy of The Bronze Horseman has been sitting on my bedside table since Christmas (enough said)! But I have GOT to get my hands on this book - between your and Renee's reviews I am SOLD big time :-)
Thanks for sharing. I might even have a book to share for June (yup I did read a whole book - shock horror) but I'm keeping it under wraps as I'm gonna do a giveaway at the same time too xx
Just ordered the book. Now I am wondering whether I should read the book first or watch the film or read the book and not watch the film at all? So many questions. Love your review of the book.
greetz from Christa
I love Water For Elephants!!! Great book ~ the movie is pretty good also.
I loved water for elephants too. I'd have to give it a 4/5. I like to keep something.
I'll try and do the linky thing too. I am stil a bit restricted with the net at the mo. Waiting for my laptop to get sorted (again!).
Love the pics. My cover is a bit different to yours.
My dear friend said the same thing - loved the book - nervous about the movie as a result. So I should read it first?
I just finished Water for Elephants last night and like you was finished with it in less than two days.
I loved and and didn't want it to end. I would love to follow Jacob on the rest of his journey and to also hear more about his life with Marlena after the circus. I get sucked in like that when I am reading a book, even if they tie up the ending the way they have in this novel.
Post a Comment