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   Reader reviews of Water for Elephants

Read what people think about Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, and write your own review.

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants
A Novel
by Sara Gruen
Hardcover: May 2006,
335 pages.
Paperback: May 2007,
368 pages.

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Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Lisa Marie
Could not put it down
I think the most important aspect of books is feeling whether you could actually see the events on page come to life in your mind. In reading Water for Elephants in less than one day, I found that happened to me.

People talk of writing styles, character development, and whether a writer is established enough to have a book that is already as popular as it is (and have a Hollywood movie being made about it). I tell you with this one, make your own opinion.

I love how the author authentically researched the circus to add in non-fiction details that really intrigue the reader. The love story is compelling and the end while it does seem unbelievable provides for a surprisingly happy, magical ending.

Read Water for Elephants and make up your own mind.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Gail
Water for Elephants
Loved this book. Didn't want it to end--missed all the characters when it was over. With the movie coming out, I could visualize the people, which made it even more enjoyable.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Carla
Good Story
Loved the story but did not think writing style was all that great.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Heidi
Thrilled to hear it's being made into a movie
A friend raved over this book and finally gave it to me - once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Like many people I grew up fascinated by the circus and even visited the Circus Hall of Fame in Sarasota, FL with my family as a child. I loved the story, loved the characters, especially Rosie, and loved the thoughts of both the young man and the old man. I liked it so much I have read Sara's other two books about mom's, their daughters and horses! I have recommended it to many people and will be going to see the movie with my friends!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by amybeth
Great book!
I just read this book over the weekend and found that it was an easy read and I couldn't put it down. I see some other reviews stating it was too graphic and painted sexually and violent images, however the book is based on a Circus...what did you think it would be like? All rainbows and unicorns? If you do not want to read this kind of book, then stick to the religious books. For the rest of you, who realize that a book that is based on two characters meeting and falling in love while in the circus may not be PG rated....Read this one, you'll love it.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by ZenCowgirl
Disappointed!
This book was recommended to me by so many people, strangers and friends alike. After all the enthusiastic recommendations, I couldn't wait to start reading Water for Elephants. Sara Gruen does an incredible job of reeling you into the crazy circus life. Even with that being said, I found myself bored by the story! I rushed through the remaining chapters just so I could finish the book and be done with all the drama. Maybe I set my sights too high.
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