I actively disliked this book. The phony tone of the narrator, Jacob, and the simple one-dimensional sentences irritated me the most . A totally romantic book. I am cautious about buying "best sellers" and Water for Elephants reminded me why. A corny fairy tale for adults …more lavished with cruelty to humans and animals with no redeeming virtue of the book. Cruelty for entertainment's sake--appalling. (less)