Water for Elephants: A Novel
15 journalers for this copy...
A book about a travelling circus during the Great Depression told through the reminices of a very old man. The characters, both human and animal, are facinating. I loved it!
I'm starting a bookring for this book. PM to join.The usual bookring rules apply.
1- Journal when you receive the book.
2- Try to finish within 3 weeks of receipt. Sometimes life gets in the way. If this happens, journal to let us know.
3- When you are halfway through the book, PM the next person in line for their address.
4- Journal your thoughts when you are finished.
5- If possible, get a delivery confirmation when you mail it out and post it in your journal entry.
6- Enjoy the story - it's supposed to be fun!
Partipants:
perryfran, Maryland - Completed
unknowncritic, Arkansas -Completed
indygo88, Indiana- Completed
sarradee, Texas - Completed
bug2004, Nebraska - Completed
oldreader, California - Completed
wistroll, Wisconsin - Completed
LadyKnightNiko, Ohio - Completed
acountkel,North Carolina - Completed
Ilios, Florida - Completed
soft-landing, California - Completed
olered, OregonIt's - Completed
Rrrcaron, New Hampshire - Completed
dietcokemama, Massachussets- Skipped, no answer to PMs
becbec202, California-Here 7/08
mellonhead, Texas
back to me
1- Journal when you receive the book.
2- Try to finish within 3 weeks of receipt. Sometimes life gets in the way. If this happens, journal to let us know.
3- When you are halfway through the book, PM the next person in line for their address.
4- Journal your thoughts when you are finished.
5- If possible, get a delivery confirmation when you mail it out and post it in your journal entry.
6- Enjoy the story - it's supposed to be fun!
Partipants:
perryfran, Maryland - Completed
unknowncritic, Arkansas -Completed
indygo88, Indiana- Completed
sarradee, Texas - Completed
bug2004, Nebraska - Completed
oldreader, California - Completed
wistroll, Wisconsin - Completed
LadyKnightNiko, Ohio - Completed
acountkel,North Carolina - Completed
Ilios, Florida - Completed
soft-landing, California - Completed
olered, OregonIt's - Completed
Rrrcaron, New Hampshire - Completed
dietcokemama, Massachussets- Skipped, no answer to PMs
becbec202, California-Here 7/08
mellonhead, Texas
back to me
Mailed to perryfran via media mail. Confirmation # 03063030000250201656.
I'm so glad to get this ring under way!!
I'm so glad to get this ring under way!!
Received in today's mail! I'm really looking forward to this - I have seen some very good reviews of it and it was included on Amazon.com's list of the 50 best books from 2006.I have one other bookring book that I am currently reading. I should get to this in a week or so. Thanks for including me in this ring!
Update 2/4/07: Started reading this today and I'm hooked. So far its great. Will try to move on to the next reader in a week or so.
Just finished this excellent novel. Told from the perspective of a 93-year old man in an “assisted-living” home, this was a very poignant story of his life with a circus during the depression of the 1930’s. The protagonist was just about to graduate from Cornell as a veterinarian, when his parents were killed in an accident. He leaves the school without taking his final exams and ends up in a circus where his veterinary skills are found to be most useful. The novel really brings the old-time circus to life -- the performers, the roustabouts, the animals, the cooch tent, along with the sadistic owner and the animal trainer who is a certified paranoid schizophrenic with flights into madness and brutality. This was very well researched and very realistically presented circus life. I found this novel to be very readable and enjoyable and would highly recommend it. I have unknowncritic's address and will be getting this in the mail tomorrow. Thanks GrannyAnn for sharing this wonderful book!
Journal Entry 6 by 
perryfran
at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, February 9, 2007
perryfran at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, February 9, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (2/10/2007 UTC) at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Continuing bookring to unknowncritic in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Enjoy!
USPS Delivery Conf. # 03061070000294757908
Continuing bookring to unknowncritic in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Enjoy!
USPS Delivery Conf. # 03061070000294757908
It got here yesterday afternoon! I planned on just reading the prologue yesterday and found I couldn't put it down until page 100. I'm REALLY enjoying it.
Thanks for including me in this ring, GrannyAnn. Also, thanks PerryFran for sending it to me.
Got to get back to reading now. I simply must know what happens next.
Thanks for including me in this ring, GrannyAnn. Also, thanks PerryFran for sending it to me.
Got to get back to reading now. I simply must know what happens next.
Wow. Now I want an elephant and an orangutan. It was a very well written novel. I loved the protagonists and loved to hate the antagonists. The story flowed so well I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning playing the "Just one more chapter" game with myself.
I want more!
I've got indy's address and will ship it tomorrow if I can make it to the post office before I try to find a circus train to jump on...
I want more!
I've got indy's address and will ship it tomorrow if I can make it to the post office before I try to find a circus train to jump on...
Journal Entry 9 by unknowncritic at mail in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, February 24, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (2/22/2007 UTC) at mail in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Headed to Indigo88-Delivery Comfirmation# 0306 2400 0000 5993 1783
Headed to Indigo88-Delivery Comfirmation# 0306 2400 0000 5993 1783
Got it! Ooh....I want to start it right NOW, but I got flooded with bookrings this past week or so, so it's going to have to wait in line (boo-hoo!). Reading order on my profile page...I'll update when I get closer!
4/15/07 -- Starting book today. Sorry for the holdup. :-(
4/15/07 -- Starting book today. Sorry for the holdup. :-(
Oooh...I agree with unknowncritic. I also now want an elephant! (and yes, I'd take the orangutan too!) I enjoyed this book -- it's not something I'd pick up if it weren't for all the great reviews and recommendations I'd heard & seen, based on the description. And I don't think the circus life really appeals to me, but this story did capture my attention & it was interesting to read about a subject I don't think I've ever read about previously. That said, I don't know that I absolutely LOVED the book, but I did enjoy it. And the ending wasn't exactly what I expected (I don't think I'm giving away anything here), but I like that about a book. :')
Thank you, GrannyAnn, for sharing this very highly in-demand book! I sincerely apologize for keeping it as long as I did. I got swamped all at once for a while there & this one happened to be one of the latecomers. I already have sarradee's address & this will be going out into the post within the next 1-2 days. Happy travels!
Thank you, GrannyAnn, for sharing this very highly in-demand book! I sincerely apologize for keeping it as long as I did. I got swamped all at once for a while there & this one happened to be one of the latecomers. I already have sarradee's address & this will be going out into the post within the next 1-2 days. Happy travels!
Arrived safely. One of my most anticipated rings for this year, will journal again when I have some comments.
What an absolutely wonderful book. I just loved the whole story. Not sure if I want an elephant or not, or an orangutan, but the fictionalized versions were heart-warming. I love the circus, so am always happy when another book feeds my love.
The people who liked this book and who are interested in the circus should try to get their hands on a copy of Gary Jennings "Spangle" which is an epic circus novel that leaves you wanting more.
I've asked for bug2004's address, and I'll mail as soon as I have it.
Update 05-17-07 Mailing today, e-delivery confirmation 9102010521297249513812
The people who liked this book and who are interested in the circus should try to get their hands on a copy of Gary Jennings "Spangle" which is an epic circus novel that leaves you wanting more.
I've asked for bug2004's address, and I'll mail as soon as I have it.
Update 05-17-07 Mailing today, e-delivery confirmation 9102010521297249513812
Re'cvd today! So excited about this one! Thanks for sharing!
I LOVED this book!!! One of the best I have read in a long time!!! Sad, but hopeful; simple, but meaningful. My only complaint is that there is no sequel!!! I would love to follow these characters around a bit more. :) Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Book is wrapped and ready to mail...will try to get it off tomorrow.
Book is wrapped and ready to mail...will try to get it off tomorrow.
Mailed off Friday, June 15th to oldreader.
DC# 0306 2400 0000 2629 9878
Thanks again for sharing!!!
DC# 0306 2400 0000 2629 9878
Thanks again for sharing!!!
will start as soon as I finish tje book currently reading.
very well researched and written.I grew up 11 miles from Circus world in Baraboo wisconsin and am also familiar with Ringling Bros winter home Sarasota.Thanks for sharing the book.The story was quite believable and rought tears to my eyes for the older gentleman vet.Quite a life he led,Marlena was interesting and think a continuation of this could be possible and well read.Will pass along to next in line.
Journal Entry 19 by oldreader at US Post in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 28, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (6/28/2007 UTC) at US Post in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
on the way to wisconsin via media mail
on the way to wisconsin via media mail
Arrived safely.
Finishing up a book and should get to this one this weekend. Looks like a great read from comments read, looking forward to it!
Contacting LadyKnightNiko, so when I`m done, it can continue it`s journey...
Thanks for sharing!!
Finishing up a book and should get to this one this weekend. Looks like a great read from comments read, looking forward to it!
Contacting LadyKnightNiko, so when I`m done, it can continue it`s journey...
Thanks for sharing!!
What an absolutely amazing book! Especially since the author mentions that she had an idea to write a totally different book until she saw an article about a photographer who followed circuses around America in the 20`s.
I felt this book was well researched and absolutely believable! It so intrigued me by the time I finished, that I now want to read more besides a fictional aspect.
I also enjoyed, well mostly enjoyed, the animals portrayed. Of course, it is so hard to know what actually goes on at the hands of some of these trainers and after reading White Bone by Barbara Gowdy, I have a whole new outlook and respect for elephants.
I really enjoyed Rosie and wished I could have jumped into the pages of the book at times and consoled her, to touch her! (Elephants are such amazing creatures and I`m glad I`ve had an experience when I was in high school to ride one and be close to one. Also when my boys were little, they were able to ride one also.)
This has to be one of the best books I`ve read this year and will be sure to look out for others by this author and I will definitely pick up extra copies of this book if ever I run across any.
Thank you GrannyAnn, for taking me to the circus!!
On its way next week to LadyKnightNiko.
I felt this book was well researched and absolutely believable! It so intrigued me by the time I finished, that I now want to read more besides a fictional aspect.
I also enjoyed, well mostly enjoyed, the animals portrayed. Of course, it is so hard to know what actually goes on at the hands of some of these trainers and after reading White Bone by Barbara Gowdy, I have a whole new outlook and respect for elephants.
I really enjoyed Rosie and wished I could have jumped into the pages of the book at times and consoled her, to touch her! (Elephants are such amazing creatures and I`m glad I`ve had an experience when I was in high school to ride one and be close to one. Also when my boys were little, they were able to ride one also.)
This has to be one of the best books I`ve read this year and will be sure to look out for others by this author and I will definitely pick up extra copies of this book if ever I run across any.
Thank you GrannyAnn, for taking me to the circus!!
On its way next week to LadyKnightNiko.
Journal Entry 22 by Wistroll at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK in Milltown, Wisconsin USA on Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (7/19/2007 UTC) at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK in Milltown, Wisconsin USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
This arrived today- I have to finish the book I'm currently reading and read one other short one, and then I'll get to it. =)
This was a really great book, thank you so much for including me in this! I'd have to say my favorite character was Walter.
I have the next reader's address, and I'm going try and get it out in the mail tomorrow.
I have the next reader's address, and I'm going try and get it out in the mail tomorrow.
Journal Entry 25 by LadyKnightNiko at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (7/26/2007 UTC) at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
On the way to NC!
On the way to NC!
Received today!
Looking forward to reading it!
Looking forward to reading it!
This was a fantastic story. Jacob Jankowski is a 93 year old man. When the circus pays a visit to the lot across from the Nursing Home he lives in, it takes him back to when he was employed by a circus during the depression. And so the book alternates between today and the 1930’s. This book grabbed me from the beginning. Especially since Jacob attended school at Cornell and caught the circus train on it’s way to Utica. Places I am very familiar with. The fact that he is Polish is another plus. This story is put together very well. Gruen obviously did her research and I finish this book with some knowledge about Jamaica ginger paralysis, exotic animal behavior and of course, the circus. It is definitely going on my personal list of “classics” and “1001 books to read before you die”. It doesn’t get any better than this.
I have Ilios address so I will drop in the mail in the morning.
Thank you so much GrannyAnn for including me.
This was awesome!
I have Ilios address so I will drop in the mail in the morning.
Thank you so much GrannyAnn for including me.
This was awesome!
Hello, all! I've just received this book and I am looking forward to reading it. As it is often the case, I have a few rings in front of it, but will do my best to get started in a timely manner. Thanks for sharing!Update 11/11/07
This book is amazing! I am so glad I signed up for this ring. The author really displayed her craft with the character development for Jacob, Marlena, Walter and Camel, not forgetting Rosie and Bobo. It is also obvious that Ms. Gruer researched her subject matter extensively to make this novel also a vehicle for information regarding circuses and its workers during the Depression. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and I really enjoyed the backs and forths of the narrative between psat and present. The conclusion is heartwarming and satisfying.
I will most definitely keep an eye out for books from this author and I will schedule a trip to the Sarasota Ringling Museum (about 1h away from Tampa) as soon as possible. My only complaint about this book is its lack of a bibliography or "recommended readings" section, because it picked my interest and I would love to learn more about the subject.
I will send this book out to the next BXer on 11/13/07 (post office is closed tomorrow for Veteran's day).
Journal Entry 29 by Ilios at US Post in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (12/4/2007 UTC) at US Post in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
on its way! Have a wonderful holiday season, y'all! :o)
on its way! Have a wonderful holiday season, y'all! :o)
Received the book from Florida with a delightful Christmas Card inside on December 15, 2007.
I received this book from GrannyAnn's Bookring sent to me by Ilios, Florida. I found this to be a good read. I especially liked the references of what it was like to feel old and be cared for in a place not particularly to my choosing. It is well written and easy to read. While I was carrying the book around (which I do when I read) several people stopped me to say they read the book and how much they enjoyed it.
Sent olered a request for mailing information today.
Sent olered another request for his/her address today, March 3, 2008. If I am unable to procure the address, I will send the book to the next person on the list.
Sent olered a request for mailing information today.
Sent olered another request for his/her address today, March 3, 2008. If I am unable to procure the address, I will send the book to the next person on the list.
"Water for Elephants" arrived in Salem, Oregon today. Thanks for including me and a special thanks to GrannyAnn for getting my address to soft-landing since my Pm's certainly weren't getting through!
I love this book -- Sara Gruen is on my favorite list now!
Am mailing the book today.
Am mailing the book today.
Received this in the mail a few days ago. Will try to get to it as soon as I can....
Ruth
Ruth
This was a fun read! I loved the way it ended. Queenie the dog and Rosie the elephant were just as engaging characters as the people in the book. The faithfulness of both was endearing to me. I'm getting an address and sending it on!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Ruth
Thanks so much for sharing!
Ruth
Sending to becbec202 tomorrow. dietcokemama never got back to me. Sorry for the delay!
Ruth
Ruth
Part of a bookring. Look forward to a good summer read. Thanks, rrrcaron.
