Run by Daisy Whitney at daisywhitney.com

Note: In keeping with the circus book theme, Lauren Gibaldi offers her review of “Water for Elephants”

By Lauren Gibaldi

Set in both present time and the 1920’s, “Water for Elephants“ tells the tale of young Jacob Jankowski’s circus days: how he stumbled upon the spectacle, how he made himself useful, and how he found true love. After leaving Cornell, Jacob became the show’s veterinarian, watching over the lions, chimps, horses, and, of course, elephant. There, he meets a dazzling array of characters including Marlena, the lovely horse tamer and elephant rider that Jacob falls for. Told through flashbacks, you see how the circus life with the Benzini Brothers Circus affected him and what became of him after his years under the big top.

Accompanied by archived photos, the book accurately portrays the life of a traveling circus member, riding the train daily going from city to city, hoping the town is looking for an afternoon of entertainment. Told with rich imagery and climactic moments, Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants is an excellent and highly addictive book.

Even those who have no interest or knowledge of the circus lifestyle will get something out of the book because at one time we’ve all seen the show. We’ve all seen the clowns, the elephants, and the acrobats. We’ve all eaten the pop orn and cotton candy sold from the striped tents. And, really, at some point, we’ve all wanted to run away and join the circus.