Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Jacob Jankowski is a 90 year old man. Or 93. He doesn't quite remember.  He lives in a nursing home, has a hard time remembering the name of his favorite nurse, and is routinely told what to eat and what to do.  But with all of these unfortunate difficulties, he can remember some things quite vividly, such as the time he spent in the circus during the 1930s.  After a horrific accident in which Jacob's whole life changes he is swept away, never to be the same again.

I read Water for Elephants in preparation for the movie release this past weekend.  I was predetermined to love it because of the decade, the setting, and the movie's actors.  What I didn't expect was to fall in love with the main character from the very first page.  Jacob is funny, uppity, and reminds me of my grandparents.  His viewpoint is unique and wonderful, and so deeply developed that you truly feel like you're listening to a friend's stories, not a fictional character's.  Marlena (Jacob's love interest) is a bit dull around the edges for my taste--I have a deep affection for strong female characters--but because this story is about Jacob and his experiences from start to finish that is something I can overlook.   This is, ultimately, a love story, exploring how people grow and change for love.  I recommend this novel for animal lovers, romantics, people who will see or have seen the movie, or anyone who just wants to read a good story.

And one more quick fact I love--this Ms. Gruen wrote Water for Elephants during NaNoWriMo. LOVE IT.

4 out of 5 stars.