Book Reviews

June 2015: “Water for Elephants”

I recently finished the book “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen.  Wow!  What an amazing story!  I have to admit, it was a book that interested me a bit… but, I wasn’t terribly anxious to read it.  But, when I was given my own copy, I decided it was time to give it a try.

The story takes place during two different times: the 1930s and present time.  During the 1930s, the setting centers around a traveling circus.  Within the circus are a beautiful young woman, her domineering husband, and Elephant named Rosie who is “stupid” (or so we believe) and Jacob — a young man who left school right before his final veterinary exams.  Of course, there are also many other interesting and eccentric characters… It is a circus of course!

During present time, Jacob is living in a nursing home and he’s decided he’s either 90 or 93… He can’t quite remember.  Another circus has come to town and his family has promised to take him.  Jacob is a ornery man who tends to argue with the nursing home staff and other residents that claim to have carried water for elephants in their younger years.  All he wants to do is make it to the circus and remember the exciting life he once lived!

This was a great story and I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

May 2015: “Gone Girl”

I finally took the plunge and read “Gone Girl.” I was unsure about reading it as I don’t always enjoy a book that’s been the “it book.” After weeks/months of hearing: “You HAVE to read it,” they sometimes fail me.  As it turns out, this book hooked me from the first page and when I finally turned the last page, I could only think, “WOW!” The characters are just nuts! And, not: “Ha ha, you’re nuts!” but, “I think you should see a doctor because you’re nuts!”

The story amazed me from cover to cover… though it’s difficult to review this book without giving away details.  Here’s what I can reveal:

  • Amy, wife: “Crazy”
  • Nick, husband: “Slightly less crazy”
  • Story: Twisting, turning excitement with an “Oh, my gosh” at the very end.

“Gone Girl” is spectacular and will keep you wondering if someone you know — maybe your own spouse — is insane! Read it and let me know what you think. I would give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

April 2015: “Leaving Time”

I recently finished reading “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult.  This is the story of a young girl searching for her mother after a tragic accident separates them. At the age of 3, Jenna is unexpectedly parted from her mother and spends the next 10 years trying to decide why her loving parent is missing.  In desperation, Jenna joins forces with the detective that initially failed to solve the case years ago and a local psychic.

In true Picoult form, there were many times I believed I knew the outcome of the book… And, she would throw in a twist!  That is what I always enjoy about her books… That last moment of “Oh, my gosh!”  While it wasn’t my favorite (I mean… really… few can compare to the haunting story of “The Storyteller”), I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.  Give it a try, if you haven’t already!

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