Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen, is one of the most fantastic books I've read in a very long time. Read my review of it here. It's a book worth buying, because reading it just once will definitely not be satisfying.
Good books aren't as rare as I sometimes think...I look around at all the copies of Twilight and the unfortunate knock-offs that have emerged as a result, and I get really depressed regarding the future of literature. There's so much media hype attached to everything anymore. I don't understand the need for the frenzy created by things like Twilight. It's not worth it. Where is the excitement over books like The Elegance of the Hedgehog? It's one of the most heart-wrenching, mind-bending books I've ever read, but so few people even know it's out there.
It bothers me to no end that what becomes popular is inevitably shallow, boring, watered down or just plain worthless.
That's why, when I find books like Water for Elephants or The Elegance of the Hedgehog, I shove them at people. I say "READ THIS. Because it will change you, and in the best way."
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I have to admit (and I hate to speak negatively when there's not much cause; but I do try to be honest) that Water for Elephants just doesn't seem that (relatively) outstanding to me. I enjoyed the book, thoroughly through and through, and I think it's an absolutely exemplary story of love, longing, and looking back on life. But for some reason, it doesn't stick with me nearly as strongly as Elegance of the Hedgehog. Maybe it's just personal preference, or maybe I just lack taste, but there's something funny about that book.
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