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hadidee's review against another edition
2.0
A good story, lovely premise and the detail of the the elderly Jacob in the nursing home was wonderfully done. But the experiences of Jacob in the circus were not as well done: the love story never felt real and the bad guys were stereotypes with no redeeming features. Although I did like Walter and Queenie (the dog), and the photographs, So nicely done but could have been really good.
favelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
A very fascinating read. I would really like to go to a circus right now. Or even own an elephant.
crysclr328's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book and I didn't expect to. I felt like I was there with young Jacob and I empathized with old Jacob. However, I didn't like the ending. It wasn't very realistic.
amanda_swinehart's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing. So well written and researched. It hooked me from the beginning and I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open at night. If I don't stop writing the review now, I'm just going to keep going on how amazing it is. Will def. be suggesting it to anyone who is looking for something fantastic.
hmsand796's review against another edition
3.0
About half way through this book I was questioning why I would even read this, I hate circuses!! I've hated and boycotted them since I was a kid and saw a news show on the mistreatment of circus animals (feeding elephants heroine to keep them docile, the deplorable conditions they are kept in, the summer heat beating down on the tents/enclosures, the cruel training methods, etc), these beautiful, exotic creatures should not be carted all over the country in a tiny cage for our amusement. Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox!
That being said, I ended up enjoying the book. I understand it's fiction and takes place in the past. The characters and the love story pulled me through. It was a tough subject matter for me, but it's really a fantastic story and the ending was just perfect, I loved
That being said, I ended up enjoying the book. I understand it's fiction and takes place in the past. The characters and the love story pulled me through. It was a tough subject matter for me, but it's really a fantastic story and the ending was just perfect, I loved
Spoiler
Rosie the elephant killing that abusive, insane bastard August, Jacob and Marlena's future, and Uncle Al the greedy, self serving SOB got his too, sweet revenge!scoobielaura23's review against another edition
5.0
I'm really enjoying this so far! The narrators are awesome, and I love how they did the young/old Jacob. The old guy is crotchety as hell, but I really can't blame him. The one character's voice totally makes me think of Jack Nicholson, creepiness and all. Very chilling.
This was a really good story. I liked the contrast of the past and present, hearing the story and seeing the reflection/memory years later. Some things were expected, but many things were not. And there was just the right amount of happily ever after at the end for me.
This was a really good story. I liked the contrast of the past and present, hearing the story and seeing the reflection/memory years later. Some things were expected, but many things were not. And there was just the right amount of happily ever after at the end for me.
lizapauterino's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book, but I didn't love it like I was hoping to. I just kept waiting for it to be great, but it never got there.
tjuneau13's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished this - my first book that I read on my new Nook. Really enjoyed it. It is a book I've looked at several times, but never was sure about it. I'm glad I finally took the chance. It was interesting to read all the research the author did on the circus and how the stories in this book are for the most part true stories - although woven from many different circuses rather than all happening in one.
Also interesting was the jake paralysis that affected potentially up to 100,000 people in the US and left them in various states of paralysis. I'd never heard of that before.
Also interesting was the jake paralysis that affected potentially up to 100,000 people in the US and left them in various states of paralysis. I'd never heard of that before.
kuhlcat's review against another edition
4.0
what an extremely intriguing subject! i couldn't put it down. a definite page-turner.
lgm's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the story, though I preferred the parts that took place in the past. In fact, I found some of the present day story line detracting from the actual story. I didn't like the ending... it seemed unexpected and sudden.
Overall though, it was a good read.
Overall though, it was a good read.