“Water For Elephants,” written by Sara Gruen,  is the story of Jacob Jankowski’s life. The story is set at a circus in post-Depression America. He is first introduced as a student at Cornell Veterinary School until a sudden mental breakdown sends him fleeing for stability.

Ironically, he finds stability at one of the most unstable occupations during the Depression, a circus. As the new veterinarian for the show, Jacob soon realizes he has more than just animals to worry about.

Jacob’s flashbacks to his youth give an interesting perspective on life during the Depression. Most teenagers can relate to his resentment of captivity. While the ending of the story is somewhat predictable, Gruen’s characters stays with you like the memory of an old friend.

Unlikely friendships add spice as the book progresses and an unusual drunken prank reminds us that anything can happen at a circus.

The theme of love in “Water for Elephants” stands out more as compared to other teenage romance novels. Gruen’s tale of forbidden love isn’t your average “Romeo and Juliet” story.  There’s just something extra special about the grimy glitter of sociopath husbands that brings out the romantic in all of us.

Despite being set in such a sober time in American history, Gruen still manages to weave in some well-placed humor in a delightful tapestry of literature.

For anyone looking for an entertaining slice of history, “Water for Elephants” would be your best bet for a great read.