Author: Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants is a novel about a traveling circus during The Great Depression that incorporates a handful of rumored-to-be-true stories Gruen unearthed in her research.

My Review: Two Thumbs Up

The book seems to be either loved or hated in the review forums I have visited.  I personally loved it, finding it to be an enjoyable book I couldn’t put down.  Disapproval of the book is usually based around two points: the discussion of ill treatment of humans and animals and the inclusion of some sexuality.  As a novel (and not knowing any of the facts Gruen had discovered in her research), I found it to be well written, jumping back and forth between the main character’s life memories. I would highly suggest it.

Have your read this book?  If so, please feel free to post up your review.

Book: Bringing Down the House
Author: Ben Mezrich
Plot: Based on the true account of the MIT students who became proficient card counters, winning millions of dollars from Vegas casinos.  The book retells the story of one specific student from his learning curve, to his numerous wins and through the completion of his gambling career.
My Review: Excellent read that is impossible to put down once started, except of course to pick up some poker chips and a deck of cards.

Book: There Are No Children Here
Author: Alex Kotlowitz
Plot: A novel based on the real lives of two young brothers growing up in the Chicago projects.
My Review: A somber tale that fully describes class division and the seemingly inescapable trap that has been created by the current state of subsidized housing.  Fantastic read that leaves one moved to try to find a solution to this problem.