Jacob Jankowski ran away from his life the week of his final exams in veterinary school after his parents die in a car accident. He jumped a train and found himself working for the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. As Jacob worked out his grief on the circus he met the most horrible and wonderful creatures, from Blackie (the working man who throws people off the train) to Rosie (the stubborn and intelligent elephant). Jacob found himself attracted to Marlena, the wife of the crazy head animal trainer, and simultaneously sought her out and avoided her. His struggle to grieve, find his passion, and maintain his sense of morals with Marlene and the animals makes Jacob a compassionate character. Throughout the book I found myself just wanting his life to work out well. The movie version of Water For Elephants opens in April with the wonderful Reese Witherspoon playing Marlena. I'm sure it will be a fine movie, but read the book first.
