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Whether you were ready or not, September has come upon us and so has a new set of book reviews. The Pioneer Library System staff would like to share some books that they have enjoyed. By coincidence, the theme for this month is mysteries and elephants as both are included more than once this month. So if either are of interest to you, check out these books (and the other books too):
 Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Staff Reviewer: Susan Gregory, Pioneer Development Office
This book is a lovely gem. It’s the kind of story that sweeps you up in the first few pages on a wave of excitement and doesn’t let you down until the last page is read. It’s the completely original story of a traveling circus on its last legs during the Depression and the performers, freaks, clowns and worker bees who brought a few hours of make-believe magic to a different town every night, despite the squalor of their days.
At the height of the Great Depression, Jacob Jankowski suddenly found himself alone as a result of a horrible tragedy. Unable to finish his exams in veterinary school at Cornell, without a home or a cent to his name, he jumped the first train that came by. Without warning, Jacob found himself a stowaway on the Flying Squadron of The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth and was allowed to remain only because of his sorely-needed veterinary skills. Surrounded by salty characters, with a dwarf as his roommate, Jacob quickly came to love not only the tigers and lions entrusted to his care but to fall desperately in love with the very beautiful and very married Marlena. He also fell in love with Rosie, the wise old elephant who not only endured the brutality of her trainer but became Jacob’s unlikely savior.
Published in 2006, the book is currently being made into a movie, starring Reese Witherspoon as Marlena and Robert Pattinson as Jacob, that will be released next year. Do yourself a favor and read Water for Elephants this summer—it boasts one of the happiest endings ever written. This train ride is worth it.
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