Water for Elephants

This is one awesome awe inspiring tale set against the Great Depression era.  I absolutely loved the transitions between the present & the main character's recollections of the past.  This was perfect time to read such a tale because I was able to relate to the situation the main character is in by having a grandfather in an assisted living facility.  I also have a soft spot for animal stories.  This story is part reflection, part hope for things to come & part coming of the age of understanding.  I look forward to rereading this some day.  For every character that is just plain nasty in this tale there are at least three redeeming ones proving that there really are good people out in the world.  If I had picked this up a couple of years ago I may not have been as intrigued by this title as I was.