Helpful Score: 7
I was a little concerned when I started seeing reviews that the book was not good. If you like Sara Gruens writing, then read the book. If you are Looking for Water For Elephants part 2, then this might not be the book for you. I really like Saras other books. I like her style of writing, she reminds me of Jodi Picoult. Gruen does her homework on her subjects making the story real.
I am so glad that I did not let the reviews make me miss this book. I felt the book was different then Water for Elephants but this was not a sequel to that but a separate book and should be judged separately. The story is very slow to start but draws you in. I felt that I put my foot on the gas and did not let go and then the end was there. It was a little predictable but that comes when you read 2-3 books a week. You know that authors like to tie up ends and give you pretty packages.
There are many different characters in the book, none are really developed all the way, there is no main characters, they all share the role. You are left with some questions about the past and what the future might hold. I would have liked to see a thicker book with more developed characters.
I am so glad that I did not let the reviews make me miss this book. I felt the book was different then Water for Elephants but this was not a sequel to that but a separate book and should be judged separately. The story is very slow to start but draws you in. I felt that I put my foot on the gas and did not let go and then the end was there. It was a little predictable but that comes when you read 2-3 books a week. You know that authors like to tie up ends and give you pretty packages.
There are many different characters in the book, none are really developed all the way, there is no main characters, they all share the role. You are left with some questions about the past and what the future might hold. I would have liked to see a thicker book with more developed characters.
Helpful Score: 5
After reading the mixed reviews about this book, I was reluctant to read it, but so glad I did. I found it intriguing and fastinating and read it in two days finding it hard to put it down until finished.
I may be in the minority, but liked it better than Water For Elephants, but that may be because I dislike the circus and adore the Great Apes.
I may be in the minority, but liked it better than Water For Elephants, but that may be because I dislike the circus and adore the Great Apes.
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book. Even more than Water for Elephants. You can tell the author thoroughly did her research. The entire premise was fascinating to read about. I can't wait for her next one!
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed this book, however it is nowhere near the book that Water for Elephants is. This book has too much going on, it starts out so slow and then ramps up at the end. It is difficult to keep abreast of all of the subplots (ones that we could certainly do without)and it makes the reading more like running in circles. As for endings, this one has a beautiful little bow at the end. I am not always happy with that kind of ending and in this case it seemed inappropriate.
Helpful Score: 2
Do NOT expect this to be 'Water for Elephants.' I found myself struggling to finish this, as it seemed to wander about too much. WFE jumped around, but did it seemlessly. This was more reminiscent of her "Riding Lessons."
I am ambivalent with suggesting this to others. It isn't bad, but it isn't one of the best reads out there.
I am ambivalent with suggesting this to others. It isn't bad, but it isn't one of the best reads out there.
