Annette S. (annette-s) reviewed on 1/21/2013 + 49 more book reviews

Modoc. The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer is about love and friendship on a grand scale, an elephant-sized scale. Modoc is an elephant who was born into a German circus family. The story seems almost too fantastic to be true. Both Modoc and Bram, the elephant trainer's son, are born on the same day. They grow up together until tragically the circus is sold to a man who decides to uproot the whole show and take it across the world. Bram is heartbroken. He can't leave his friend and decides to stow away on the ship. Off the coast of India, a giant storm sinks the ship with animals and people struggling to grab onto something for dear life. Incredibly, with over dozens of people clinging on to him, Modoc valiantly swims for days until they are rescued. Modoc and Bram form a life in India. After many years they eventually go to America where Modoc becomes a star. At one point there's a fire and Modoc barely makes it. I'm not sure how much of the book was exaggerated for the audience, but it is a captivating read. I got lost in their adventures and the heartwarming bond that kept them together. My niece recommended this book to me and I'm glad I read it. Animal lover or not, it's a book worth checking out. Read other reviews at http://readinginthegarden.blogspot.com

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