Water for Elephants

I don't know when I last read a book that I'd rate as an "A+." Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is such a book. It alternates in time between present day, a 93-year-old man in a nursing home reminiscing, and the past, the time that he spent -- unexpectedly -- working for a circus. The book is very well crafted; I really didn't anticipate the ending at all. The characters are credible and the circus lore is fascinating. The best part of all: I never expected to fall in love with an elephant. There's a waiting list for this title at my local library. For very good reason.