Finished on 6/7/09:

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen, 2006.
Excellent story about life in the circus during the Great Depression, narrated by Jacob appearing both as an old man and a young man in flashbacks. The story has thought provoking themes involving loyalty, friendship, love and loss, treatment of circus animals, ageing, etc. Jacob, a veterinary student running away from his personal tragedy, joins the circus train and falls in love with Marlena, who is married to August (who is mad as a hatter). All kinds of adventures ensue, involving circus animals, dwarves, fat ladies and other freaks, and assorted workers and performers. Gruen has done huge amounts of research, but overall it's the storytelling that moves this story along a fast clip. Her opening describing the circus stampede and murder quickly draws the reader in. And her depiction of Rosie the elephant and her antics is most memorable. Great book for discussion.