I began this Throwback Thursday meme as a way to share some of my old favorites as well as sharing books that I’m FINALLY getting around to reading that were published months or years ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on my TBR list while I continue to pile more titles on top of them:)! I like that these older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere.
My PICK this week is…
Published May 2007 By Algonquin Books
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932
When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.
******
This was a book I resisted reading for so long due to the circus setting and I could’ve kicked myself because I LOVED it! I’m all about star crossed lovers so really this was a perfect book for me and the circus setting and time period just helped to enhance the story. The suspense was often palpable and I would definitely put this book in the unputdownable, page turning category. There’s a little bit of everything in this story…drama, thrills, suspense, heartbreak, mystery…plus excellent characterization which puts this into the must read category for me. If this all sounds good to you, I highly recommend giving this one a try
HAPPY READING!
Deanna at DeesRadReads and Reviews
Amanda at Literary Weaponry
Susan at Susan Loves Books
Cathy at What Cathy Read Next
Lynne at Fictionophile
Annie at The Misstery
Mischenko at Read Rant Rock and Roll
Laurie at Cozy Nook Books
Diana at A Haven for Book Lovers
Kaila at The Traveling Inkwell
itsbooktalkcom.wordpress.com 
Great choice! I absolutely loved Like Water for Elephants, too and like you was initially put off by the circus idea. I made the same mistake with The Night Circus. It seems I DO like books about the circus!
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I tried The Night Circus because I loved this one but I didn’t enjoy it, I do know it worked for so many though
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Interestingly, I have been seeing this title at the library but I have never thought of picking it. Thank you for sharing this post. I am now convinced to give it a try. It sounds wonderful!
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Diana I think you’ll love this story! There’s so much suspense and tension and the characters are so well done. I almost didn’t feature this because I thought maybe everyone has already read it so I’m thrilled I’ve inspired you to pick it up:)
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I just loved that book. Good choice.
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Thanks Martie!
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I positively LOVED that book!
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Wasn’t it SO good!
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Excellent choice! I loved this one, too. I also enjoyed the movie adaptation. This isn’t a book I’d normally read – animal cruelty and circus’ in general make me so mad, but it was worth reading!
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Thanks Brandie! I agree, I had a hard time with the animal cruelty but I found it to be brief enough and not gratuitous at all but still it made me SO mad.
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❤ and there was a fantastic twist! I loved this one so much!
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I’ve had this book for ages but have never read it. I saw the movie and really liked it. The next time I glance this title on my book shelf it’s going to entice me more to move it to my tbr pile thanks to your review Renée.
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That’s great Laurie! If you’re like me, you’ll love the book way more than the movie…enjoy!
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Excellent choice! I LOVED this book so much! ❤
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I don’t know how I missed this! Great choice. I have had this on my list for so long. I definitely need to check it out. Hope you’re having a good weekend!
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Because of what happened to the elephant, I hated this one! I didn’t love the rest of it, but that really ruined it for me.
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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That’s such a good book! Nice pick!
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Thank you!
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme lets you share old favorites published over a year ago or books that you just never got to! My list of those is miles long. If you’re interested in participating, too, check out her latest post! […]
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[…] Throwback Thursday is a fun meme created by Renee at It’s Book Talk as a way to share reviews of books that are old favorites, as well as books that have finally been read after languishing for a while. Visit Renee’s blog here: It’s Book Talk […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] Throwback Thursday is a fun meme created by Renee at It’s Book Talk as a way to share reviews of books that are old favorites, as well as books that have finally been read after languishing for a while. Visit Renee’s blog: It’s Book Talk […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] meme through Mischenko at Read, Rant, Rock & Roll, though it was originally created by Renee at It’s Book Talk. Definitely check out both of their book review sites. Mischenko’s is an old favorite of […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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