This book was such an easy and delightful read, even though some parts of the story was difficult to accept. I found the story flowed nicely, the author described the 1930's and the depression in perfect detail that I felt like I was there and could picture the era, the poverty, the racism and the way of life for many that lived the circus life and those who didn't. To my surprise, I really enjoyed how the novel went back and forth from the past to the present, it was not difficult to follow along and didn't confuse the reader.

You need to read this book, I highly recommend it, even though at some points I was in tears, putting the book down and taking a break, but other times I was cheering and falling in love with the characters. This is one of the books that stays with you, I felt completely attached to the characters and I can't still feel deep emotion when I think about Rosie.

I received this book as a gift, and I couldn't put it down. The movie SUCKS but the book is amazing. I know people always say that but in this case it's true.

I loved this book so much that I immediately went out and bought it for my sister (who is an avid reader). The story was so enthralling. I read it in one sitting. The movie is marketed as a romance and that is just not the premise of the book. It is gritty and real.

i loved this book more then the movie. there is love, action and it is funny! the guy in the old home is very funny at times. it is also a historic look at what traveling with a circus was like in the 20s era. i loved it

I found nothing special about it I never say the movie but some say that the movie was better

This is hands down, one of my favorite books. I'm currently reading it for the 5th time and I am just as captured by it as I was the first time.
The writing grabbed me right away, I love the sense of adventure in the writing and the description she uses just makes my heart happy.
The only reason I'm choosing that "I wouldn't purchase this again" is because I already own it. But I'd buy it again if I lose my current copy! Or if I wear it out from reading all the time...

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down once! By far one of the best book I have ever read and I do recommend it to anyone! Well worth the read! So much better than the movie!

The book was far, far better than the movie. Gruen writes a spellbinding tale that is really heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Her flashes between the past and the present provide brilliant insight into the old man's life and the reason he acts the way he does now. It is a very unique tale of love, life, and loss over one's lifetime. I highly recommend the book, but suggest you throw the movie out the window. Nothing can capture the way that Gruen writes.

I loved the history here - the gritty details of circus life during the Great Depression - the hardships, the poverty, and my heart ached for the animal, as well as the people abuse. What a hard life these downtrodden workers led - the setting up and tearing down day after day, the brutality, the harsh conditions, the 'homelessness', the filth. I liked the alternating perspectives of old Jacob living in the nursing home and suffering all the indignities that go along with that, and young Jacob learning the ropes of circus life.

I didn't care for the Hollywood ending though. And what happened to Marlena? The other characters were interesting enough but I found Marlena to be on the boring side....flat and uninteresting. It made the romance between her and Jacob less believable. All in all though, an entertaining read.

Really great book - the story is fantastic and is very well written.