To Read or Not to Read?

Water for Elephants: A Novel by Sara Gruen

An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932. When our protagonist, 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. As 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.

Question:

This book has been popping up left and right in my life lately. Why? I have read the reviews and

feel no need to read about a circus, too side show Bob for me, but more than two people brought it up today and I cannot shake the thought of trying it out. Please comment in and let me know, "yes" or "no".