Have you read our OBOB selection yet?

Our staff have! Here's what some of us at Burlington Public Library thought about the 2010 One Book One Burlington selection Water for Elephants:

"The story elicited many emotions throughout, but once into it, I definitely couldn't tear myself away from the book. Masterfully crafted - I felt it a privilege to read!"


“Circuses are full of the wonderful and fascinating, but behind the surface they can be dangerous and cruel – Sara Gruen delivers this and more as her story reveals all the gritty details of the depression-era circus.”


"I was afraid this book would be sad and depressing, given the 'flashback' aspect, which I don't always enjoy in a novel. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The main character was enormously engaging, both as a young man, and later in life. The others in the story were very memorable, and the 'inside scoop' on the workings of a traveling circus was fascinating. This story has really stayed with me...and not all of them do! It was a great read, and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone."


"While I don't using the word "compelling" very often when describing a book, this one certainly is worthy of that description. It is well researched and touches on numerous topics so should be of wide interest. I hadn't expected to like it as much as I did--it is unusual and unforgettable."


"I first read this book while traveling in the United States in 2006. I could not put it down; it has to be one of the best books I've read; it's a book that will stand the test of time."


"I loved this book and its description of life in a travelling circus. The characters were so real- including the animal ones- and I found myself taking every opportunity to pick the book up over the course of the day to find out what was going to happen next!"