Water for Elephants

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your impressions of the novel’s structure as it shifted between Jacob’s present in the elder care facility and his past on the circus train?

2. How does the author create an immersive experience of the circus in the 1930s? What did you learn about the history of the circus? 

3. Did the romantic storyline resonate with you? Why or why not? Which characters were the most memorable for you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on the author’s choice to frame Jacob’s story as a retrospective. How does this approach relate to your own understanding of the power of memory and the passage of time?

2. Discuss the novel’s depiction of the relationships between animals and humans. Have you ever had a deep connection with an animal or a pet? How did your own experience affect your understanding of the animals portrayed in the story?

3. Consider the difficult decisions that Marlena is forced to make. Have you ever had to make a life-changing decision that required courage? What was the outcome of your decision?