Water For Rob Pattinson

I'm not going to lie:  I wasn't planning on reading Water For Elephants until I discovered Robert Pattinson (or RPattz as I affectionately call him – along with all the other 14-year-old girls) was starring in the upcoming movie adaptation. In case you didn't know, I'm a ginormous Twilight fan. Yes, I heart sparkly vampires. And I'm 100% Team Edward. All you Team Jacob-ers out there are clearly in denial. I read all four Twilight books in two weeks (and Breaking Dawn is a gazillion pages long). I devoured them. When I wasn't eating, sleeping, or working, I was reading those books. They captivated me.

I had heard WFE was a brilliant book, but it initially scared me. I love animals, and I knew it was about a depression-era circus. I felt certain there might be graphic accounts of animal abuse detailed within the book. You see, ELC had to trick me into watching Seabiscuit. I'm still not over it, despite its happy ending. I can't watch Bambi or The Lion King. They break my heart. And every last time those horrible SPCA commercials come on, I shut my eyes, plug my ears with my fingers and start singing loudly. The moment I hear Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" (the song they play during those commercials) I start fighting back the tears.

When I started hearing all the hype about the movie at the first of this year, I decided to do a little more research on the book. I became torn. I hated the thought of missing anything involving "Edward" and "Melanie Smooter" (Name that movie that stars my favorite actress, Reese Witherspoon!). I finally decided I would jump in and attempt to read the book (I'm a firm believer in reading the book before you see the movie whenever possible.). I knew that if it got too tough, I'd stop. Here's what happened:  when I started reading, I COULDN'T stop. I read it in three days. Sara Gruen (the amazingly gifted author) is, in my opinion, a genius. Her descriptions created such vivid images in my mind. And, when I pictured the characters, I could picture Rob and Reese! Gotta love that. It was fabulous/incredible/magnificent. You. Must. Purchase. This. Book. Like. Yesterday. There are a few risqué parts. I was a bit worried about recommending it to Mom. Her words:  "I'm a mother. I've battled cancer. I'm 57. I think I can handle it." Once she finished it, she described it as "a bit bawdy – but beyond worth the rough stuff!" I don't think it's too offensive. It seems very realistic. And though the animals were sometimes mistreated, I got through those parts with minimal grief.

It's truly a wonderful love story and murder mystery all wrapped up in one expertly-wrapped package. I don't want to give too much away. Trust me! You won't want to miss this. The movie comes out on Friday, April 22nd. You still have time to purchase and read this book.

Amazon, here you come!

p.s. ELC and I both somehow don't quite get the title. Which, once you read it (Or have you already?), may make you feel sorry for us. Even worry about us – a tad. Ms. Gruen explains it, but we’re missing something. HELP!!! Make us understand. Email us at lolwiththeleightons {at} gmail {dot} com.