2008 UNITED WE READ- WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

The Metro Area Reader's Round Table "MARRT" Committee has selected Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen as the 2008 United We Read selection.

About the Book

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Jacob Jankowski, now in a nursing home, recounts his youthful experiences in a traveling circus during the Great Depression. Orphaned and penniless, young Jacob jumped a train and ended up caring for the animals of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth including Rosie the elephant. Author Sara Gruen contrasts the tawdry, and often cruel, but fascinating features of Jacob's circus life with his present day dissatisfaction, his sterile nursing home existence and his family's neglect.

About the Program

United We Read is coordinated by the Kansas City Metropolitan Library & Information Network (KCMLIN) a multi-type library consortium serving over 200 library systems on both sides of the Missouri/Kansas state line. The goals of the program are to promote reading and literacy; build a community of readers; and broaden exposure to and appreciation for good literature.

The goal of United We Read is to encourage readers from all walks of life, from high school level through senior citizens, to read and discuss the themes within the book. Program organizers hope once again, members of book discussion groups, library clubs, churches, youth groups, corporate groups – any gathering of people, will connect over discussions of the United We Read book. Water for Elephants will be made available through the local libraries and area bookstores.

Everyone in the Kansas City Metropolitan Community is encouraged to read Water for Elephants during 2008. Area libraries and book stores will host book discussion groups. Libraries will provide information for community book clubs as well. We look forward to the opporunity to share this award winning title with the community.