Like Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Really lovely- that is how I would describe my experience with this book. Besides the fact that I read it in one afternoon after leaving work early, the narrative, the intimate voice of the hero, and the fanciful detail of the circus were- lovely! Gruen is no James Joyce, but her talent as a writer is inarguable. Reading this book is like climbing into a ride in Disney World- you know it will require a little suspension of disbelief, but you have a wonderful time and the ride never lasts long enough.

Read this book: Anytime. You will not want to put it down, but if you have to the plot is not too complex that you won't be able to pick up right where you left off.

An interview with the author: http://www.smallspiralnotebook.com/interviews/2006/08/farrah_field_interviews_sara_g.shtml

The prologue to get you interested:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5415545