Books Like...
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a novel set in the Great Depression era, following the story of Jacob, a young man who joins a traveling circus after a tragic incident. The book alternates between the past, where Jacob experiences the ups and downs of circus life, and the present, where an elderly Jacob reflects on his memories while living in a nursing home. The narrative provides a glimpse into the unique and fascinating world of the circus, with well-fleshed out characters and a storyline that explores themes of love, aging, and the challenges faced during that era.
If you liked Water for Elephants, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Angela Carter's book, 'Nights at the Circus', takes readers on a whimsical journey from London to St. Petersburg and into Siberia, set in the year 1899. The story revolves around Fevvers, an aerialiste with seemingly magical wings, whose mystery captivates journalist Jack Walser. As the circus travels to Russia, Carter's characters, described as strange and verging on the insane, unfold their stories in a theatrical, magical, and compelling manner. The narrative weaves between showmanship and reality, blurring the lines with elements of magical realism, dreamlike sequences, and surreal events.
The novel is praised for Angela Carter's smooth and lyrical writing style, creating a world where the impossible seems almost probable. The book challenges traditional aspects of fairytales, gender roles, and sexuality, offering a rich and layered narrative that is both grand and excessive, debauched and lavish. Despite some opinions on the uneven pacing and meandering plot, the book is commended for its unique storytelling, larger-than-life characters, and masterful deployment of language, making it a textual burlesque and a delightful read.
"Lor' love you, sir!" Fevvers sang out in a voice that clanged like dustbin lids. "As to my place of birth, why, I first saw light of day right here in smoky old London, didn't I! Not billed the 'Cock... - #2
Save:'Geek Love' by Katherine Dunn is a dark and twisted tale about a family of circus performers who resort to extreme measures to create new acts for their show. The story follows the lives of the Binewski family, who engineer their own physical deformities through drug use during pregnancy to produce a collection of freakish offspring. The narrative delves into themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, identity, creation, and the blurred lines between beauty and monstrosity. The writing style is described as vivid, imaginative, and hypnotic, perfectly matching the baroque and bizarre events that unfold within the story.
“When your mama was the geek, my dreamlets,” Papa would say, “she made the nipping off of noggins such a crystal mystery that the hens themselves yearned toward her, waltzing around her, hypnotized wi... - #3
Save:The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler follows the story of Simon, a librarian, who receives an old carnival record book that reveals a dark family history of drowning women. The narrative alternates between the present day and the late 1700s, intertwining Simon's quest to uncover the family curse with the mysterious events of the past involving a traveling circus. As Simon delves deeper into his family's past, he must race against time to prevent a tragedy from repeating itself, all while navigating themes of family, love, curses, and the mystical.
Perched on the bluff’s edge, the house is in danger. Last night’s storm tore land and churned water, littering the beach with bottles, seaweed, and horseshoe crab carapaces. The place where I’ve spent... - #4
Save:'Joyland' by Stephen King is a coming-of-age mystery novel set in an amusement park in North Carolina during the 1970s. The story follows college student Devin Jones as he navigates first love, heartbreak, and self-discovery while working at Joyland for the summer. Despite being a murder mystery with some supernatural elements, the book is more focused on character development and nostalgia for a bygone era. King's writing style immerses readers in the world of the carnival and creates a bittersweet tale of growing up and finding one's place in life.
The heartbreaker was Wendy Keegan, and she didn’t deserve me. It’s taken me most of my life to come to that conclusion, but you know the old saw; better late than never. She was from Portsmouth, New H... - #5
Save:The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers is a dark fantasy historical fiction mystery that follows Lara Barnes as she delves into her family's past after her fiancé disappears on their wedding day, joining the ranks of other men who have mysteriously vanished before. Lara uncovers secrets tied to a circus painting and journals dating back to 1925, leading her to a world of mysteries, magic, and a Secret Circus. The plot intertwines past and present, revealing a captivating tale of love, self-discovery, sacrifice, and forgiveness, all set against the backdrop of a mystical circus that holds dark secrets and hidden connections to Lara's family history.
The writing style of Constance Sayers in The Ladies of the Secret Circus is described as magical, whimsical, and captivating, with beautifully described settings that transport the readers to the enchanting world of Kerrigan Falls and the luscious velvet upholstery of the circus. The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and characters, creating a story that keeps readers guessing and theorizing, with moments of brilliance that evoke intrigue and mystery, making it a compelling and immersive read for fans of dark fantasy and historical fiction.
It was the color of old bones. The intricate platinum beading dripped down the dress’s fitted bodice in a scrolled pattern. Mid-thigh, the long chiffon skirt emerged, sweeping the floor with a dramati... - #6
Save:'Twilight Eyes' by Dean Koontz is a thrilling horror novel that follows the protagonist, Slim MacKenzie, who possesses the ability to see goblins disguised as real people. The story unfolds as Slim navigates through carnivals, encountering others with the same sight, leading to a two-person war against the goblins in Pennsylvania. The book is set in a carnival setting, with a mix of fantastical elements and suspenseful plot twists that keep the reader engaged. The writing style includes rich descriptions and detailed character backgrounds, creating a spooky and intriguing atmosphere throughout the narrative.
That was the year they murdered our president in Dallas. It was the end of innocence, the end of a certain way of thinking and being, and some were despondent and said it was the death of hope, as wel... - #7
Save:'Something Wicked This Way Comes' by Ray Bradbury is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of two young boys, Will and Jim, and Will's father as they encounter a sinister carnival that arrives in their small town. The carnival promises to fulfill people's deepest desires but at a sinister cost, leading to a battle between good and evil. Bradbury's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and mesmerizing, creating a vivid and eerie atmosphere that captures the reader's imagination. The book delves into themes of childhood, aging, regret, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
First of all, it was October, a rare month for boys. Not that all months aren’t rare. But there be bad abd good, as the pirates say. Take September, a bad month: schoool begins. Consider August, a goo... - #8
Save:A Son of the Circus by John Irving is a complex and captivating story that follows Dr. Farrokh Daruwalla, a man with connections to multiple murders and a penchant for detective stories. The narrative weaves through various settings, including Europe, Canada, and India, exploring themes of identity, immigration, and belonging. The book features a wide array of characters, from dwarfs and transvestites to actors and film stars, all intricately linked through a murder mystery that proves to be more than meets the eye.
The writing style of A Son of the Circus is described as engaging and immersive, with intricate world-building and clever tangents that add depth to the plot. Readers praise the well-developed characters, the twisting storyline that keeps them engaged, and the way John Irving seamlessly combines elements of mystery, suspense, and cultural exploration in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
I’m going to begin by telling you about Miss Frost. While I say to everyone that I became a writer because I read a certain novel by Charles Dickens at the formative age of fifteen, the truth is I was... - #9
Save:The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a magical tale set in a mysterious circus that appears at night, showcasing wonders and illusions that captivate visitors. The story revolves around two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are pawns in a larger game orchestrated by their mentors. As the competition unfolds, the circus becomes the stage for their magical duel, intertwining their fates and the lives of those around them. The narrative weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that transports readers to a world filled with enchantment and intrigue.
The writing style of The Night Circus is described as rich in imagery, with vivid descriptions that bring the circus to life in the reader's mind. The book is praised for its unique structure, alternating between different points of view and time frames, creating a sense of fluidity and adding depth to the storytelling. Despite some opinions noting the complexity of the plot and characters, the book is commended for its imaginative world-building, engaging prose, and the magical love story between Celia and Marco that unfolds amidst the backdrop of the enchanting circus.
The man billed as Prospero the Enchanter receives a fair amount of correspondence via the theater office, but this is the first envelope addressed to him that contains a suicide note, and it is also t... - #10
Save:During the summer of 1964 in rural South Carolina, a young girl is given a home by three black, beekeeping sisters. As she enters their mesmerizing secret world of bees and honey, she discovers a place where she can find the single thing her heart longs for most. The story follows fourteen-year-old Lily as she searches for love and her place in the world, bringing the 1960s in the U.S South to life in a creative tale of self-discovery, mother-daughter relationships, and finding acceptance among an eccentric group of black women beekeepers.
Lily, a motherless 14-year-old, embarks on an emotional voyage of self-discovery, accompanied by her black nanny, fleeing from an emotionally abusive father and the law. Through her journey, she discovers herself, her mother, and her future with the help of the black women beekeepers she encounters. The book delves into themes of friendship, mother-daughter relationships, confronting prejudices, and the resilience and spirit of strong women facing numerous challenges.
The queen, for her part, is the unifying force of the community; if she is removed from the hive, the workers very quickly sense her absence. After a few hours, or even less, they show unmistakable si...
