This week, I finished Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. Jacob finishes his story of his life at the circus including it's happy ending. Then, the book comes back to present day. Jacob waits for his son to come and visit him so that they can go to the circus that is in town, but his family never comes. Jacob decides to go to the circus by himself, even though he isn't allowed to leave the nursing home. At the circus, he meets Charlie, who is a manager, and Charlie invites Jacob into his trailer after the show. There, Charlie learns that Jacob isn't supposed to be with him, but Jacob explains that he wants to join the circus again; Charlie agrees.
"And then I laugh, because it's so ridiculous and so gorgeous and it's all I can do to melt into a fit of giggles. So what if I'm ninety-three? So what if I'm ancient and cranky and my body's a wreck? If they're willing to accept me, why shouldn't I run away to the circus?" (331).
This excerpt from Jacob's thoughts sums up the message of the story. Whether we're old or young, we can only ever be truly happy when we do what we love. Jacob loved being a part of the circus; when he wasn't with the circus, he was cranky and mean. So, becoming a part of it again made him realize how happy he can be when he does what he likes to do.
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