Water for Elephants is a historical novel by Sara Gruen.

Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student, is close to graduating when a terrible tragedy forces him to leave school. With nowhere else to go, he hops on a passing train and finds it belongs to a traveling circus. Jacob takes a job as an animal caretaker and meets Marlena, a beautiful circus performer. Their shared compassion for a special elephant named Rosie leads to love, but August, Marlena's cruel husband, stands in their way.

The Afternoon Book Group is open to all -- Village membership not required. RSVP not required. The book will be available on the library reserve shelf.