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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Elephant Dreams" by Martha Deeringer.]

Many people dream about running away to the circus at one time or another, however for sixteen year-old Fiona Finn it becomes an unintentional reality. While living in squalor on the streets of New York City, Fiona’s dad tries to force her to become a prostitute in order to fund his alcoholic habits. After escaping her father, Fiona seeks sanctuary at the Church of the Ascension and discovers an ally in a social reformer named Charles Loring Brice.

Appalled at the way Fiona has had to live, Charles secures her a spot to head out West to Texas on the Orphan Train. After a series of crazy events and a shocking run-in with a circus elephant, Fiona discovers a future that she had never allowed herself to hope for. From the moment we meet Fiona Finn in the young adult novel, Elephant Dreams written by Martha Derringer, one is immediately drawn into her world.

With never a dull moment and written in first person perspective, the reader feels as if they are following in Fiona’s foot steps and experiencing everything as she does. We’re able to witness the beautiful scenery of Texas and the colorful lives of the circus people through Fiona’s wonder-filled eyes. The dialogue is amazingly vivid which complements the gorgeous descriptions and settings of the novel and gives the readers a world in which to immerse themselves into. I felt as if I could feel the Texas heat as I was watching the strong man lift his weights and the trapeze artists flying through the air.

I absolutely adored this novel; I couldn’t find a single thing to dislike about it, other than of course the characters we are meant to dislike. The secondary characters were just as well rounded as the primary characters, leaving the reader with a feeling of contentment at the end of the novel. Each character brought his or her own three-dimensional personality to the novel, giving me a reason to either love or hate them passionately. Elephant Dreams also has the feel of a professionally edited novel. If there were any grammar or editing mistakes they were so minor that I completely over-looked them.

While the novel is recommended for people ages 12-18, I definitely can see many adults get ample enjoyment out of this novel. It is well written and heart-warming while still offering a satisfying ending. Because of all of these good things, I give Elephant Dreams, 4 out of 4 Stars. Honestly, I wish that I were able to give it a higher rating.

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Elephant Dreams
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Like Acwoolet's review? Post a comment saying so!

Waaaoooh. It's amazing how the author described the characters in this novel and her unexpected adventure, which she never knew would become a part of her.4 Stars dude

I think I must be a kid at heart because this sounds like something I would enjoy. I can't believe (well, I know it happens but it's still a shame) that her father tried to get her to go into prostitution to support his habit. Absolutely horrible. Thanks for a good review.

I love stories where the protagonist overcomes many challenges. Add the fact that I have a high interest in the orphan trains of the 20th century makes this one sound like a winner.

Exciting review! As a Texas girl myself, I wonder what part of the state was Fiona's destination. And the Orphan Train has always been a topic of interest, as well. This book has to go on my to-be-read shelf. Thank you for the highlights.

Awesome review provided! The details about this book were amazingly written and sharing is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for sharing your review. This sounds like a great book to read and your review was very well done. I look forward to reading this one myself.

I don't approve of circuses in today's day and age, but in this context it sounds like a really great book. Love an author who can transport you to a setting. Thank you for the review!

Well Acwoolet, you've got me convinced. I really liked your flavorful and delicious review. And I love YA books that adults can like also. I'll give it a read.

Elephant dreams, wonderful review, makes me want to read the book. A life of a girl with challenges but over come because she is determined. Although recommended for kids, adults need to read to acquire some knowledge in child up bring.

i love this book.. ?

I think I will have to ignore the age recommendation! This book sounds wonder-filled. Thank you for the review.

You are right, everyone dreams of running away and joining the circus, I remember when I was I kid, that's exactly what I wanted to do! This story seems so interesting and heartwarming, thank you for writing such a lovely review of it! I'm glad you didn't find anything wrong with it. And I like the fact that even the background characters are well written, that's usually not the case in most novels.

It's a shame the lengths that some parents are willing to go for money without minding the morality of their actions or the consequences of their acts. Great review.

This book tackles such a weighty matter. I'm glad you enjoyed. Thank you for the informative review.