Water for Elephants Summary of Key Points

Set in the 1930s, ‘Water for Elephants’ tells the story of Jacob, a young veterinary student who, after a family tragedy, joins a traveling circus as their vet. Amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression, Jacob finds love, danger, and adventure.

The Boys in the Boat Summary of Key Points

The Boys in the Boat tells the true story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal. This team transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. The sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the boys defeated elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic games.