Hannah’s Dream by Diane Hammond 
Release date: 2008 / 319
Synopsis (from back cover): For forty-one years, Samson Brown has been caring for Hannah, the lone elephant at the down-at-the-heels Max L. Biedelman Zoo. Having vowed not to retire until an equally loving and devoted caretaker is found to replace him, Sam rejoices when smart, compassionate Neva Wilson is hired as the new elephant keeper. But Neva quickly discovers what Sam already knows: that despite their loving care, Hannah is isolated from other elephants and her feet are nearly ruined from standing on hard concrete all day. Using her contacts in the zookeeping world, Neva and Sam hatch a plan to send Hannah to an elephant sanctuary…
First line: “Samson Brown loved exactly two things in this world: his wife and his elephant.”
Review: This novel is simply a delight. It caught my eye at Tattered Covers in Denver on our recent trip — and then on a list of Indie Next’s Notable Picks — and then, happily, the publisher contacted me to read and review it. It did not disappoint.
Ever notice how some books seem to take much longer than you would expect to finish, and you assume you must just be busier than usual? And then with other books, miraculously you seem to have time to fly through a novel in just a couple of days? Well, Hannah will be over before you want it to be, leaving you missing Samson, Neva, and even Hannah…
I was a little concerned when the publicity papers praised the novel as one fans of “Water for Elephants” would love, since I did not love Gruen’s very popular novel. Instead, Gruen should use Hannah as a way to lure readers.
Hammond’s deft characterization brings to life unique people who are well-meaning and extremely likeable — and even the “bad guy” is sympathetic due to Hammond’s use of third person point-of-view that switches to include each of the major players.
I did shed tears at the end, but they were largely of joy with only a bit of disappointment that the characters would no longer be a part of my life.
In case I haven’t been clear — I highly recommend this novel and would love to share it with a reader… So, drop me a comment if you would like to be in the running for a free copy!
Hi,
Having loved Water for Elephants and having had a GREAT book group discussion about this book, I’d love to try Hannah’s Dream. Thanks for your review.
I would LOVE to win this book, I’ve heard really great things about it!
I’d love to win! I’ve heard great things about it as well.
I’d love to be in the drawing! I keep hearing great things about this book.
I’m so glad there is interest in this novel! Deb, Nancy, Tara, and Heather — you’re in the running and I’ll draw the winner tomorrow morning!
You won, Deb!! Look for an email from me
Please enter me. It sounds like this might be a good book for precocious readers in middle school. DO you think so?
Hi CB! I think this would be a great choice for a good middle school reader. I’m sorry that Deb already won my free copy, but I strongly recommend that you check it out anyway!
Pingback: TLC Presents: Seeing Stars | BOOK CLUB CLASSICS!
Pingback: TLC Presents: Seeing Stars | BOOK CLUB CLASSICS!