Modoc

I just finished reading Modoc a couple hours ago, and it was one of those books that read so well I often forgot that it wasn't fiction.  Ralph Helfer writes very well, and while it may help that I am obsessed with elephants, I'm almost positive that anybody would be touched by the story he relates.

Modoc reads like a combo novel/memoir, mostly because the story is so fantastic that it's difficult to believe that so much could happen to one person and one elephant, despite knowing that the entire book is based upon a true story.  It reminded me a little of Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, just not fictional.

Helfer relates the lives of Bram Gunterstein and Modoc, both born on the same day, during the same hour, at the same place in a small town in Germany.  This connection between their births led to the development of an almost instantaneous bond that could not be broken, no matter the distances or circumstances.  Theirs is the sort of tie that most animal lovers probably wish they could develop, though one this strong seems to be extremely rare, given how most people didn't understand Bram's relationship and the depth of his devotion to her.

Despite the hardships faced by Modoc and Bram, theirs is a story of the love that transcends the boundaries between species.  This was an extremely heart-warming story, though I have to admit to tearing up at the end.  I would strongly recommend this book to anybody who loves animals or enjoys a good story, as it was very difficult to put down.  Besides, Betty White endorsed the novel, and she's essentially the coolest person on the planet, so there's no other recommendation needed.