The book is a written account of a family's struggle to buy and restore a decrepit, disreputable zoo that corresponds to the film documentary of that same struggle in BEN'S ZOO. Perhaps it was because I was listening to it as an e-book, but I found it hard to relate to the characters. It was interesting, and I could see how the various animal encounters would make good movie fodder, but I was never completely drawn into their lives. Even the death of a major character--not wanting to spoil the story-left me feeling uninvolved. Lots of issues were raised such as role of zoos, endangered species, finances, family business, and cancer- which could fuel club discussions.