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Max L. Biedelman Zoo #1
Hannah's Dream
An elephant never forgets . . . but can she dream?
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--just as the zoo's angry, unhappy director launches an aggressive revitalization campaign that spotlights Hannah as the star attraction, inextricably tying Hannah's future to the fate of the Max L. Biedelman Zoo.
A charming, poignant, and captivating novel certain to enthrall readers of Water for Elephants, Diane Hammond's Hannah's Dream is a beautifully told tale rich in heart, humor, and intelligence.
319 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2008
234 people are currently reading
5614 people want to read
About the author
Diane Hammond
8 books67 followersFor forty-plus years I have tried to describe to other writers and non-writers alike the magic of writing. The way it can make things happen I never intended to make happen; the way it creates images in readers' heads that I can plant there with nothing but words; the way it helps sort me out when I didn't understand myself by thinking, alone.
I feel privileged to be a writer, and much more so to have my work read. I am grateful to every person who chooses to spend time with my words, and to conjure my visions as their own. It is an honor I will never take for granted, or view as less than an incredible act of magic.
I feel privileged to be a writer, and much more so to have my work read. I am grateful to every person who chooses to spend time with my words, and to conjure my visions as their own. It is an honor I will never take for granted, or view as less than an incredible act of magic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 852 reviews
December 7, 2019
Y’all that know me, know I love the animals. One of my donation places is The Elephant Sanctuary in TN and there’s a mention of it in the book. I will get to that in minute.
Of course, I cried and raged at things I already know, but I digress.
In the acknowledgements, the author mentions getting her research (so to speak) from Keiko (the free Willy whale)
And of course one of my fav stories of Shirley at The Elephant Sanctuary. Shirley actually turned 71 in July! Bless her!
Anyway, I love the book and it’s sad this still goes on in the world!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Of course, I cried and raged at things I already know, but I digress.
In the acknowledgements, the author mentions getting her research (so to speak) from Keiko (the free Willy whale)
And of course one of my fav stories of Shirley at The Elephant Sanctuary. Shirley actually turned 71 in July! Bless her!
Anyway, I love the book and it’s sad this still goes on in the world!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
March 17, 2017
Every so often you will come across a book that truly touches your heart and for me it was this book, Hannah's Dream. A really beautiful, heartfelt story about an elephant named Hannah and her keeper named Samson Brown (Sam).
Sam has been taking care of Hannah for forty one years in a rundown zoo. Sam's love for Hannah is heartwarming and there isn't anything Sam wouldn't do for his Hannah, but Sam isn't getting any younger and his health is beginning to deteriorate. It's time for Sam to find somebody to take care of Hannah, but that may not be that easy and can or will Sam be able to hand Hannah over to someone else?
I absolutely LOVED this book so much so that it's going into my favorites shelf. Yes, I'll admit I'm an animal lover, so I do enjoy reading animal stories, but Hannah's Dream was a cut above the rest in my opinion. If you enjoy reading animal stories or just love a really good story, then PLEASE do yourself a favor and read this book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Sam has been taking care of Hannah for forty one years in a rundown zoo. Sam's love for Hannah is heartwarming and there isn't anything Sam wouldn't do for his Hannah, but Sam isn't getting any younger and his health is beginning to deteriorate. It's time for Sam to find somebody to take care of Hannah, but that may not be that easy and can or will Sam be able to hand Hannah over to someone else?
I absolutely LOVED this book so much so that it's going into my favorites shelf. Yes, I'll admit I'm an animal lover, so I do enjoy reading animal stories, but Hannah's Dream was a cut above the rest in my opinion. If you enjoy reading animal stories or just love a really good story, then PLEASE do yourself a favor and read this book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
December 28, 2008
I hugged this book when i was finished.
November 12, 2008
this book has to be one of the best books I've ever read, honestly, I didn't want it to end. You fall in love with the main characters & can so picture everything actually happening, I want a sequel!!!! Thanks Diane for such a wonderful read!!!
July 17, 2017
***ALL SPOILERS HIDDEN***
Readers likely will gravitate to this book looking for a Water for Elephants-esque tale. Unfortunately, their search won't end here. This is a tale that veers dangerously into maudlin territory time and again. Where it falls very short of the mark is in portraying some rawness, some grit that would make it hit those many emotional chords that Water for Elephants does with such aplomb. Hammond went to some length to pluck on heart strings with a story line concerning a once-vibrant city zoo now fallen into disrepair, one of its main attractions, Hannah, a gentle, placid elephant now in a perpetual sad sack state. This sounds like just the right formula for a memorable tear-jerker, but little-to-no high drama translates to a story that's as flat as 12-day old cola, with about as much bite.
The characterization is similarly lifeless, and the characters' interactions dull at times. It doesn't help that Hannah's Dream contains a glut of characters too; a large fraction could have received the axe--with Martin Choi's neck on the chopping block first--and the story would not only have been no worse off but have been strengthened. A story line that seems to hint at a robust future romance is a disappointing tease, which is a shame, because a strong romance at least would have lent this story some much-needed dramatic tension, even if that tension is of the soap opera variety.
In short, this is not memorable literature and reads like an amateur effort that was trying to ride the coattails of Water for Elephants' wild success.
Readers likely will gravitate to this book looking for a Water for Elephants-esque tale. Unfortunately, their search won't end here. This is a tale that veers dangerously into maudlin territory time and again. Where it falls very short of the mark is in portraying some rawness, some grit that would make it hit those many emotional chords that Water for Elephants does with such aplomb. Hammond went to some length to pluck on heart strings with a story line concerning a once-vibrant city zoo now fallen into disrepair, one of its main attractions, Hannah, a gentle, placid elephant now in a perpetual sad sack state. This sounds like just the right formula for a memorable tear-jerker, but little-to-no high drama translates to a story that's as flat as 12-day old cola, with about as much bite.
The characterization is similarly lifeless, and the characters' interactions dull at times. It doesn't help that Hannah's Dream contains a glut of characters too; a large fraction could have received the axe--with Martin Choi's neck on the chopping block first--and the story would not only have been no worse off but have been strengthened. A story line that seems to hint at a robust future romance is a disappointing tease, which is a shame, because a strong romance at least would have lent this story some much-needed dramatic tension, even if that tension is of the soap opera variety.
In short, this is not memorable literature and reads like an amateur effort that was trying to ride the coattails of Water for Elephants' wild success.
December 5, 2017
This is a fictional story about a lone elephant in a zoo, who has a handler trying to get her into a reserve with others elephants. I always admire those (whether real or fictional) who make a personal stand and are so completely committed to going the distance in doing what is right....especially when it comes to animals. This is one of those stories.
I liked this, but I'm not sure I'd recommend the audio. This would probably have been 4 stars if I had read the pages instead of listening.
I liked this, but I'm not sure I'd recommend the audio. This would probably have been 4 stars if I had read the pages instead of listening.
December 16, 2019
3.5***
Sam Brown has been caring for Hannah, an Asian elephant, for over forty years, since shortly after she came to the Max Biedelman Zoo in the small agricultural town of Bladenham, Washington. Max Biedelman was really Maxine, the daughter and heiress of a wealthy lumber tycoon. She loved animals and nature and had quite the private collection of exotic animals. She willed her property, including the zoo and all its animals, to the city. But now a new zoo director has arrived, and Harriet Saul is determined to turn this place around. Unfortunately, her goals don’t have anything to do with proper care of the animals and Hannah will be the one to suffer most. Unless Sam and his colleagues and friends can find a way to save her.
This was a heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it. But then, if a book has an elephant in it, I’m bound to be a fan. I really liked Sam, his wife Corina, and Neva Wilson, the young zookeeper who comes to help.
The story moves back and forth in time, sometimes going to the early days when Max Biedelman was still alive, and Sam first came to work as Hannah’s keeper. The writing isn’t stellar, and the characters are out of central casting. But the basic story line was still enjoyable and kept me turning pages. There’s a subplot dealing with Max’s relationship with the charming, if frail, Miss Effie, that does little to advance the main plot, but which was handled sensitively.
Sam Brown has been caring for Hannah, an Asian elephant, for over forty years, since shortly after she came to the Max Biedelman Zoo in the small agricultural town of Bladenham, Washington. Max Biedelman was really Maxine, the daughter and heiress of a wealthy lumber tycoon. She loved animals and nature and had quite the private collection of exotic animals. She willed her property, including the zoo and all its animals, to the city. But now a new zoo director has arrived, and Harriet Saul is determined to turn this place around. Unfortunately, her goals don’t have anything to do with proper care of the animals and Hannah will be the one to suffer most. Unless Sam and his colleagues and friends can find a way to save her.
This was a heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it. But then, if a book has an elephant in it, I’m bound to be a fan. I really liked Sam, his wife Corina, and Neva Wilson, the young zookeeper who comes to help.
The story moves back and forth in time, sometimes going to the early days when Max Biedelman was still alive, and Sam first came to work as Hannah’s keeper. The writing isn’t stellar, and the characters are out of central casting. But the basic story line was still enjoyable and kept me turning pages. There’s a subplot dealing with Max’s relationship with the charming, if frail, Miss Effie, that does little to advance the main plot, but which was handled sensitively.
March 24, 2017
I'd heard about this book on NPR and put it on my To-Read List, so when I saw it on sale I snatched it up and started it even though I have a generally strict rule about reading only one book at a time...
I've heard it called a love story, and it is- but the thing I like most is the development of each of the characters right up until the end. I love Miles the pig and he and Truman's budding relationship. I laughed out loud so many times because I felt as though I had known a miniature pot bellied pig at some point and that Hammond has written about him from my point of view.
I would love to know an animal as large and intelligent as an elephant and it's very likely that I wont, but that's ok because I feel as tough I have known Hannah.
On NPR there was talk of the possibility of turning this into a movie and I must say that my vote for Sam is Morgan Freeman and my vote for Neva is Julianne Moore- I'm still thinking about who to cast as Truman and Harriet and the boys, but I'll let you know ;)
I've heard it called a love story, and it is- but the thing I like most is the development of each of the characters right up until the end. I love Miles the pig and he and Truman's budding relationship. I laughed out loud so many times because I felt as though I had known a miniature pot bellied pig at some point and that Hammond has written about him from my point of view.
I would love to know an animal as large and intelligent as an elephant and it's very likely that I wont, but that's ok because I feel as tough I have known Hannah.
On NPR there was talk of the possibility of turning this into a movie and I must say that my vote for Sam is Morgan Freeman and my vote for Neva is Julianne Moore- I'm still thinking about who to cast as Truman and Harriet and the boys, but I'll let you know ;)
December 2, 2008
Another wonderful book about an elephant...
The characters are beautifully realized. I loved the subtle ironies, like how one character's ex-wife keeps accusing him of being deadly boring while he's in the middle of secreting an elephant out of a zoo. There is much to learn from this book on the art of crafting a distinctive voice for each character.
The book is remarkable for a literary adult novel--the characters are likable, and the ending is uplifting.
Plus I could believe in the people Hammond creates and the politics that whorl around Hannah the elephant because of the years Hammond spent as spokesperson for Keiko the Killer Whale.
The characters are beautifully realized. I loved the subtle ironies, like how one character's ex-wife keeps accusing him of being deadly boring while he's in the middle of secreting an elephant out of a zoo. There is much to learn from this book on the art of crafting a distinctive voice for each character.
The book is remarkable for a literary adult novel--the characters are likable, and the ending is uplifting.
Plus I could believe in the people Hammond creates and the politics that whorl around Hannah the elephant because of the years Hammond spent as spokesperson for Keiko the Killer Whale.
November 13, 2008
I absolutely loved Hannh's Dream. At the top of my favorites list along with Water for Elephants. You will fall in love withSam, Hannahs' caretaker, Hannah the elephant and his wife Corinna. Every character will live onin myheart. I imagine what they're doing now. Such a feel-good story. The author, Diane Hammond, has truly written one of the best stories I've ever read.
October 4, 2008
Very enjoyable novel about an aging elephant and her aging handler. I love it when a story unfolds effortlessly and doesn't make you think the author is trying hard to make it so. This book does that. It is beautifully written.
July 20, 2021
"... so if you feel a little breeze or smell a donut smell sometimes, why, you know it's just my thoughts passing through."
May 14, 2019
This book was amazing ... I love books about elephants and Hannah was exceptional. How beautiful!
September 8, 2016
A wonderfully written tale which tells the story of an elephant, Hannah, and her keeper for 41 years, Sam. The character development is tremendous and gives the reader a visceral insight into the true nature of Sam and Hannah. The caring dynamic of their relationship is skillfully portrayed and the reader cannot help but love both characters. Sam and Hannah are surrounded by a secondary cast of characters that further enhance the book. They include, but are not limited to, Sam's headstrong and independent wife, a lonely and desperate zoo director, a new assistant keeper to Sam, a teenage boy with no father or mother that Sam takes under his wings, and a director of zoo operations along with his quirky son. The author proficiently synthesizes their stories with the story of Hannah and Sam. The relationships that develop between some of these characters, to some extent, mirror the relationship between Hannah and Sam. Specifically, all the relationships written about poignantly demonstrate complex concepts of love, devotion, commitment and selflessness. In the end, these concepts will lead to the triumphant effectuation and realization of Hannah's dream..and leave you with a tear or two.
August 31, 2016
This is truly one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read, I didn't want it to come to an end. Somewhat reminiscent of "Water for Elephants" or the children's novel "The One and Only Ivan". The story is about an aging elephant, Hannah, and her aging caretaker, Sam, they have been together for 41 years and Sam has passed on retirement twice because he worries what will happen to his "baby" when he's gone and will not leave until he knows she will be safe and well cared for. It is simple story about love, doing the right thing, and the art of letting go. An excellent book with lovable and well developed characters, this is one that I will always remember.
May 2, 2015
I really enjoyed "Hannah's Dream." I became very involved with all the characters and was charmed by them and how their relationships evolved. They all care deeply about Hannah, the aging elephant in a run down zoo and work together to assure the remainder of her life is lived peacefully. The characters are all lovable (except one) and the story is wonderful. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to get lost between the pages of a truly lovely story.
December 22, 2008
This book was amazing. There isn't a lot more to say about it. She captured what all of us who work with animals already know about how brilliant they are, and how very like us... Beautiful. Every animal lover should read this.
November 11, 2018
A truly touching and uplifting story. I loved the variety of characters and how they each played a unique role in bringing everything to conclusion. An excellent read for animal lovers and fans of human stories alike.
October 21, 2021
Lovely heartwarming story about an elephant with unhealthy legs and it’s caretakers. There’s also a story inserted within that story about the historical zoo that comes into new management with new ideas to attract much needed funds and exposure.
July 18, 2022
This is a feel-good, folksy story that tugs at the heart. It's a bit longer than it needs to be, IMHO. Without the numerous back stories of each character, it would've been much shorter but maybe not as meaningful. That said, sometimes I ended up skimming the back story just to get on with the action.
Hannah is the lone elephant in a privately run zoo that's losing money. Her caretaker of 40+ years, Sam, is nearing retirement and suffering serious health problems. Their bond is a special one. The dilemma: Hannah will not survive if left at the zoo without Sam's tender care and companionship. There aren't many surprises but it's still a fun read and made me smile, even tear up a bit.
Recommended for those who have a soft spot for elephants and like stories with down-to-earth characters and maybe a bit of Christianity woven in.
Quote:
"But he was not a colorful man. Winslow was not a colorful boy. Their riches were subterranean."
Hannah is the lone elephant in a privately run zoo that's losing money. Her caretaker of 40+ years, Sam, is nearing retirement and suffering serious health problems. Their bond is a special one. The dilemma: Hannah will not survive if left at the zoo without Sam's tender care and companionship. There aren't many surprises but it's still a fun read and made me smile, even tear up a bit.
Recommended for those who have a soft spot for elephants and like stories with down-to-earth characters and maybe a bit of Christianity woven in.
Quote:
"But he was not a colorful man. Winslow was not a colorful boy. Their riches were subterranean."
March 14, 2014
Hannah is an aging elephant at the Max L. Biedelman Zoo in Washington state. She has been cared for by Sam Brown for 41 years. Sam's diabetic feet are ulcerated which really connects him with Hannah as she has a constant abscess from her nightly shackles. Due to Sam's age and condition, he needs to retire. But what will become of Hannah? Sam is her one true friend. She has not been around another elephant for years. Surely, without placing her among other elephants, she will die.
A wonderful group of caring individuals, Neva the new elephant caretaker, Truman, the zoo's administrative assistant, his son Winslow, Neva's off-the-wall artistic landlord, Johnson Johnson, Truman's parents and Sam's lovable wife Corinna unite to find help for Hannah before it is too late. Their opposition is the new zoo's administrator, Harriet Saul who runs the zoo like a drill sergeant and has taken to becoming the original owner Maxine Biedelman to increase zoo attendance. She needs Hannah or else the zoo becomes just a collection of hooved animals with a few primates thrown in.
As you can tell, I loved the cast of characters in this book. I loved the description of the zoo and Hammond's word choice. I loved the drama and the way the characters connected and supported each other.
A wonderful group of caring individuals, Neva the new elephant caretaker, Truman, the zoo's administrative assistant, his son Winslow, Neva's off-the-wall artistic landlord, Johnson Johnson, Truman's parents and Sam's lovable wife Corinna unite to find help for Hannah before it is too late. Their opposition is the new zoo's administrator, Harriet Saul who runs the zoo like a drill sergeant and has taken to becoming the original owner Maxine Biedelman to increase zoo attendance. She needs Hannah or else the zoo becomes just a collection of hooved animals with a few primates thrown in.
As you can tell, I loved the cast of characters in this book. I loved the description of the zoo and Hammond's word choice. I loved the drama and the way the characters connected and supported each other.
November 13, 2008
I am going to enjoy recommending this book to lots of people. Hannah's zookeeper needs to retire due to his health but after 41 years together, the elephant will die without him. A new zookeeper comes on the picture and convinces him to help get Hannah to a new home with a new herd. A gentle read--easy to recommend to anyone. This story was inspired by Keiko the killer whale and its journey from captivity to the Antarctic. This is a good
Water for Elephants
readalike.
Hannah's Dream
Hannah's Dream
February 2, 2014
It's all about soul
Excellent character development in a sweet multilevel love story.
Sam and Hannah a love story for the ages. They have been together for 41 years, never mind that Sam is an ailing 68 year old caretaker of Hannah a declining elephant. Their love and devotion is as strong and heartwarming as any I've read about.
I appreciated that the author chose to focus on the important aspects of the characters: heart, steadfastness, fears, generosity, while the less important aspects (race, sexual orientation, etc) are left to be gleaned a long the way if at all.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
Excellent character development in a sweet multilevel love story.
Sam and Hannah a love story for the ages. They have been together for 41 years, never mind that Sam is an ailing 68 year old caretaker of Hannah a declining elephant. Their love and devotion is as strong and heartwarming as any I've read about.
I appreciated that the author chose to focus on the important aspects of the characters: heart, steadfastness, fears, generosity, while the less important aspects (race, sexual orientation, etc) are left to be gleaned a long the way if at all.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
November 14, 2008
In Hannah's Dream, author Diane Hammond takes a snippet of news footage about an aging elephant and her keeper and expands it into a marvelous novel. Hammond creates a vibrant and believable cast of characters to fill her fictional world not the least of which is the amazing elephant Hannah whose uncertain future is pivotal to the story. I was quickly and completley absorbed by the story and so will any reader who has ever looked into the eyes of an animal and seen a familiar soul looking back.
November 9, 2013
I loved every page of this book. The characters are expertly drawn and believable. I really felt involved in their lives. I felt like I could feel the soul of Hannah the elephant come right out through the pages. This is a book that made me feel really sad to reach the end, I did not want to leave.
December 17, 2008
I finished book. Sometimes it's sad to finish a book because you become friends with your characters. I must say this book was an enjoyable read from start to finish. I recommend it to everyone.
Thanks Diane!
Thanks Diane!
November 18, 2008
I loved this book. It was the elephant's version of the book The secret life of Bees. Great characters, interesting story and I love elephants. Definitely fiction but it feels like it could have been true
December 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! Obviously, the fact that it features an elephant is a big plus. But I also just really liked Hammond's writing style. She did a great job of providing lots of insight into lots of different characters without it being overwhelming to me as a reader. The characters were endearing. I appreciated how Hammond was able to incorporate issues such as gender, racism, LGBTQ, beauty, religion, and socioeconomic status into her story in such a way that it got me to think about those things without feeling like she was trying to force me into a particular way of thinking. This was a book that left me wanting to be kinder, more authentic, and better at seeing the good in others.
July 16, 2019
This book was so good! It was different from what I expected—in a good way. It was a really sweet story that was heartwarming. Great characters. I even felt pity for the antagonist. I listened to this one instead of reading it, and, as often happens, the narrator drove me a little crazy. So would I give it five if I’d read it instead of listened to it? It’s probably a four and a half, and boy don’t I wish Goodreads would let you do that!
February 19, 2019
I enjoyed this book; the characters were well developed, particularly Sam Brown and Max(ine) Biedelman. And of course, who wouldn't love Hannah, the elephant that sleeps with a tire as her security blanket? I had mixed feelings going into this, as I am not a fan of animals in captivity. This book touches on that theme, which was appreciated. I also have to admit that this tugged at the heart strings at the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 852 reviews