Modoc    by Ralph Helfer Order:  USA  Can Harper, 1998 (1997) Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Modoc is a story that will tug at your heart. The story of the life of a man and his elephant! The incredible story of the life of a man and his elephant. The basics of the book are true life. After the research was done, the author, Ralph Helfer, had to wing it a bit to write this joint biography. In 1896 in a small German circus town in Germany, Bram Gunterstein was born at the same time an elephant that would be named Modoc was also born! The two bonded from the first moment and spent the better part of their lives together. Mo - or Mosie, as Bram called the huge creature - performed in circus acts while Bram acted as trainer. Bram's father believed in patient, kind and gentle training. He taught his son the same approach. It paid off. Mo and Bram became a famous team and performed at many different venues around the world. While Bram trained Mo, he never owned her until near the end of both their lives. They survived a shipwreck, a war in India, and a circus tent fire. Mo lived for ten years as a roadside attraction with her then owner encouraging little boys to throw stones at her. Through good times and bad, Mo and Bram had a connection that defied belief. Keep hankies close at hand while reading if you're a softie like me. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews