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The Night Circus

Erin Morgenstern

Start date: March 1, 2012

Finish date: March 31, 2012

Discussion: Former Group Reads

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Former Group Reads

* Reckless by Amanda Quick (September 2013 Group Read)
By Rea , Ghost · 9 posts · 20 views

last updated Oct 26, 2013 12:24PM

* Beauty and the Bounty Hunter by Lori Austin (September 2013 Group Read)
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last updated Sep 01, 2013 07:24AM

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What Members Thought

Mar 13, 2013 Naomi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was the strangest book I've ever read! Strange but compelling.
I just don't know what else to say except you need to read this for yourself to understand what I mean!
My mind is boggled.... ...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Think rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-loved, 2012-reads

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
January 8, 2012 to January 23, 2012
387 pages
Published: 09.13.11

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble
“The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young ma ...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Anne (Booklady) Molinarolo rated it liked it

Shelves: literary-fiction, sci-fi-fantasy, winter-2011-12

The circus suddenly appears where it wasn’t before. In its labyrinth of foot paths, tall black and white tents tower over the smaller tents against the grey sky. I am standing in line with the others waiting to see what kind of circus is open from sunset to dawn. And the circus is grand! Morgenstern has created the best living character I’ve read in a long while. Yet the reason of the Night Circus’ existence is mediocre. It is the setting in which two young illusionists will compete. Only one wi The circus suddenly appears where it wasn’t before. In its labyrinth of foot paths, tall black and white tents tower over the smaller tents against the grey sky. I am standing in line with the others waiting to see what kind of circus is open from sunset to dawn. And the circus is grand! Morgenstern has created the best living character I’ve read in a long while. Yet the reason of the Night Circus’ existence is mediocre. It is the setting in which two young illusionists will compete. Only one will survive.

Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair have been bound together by two aging illusionists since they were ages 6 and 9 respectfully. Hector Bowen sees in his daughter a greater talent than he ever was. (Note: Prospero’s “unfortunate” trick that caused him to be dead to the world.) Any child will do for the man in the grey suit; Marco is picked up from an orphanage. The children are told they will be trained for a great competition and only one of them will win. The rules are never explained. And the competition is drawn out over 30 years with the NIGHT CIRCUS as their battleground. One performs in the circus; the other comes up with projects for it. Marco cannot travel with it for many years. Marco knows who his opponent is while Celia doesn’t and collaborates on projects with him.

I found myself drawn toward the teen Bailey more and more as he would be the lad to run away with the circus. Poppet and Widget were very interesting, while tarot reading Isobel was as psychotic as the sociopathic Hector and Alexander H. While the changing POV bothered some reviewers, I found the change very refreshing, especially the 2nd person narrative. It really pulled me into the circus and into the story. I cared about the child competitors while they trained in their own magic technique, but slowly lost interest in them after a while despite an ending that was satisfactory. Celia and Marco seemed like cardboard cutouts rather than three dimensional. But the circus kept me reading to the novel’s last page.
...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Ramona Wray rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: magic, awesome-reads, favorites

The Night Circus isn't a book, but a feast for all senses. It sings to you. It will stay with you. It's inspiring and beyond beautiful. I am awed and very much at a loss for words... ...more

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Jan 07, 2014 Cate (The Professional Fangirl) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, 2014-reads, own

When was the last time you’ve been to a circus? It’s been too long for me. Just the thought of it makes me so excited. And I’m not talking about Cirque du Soleil. I remember reading (and watching) Water for Elephants and wishing that a circus stops nearby. There’s something magical about a circus… not just the sleight of hand or the very well trained performers. As soon as you pass through the gates, it is a whole new world.

Read full review at Reading Good Books . ...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Laurie rated it liked it

I was a little disapointed with this book. Most reviews gave 4-5 stars not in my opinion. I kept waiting for it to get better and it just didn't for me. ...more

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