From the Bookshelf of Addicted to YA…

The Night Circus

Erin Morgenstern

Start date: December 1, 2012

Finish date: December 31, 2012

Discussion: Stand Alone

Why we're reading this: It won the poll for the December single BOTM.
[close] It won the poll for the December single BOTM.

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Stand Alone

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What Members Thought

Sep 26, 2015 Mary Holm rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This wonderful, luscious, glorious book deserves more than five stars. Can I give it seven? Or ten? Or hundred? Night Circus is perfection.

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Apr 21, 2020 Naomi rated it liked it · review of another edition

I very much debated between 3 and 4 stars for this, and while there is not anything inherently wrong about this book, it did nothing for me. It took me three tries to finally read this book. Both previous tries I lost interest a few chapters in. I really wanted to read this because I know it is loved by so many and it really seemed like something I would like. When I finally got to around the 100 page mark, it certainly got better, but I don't think I ever really got to see what makes this book I very much debated between 3 and 4 stars for this, and while there is not anything inherently wrong about this book, it did nothing for me. It took me three tries to finally read this book. Both previous tries I lost interest a few chapters in. I really wanted to read this because I know it is loved by so many and it really seemed like something I would like. When I finally got to around the 100 page mark, it certainly got better, but I don't think I ever really got to see what makes this book so remarkable.
We follow Celia and Marco as they compete in a challenge, all wrapped up in the magical Night Circus. The story jumps around several timelines and covers a fair amount of time, which is probably what was so off-putting to me in the beginning, because I found it hard to get immersed as we kept jumping around. (view spoiler)[ I never really felt attached to the characters, because I never felt like I spent long enough with any of them before there was a time jump or a chapter about a different character. I fell like I don't know what this book was trying to do. The premise is that there's a challenge without very many rules or boundaries which ends up culminating in them growing the Night Circus and keeping it running. We also get introduced to the twins and Bailey, though I didn't really care about Bailey. We don't know very much about it, and his back story is hinted at and show in little scenes rather than truly getting to know him. I don't even really feel like we knew the two main characters, nor do I really understand how they fell in love. As for the teachers- we know almost nothing about them, and Alexander does things that I don't understand. We also have lots of side characters who have no backstory, or maybe just hints at it but not enough to make me care. I get that a lot of it is wrapped up in magic and illusions but this story never really pulled me in. I still feel like I'm missing something, because this book seems to be universally loved. I kept waiting for the moment where I would understand why, and have an Aha moment, but it never came. Even the last bit of the book, where things get exciting for a while, seemed very unclear and not very satisfying after hearing about how impossible it is to end the game. Also, so much of the magic happens off page and is only ever alluded to and not really shown. The timing also drove me crazy. I really did not like how it jumped around with years. It made it very hard to follow in the first few chapters, and even once things became more clear, I didn't really like it. Maybe I'm judging this book harshly, but I felt that it was boring and confusing rather than magical and lyrical. I'm having the same issue getting into the first few chapters of The Starless Sea, so it might just be that I don't like Morgensterns writing. I guess I'll find out.... (hide spoiler)] ...more

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Aug 27, 2012 David rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult-fantasy

Lovely, dream-like fantasy with multiple points of view, swirling timelines, an inventive premise (with a nod to Ray Bradbury) and compelling characters.

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Sep 24, 2012 Debbie Hazeleger rated it liked it

I liked the slow build up, but the bailey and the magicians in love subplots were a tad too underdeveloped. Lovely descriptions though, and I wish I could actually go visit that circus now.

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Nov 29, 2014 Julie Edwards rated it it was ok

Shelves: on-hold, fantasy

I was so fascinated by the description of this book. Magic. I started reading this book in March and gave up.

Meh.

I hate that. Giving up on a book.

I've heard such wonderful reviews from friends and on goodreads.

I hope to add a better review and rating.
We will see. ;) ...more

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Aug 02, 2015 Mms rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star

This is now one of my favorite books of all time. The language evoked the magic of the story. The characters were perfectly developed. The love story didn't overwhelm the mystery. It is truly wonderful. ...more

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