What did you think of this book?

[Kristi]

I loved this book! It is full of magic and imagination and romance. I love the books that just are and you don't question but accept for what it is. There might be those who don't like this book because they can't figure it out. To me it was the true fulfillment of losing yourself in a book. This is the first time I have been intrigued enough with an author to go directly to their web page and bookmark their blog.

[Kim]

You know, I tried reading this book over the summer, but I think i was just not in the right frame of mind for it. I was disappointed that I couldn't get into it very quickly, beacuse it sounds like the kind of book I would love, and in general I find Erin Morgenstern delightful! Does it pick up after the first thirty or so pages? Is it worth another go?

[Evelien]

Kim wrote: "You know, I tried reading this book over the summer, but I think i was just not in the right frame of mind for it. I was disappointed that I couldn't get into it very quickly, beacuse it sounds lik..."

Definitely! It took me a while too to get into it but I enjoyed the book very much! So give it another go, I'd say!

[Jeffery]

This book is a slow build. It takes its time building the world piece-by-piece. My wife had a hard time getting into it as well but we both loved it in the end. The pure imagination of the story once it gets going is flat-out amazing.

[Kim]

I absolutely loved this book. Such great storytelling. I was hooked from the opening line. One of those books that I cry over & want to never end. Definitely on my list of all-time favorites.

[C.P.]

I enjoyed the whimsical feeling that the narration provides and over all I loved the book. Though I found the romance aspect of it a little disappointing. I think it is because I found the build to it was a little weak. However, it has definitely become a favorite of mine, as it really drew me into the story. It's been a while since a book has done that for me.

[Madison]

I absolutely adored it. It was everything I've ever wanted in a book. The love story was nice, but I mainly focused on all of the beauty and magic of the circus. I'm not much of a romantic, but I loved it, nonetheless!

[Joanne]

Though I can understand it not being for everyone, I absolutely loved it. As Kristi said, it just is and you don't question it. The characters were wonderful and everything about the book was magical. I found it to be one of those that you really hate to see end. I'm already looking forward to reading it again.

[Sarah]

I started reading this book a few times before getting into it and I loved that I was able to continue and finish it. The details make the story magical.

[Kathryn]

Kristi wrote: "I loved this book! It is full of magic and imagination and romance. I love the books that just are and you don't question but accept for what it is. There might be those who don't like this book..."

[chinami]

love this book

[☯Emily]

Magical book in more ways than one.

[Lisa]

I loved this book and found it so absorbing...I have never read anything so fantastic

[Linda]

Loved this book soooo much,almost as good as Nights at the Circus.

[Grad]

Loved it.

[Sandra]

Apparently, I am the only person who didn't love it. It was good, but it wasn't great. I think the movie will be stunning visually, and might be worth seeing just for that aspect. Maybe I will enjoy it more as a movie.
I normally get into these weird types of stories too, but for some reason it just didn't capture me hook line and sinker.

[[deleted user]]

This book made me feel like I was running away with the circus. I got so wrapt up in the beautiful imagery of the story reality just seemed so... Boring :) that's what I loved about the book

[Wendy]

I greatly enjoyed this as a Book on CD. The reader was excellent which added to the experience. I recommend this to others, and would love to find another that could absorb me the way this did! In a word...DELICIOUS!!

[7706laurel]

My mother and I both adore this book. She actually bought it for herself, but I took it first and read it about four times before giving it back.

[Rocky]

I consider this book to be a perfect fantasy, an entrancing escape from day to day life. A novel that is so clever while being such a pleasure to read is a rare and special thing. I eagerly await Erin Morgenstern's next book.

[Kathleen]

I picked up the book on the shelf of a liveaboard dive boat in the Maldives. I never wanted the story to end. I encouraged my 10 year old niece (reads college level) to read it and she recommended it to my 34 year old daughter. I couldn't help but ask "why isn't someone picking this up for a movie?" Hopefully, it would not be stuffed into one film but made into a sequel to preserve all the beautiful detail! I just returned from a dive trip in Curacao and saw it on the shelf of the airport! So excited for Erin Morgenstern.

[Charley Girl]

Loved it!
I love reading author’s first books. I find that they are new and exciting. I read this for one of my book clubs and I was delighted with the story. The story was mysterious and made me want to read more. I was intrigued and found that I could not stop reading.


I did find that the characters, though mysterious and interesting, were not characters that I cared all that much about. The exception was Bailey introduced as a small boy driven by child-like enthusiasm and ability to believe in the unfathomable. He was enduring and made me remember a child’s hopes and dreams.


I haven’t read a book that made me feel oddly mystical with a sense that magic was real and normal. This book was well written and induces a feeling of optimism. Part 1 ends with a quote from Oscar Wilde, “A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” This quote describes the essence of this story.


This of course brought out thoughts of my world and perhaps magical happenings in my life. Ideas, thoughts, strategies; they all come to me when I least expect them. They come to me when I’m relaxed, in a dream, while I’m reading or watching the grass being watered. Books always influence how I see the world and give me different ideas as to what perhaps can change. Inspiration, at its best.

[Anna]

This was the most visual book I have ever read. I was completely immersed in the book. I really appreciate a creative story.

[☯Emily]

That is about the best review of the book I have read. Thanks.

[Maan]

I really love this book. I was just a bit disappointed with the ending. I mean, I was expecting more, but nevertheless, it was great. I loved Marco and Celia's intense love story. I also love the characters of Bailey, Poppet and Widget.

[Kristie]

At first it is confusing, but I fell in love with it about half way through. It is one of the most creative works of fiction I have ever read (and I have read a lot). I didn't want it to end.

[Sue]

Kim wrote: "You know, I tried reading this book over the summer, but I think i was just not in the right frame of mind for it. I was disappointed that I couldn't get into it very quickly, beacuse it sounds lik..."

Hi Kim. If anything I felt it lagged in the middle. It's far too long. Having said that, I really loved it.

[Miranda]

It's a piece of art!! I mean I don't even know how was possible that Erin didn't get confused about all this. I was with this idea de battles were gonna be Harry Potter's style and the only reason why I wanted to read it was because the story was set in a circus. Turns out it wasn't what I expected, but better. I totally loved this book and the way is written. And if you really pay attention, the writter answers probably all the questions you may have, some of them even before you ask.

[Locapoka]

I thought that the book was enticing and was a fantastic read. But my issue with the book was that the author used 'said' excessively. I know that the author is more than capable using other words to describe how the characters said a statment.

[Linda]

Adore this book, one I will read again and again.

[Bronwen]

I loved this book. And will read again. Entrancing.

[Chris]

Complete vomit, but then I hated the Harry Potter series. I donated my copy of The Night Circus to Goodwill Industries. Hopefully someone who likes this kind of stuff will pick it up for cheap and enjoy it, then pass it on.

[Tasula]

In my review, I called this book enchanting. It felt like I was in the world being described. After it was over, what remained was not so much details as the feelings it engendered.

[Michael]

Tasula wrote: "In my review, I called this book enchanting. It felt like I was in the world being described. After it was over, what remained was not so much details as the feelings it engendered."

That is how I felt as well.

[Karen]

This book was truly magical. I felt like I was inside Le Cirque des Reves experiencing all the wonder and enchantments, smelling all those incredible scents and smiling along with all the gifted circus performers. I could picture myself spying on the circus tents from Bailey's tree and then running across the field to get there. When an author can make me feel all these things, I know they are endowed with an amazing gift of words that goes beyond any other ordinary book ever written. Ms. Morgenstern has a very unique and creative imagination, coupled with a talent for words, that made this book come alive. This is one of the best books I have read and one that I will remember for a long, long time.

[Karen]

I loved this book. The way the author transported you from one time to another and the subtle way she leads you to understand that time is passing whilst the characters seem to be unaware. The imagery that is conjured from the descriptions of the Circus and also inside Chandresh's house are wonderful. I waited with each new siteing of the circus to read about the new and wonderful tent that had been added. I particularly loved the Ice Garden.

Of course I have encouraged everyone in our book club to read this one. And I am told that you pick up more and more with each reading.

The pictures were so real in my head that I have commissioned an oil painting so I can have a real picture to look at.

There is an online game for the Night Circus.

Can't wait for the movie, hope they do it justice and cast it well.

[Sara]

I wanted to love this book, but found it to be too slow. I feel like it had so much potential and in the end it was just meh.

[Bea]

I just finished the book about an hour ago and I really loved it!!! I was actually quite surprised to find such mixed reviews! Personally I was caught up in the plot and characters and just the whole world. It was one of those places I did not want to leave! I read it in about 3 days (most of which while riding in a car on a trip) so maybe this is why I was so taken by it. Maybe under different circumstances I wouldn't have been as absorbed. But regardless I loved it. And while the plot was subtle, I think there definitely was one - there was mystery and romance (yes between Celia and Marco but also in the circus itself) and of course magic.
I didn't read the blurb before reading the book and I can see how it is misleading. I went in having no idea what to expect instead of going in expecting a duel or battle - which is not the focus of the book - or a romance - which again is not the focus of the book. I think the main focus is the circus and this world Morgenstern created. And it goes to show that not every fairy tale needs an epic "knight fights dragon, falls in love with princess" plot line.
Also, I agree with others, Baily and the twins were my favorite!!!
And I agree, I think it will translate really well into a movie. The circus and the midnight diners are sure to be breathtaking and maybe the pacing would better fit a movie.
Anyway, I'm definitely a fan!

[Kayla]

It took me until page 38 to become obsessed, but now I am. What a delightful book! I've recommended it to four of my friends thus far and they've all loved it too!

[Jennifer]

I absolutely adore this book, like some others have mentioned, it is the most visual book I have ever read. I could literally close my eyes and take myself to the circus. The story could be a bit dissapointing but the fact the scenes are so well written makes the actual story less important to me. I can remember exactly when and where I was when I finished this book and just sat there with a massive smile on my face at the joy of having found such a brilliant book!

One of my favourite books of all time and whenever anyone asks me to recommend a book this is always first on the list

[Sarah]

Loved this, one of my all time favorites, but not for everyone.

[Grad]

Read this last year and it was one of my favorite books read in 2012. I would certainly recommend it. The writing sparkled.

[SherryRose]

I will never love a book more than this treasure. It's perfection.

[Tamar]

some books are like a cold beer on a hot summer day on the beach (great books), but some are like rare fine wine - you have to sip slowly to savor the taste. this one is of rarest.