August group read discussion: The Night Circus

[Nadine in NY]

Discussion is open for The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This month's discussion leader volunteer is Kenya.

Please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot related surprises.

Posts should be exclusively about this book.

When you've finished, be sure to post in the August Challenge - I finished! thread.

[Kenya]

Hello, everyone! Back to lead another discussion, this time on "The Night Circus"! I'll post a few discussion questions every Sunday, though of course discussion won't necessarily be limited to those questions.

Going to start us off with a few basic questions before we all get started. Nothing spoiler-ish to start off with -- though as the month progresses I'll be hiding questions beneath a spoiler tag just to ensure that people who aren't terribly far along yet don't have upcoming surprises ruined for them.

Questions to start off with:

1. What drew you to read this book? Is it a book that was on your to-read list before this challenge, or did the challenge itself draw you to the book?

2. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but what impressions do you draw from this book's cover? Does it appeal to you or not?

3. "The Night Circus" attracted a lot of attention when it was published in 2011. Do you think "hype" such as this helps or hinders a book, both in the short and the long run?

[SarahKat]

Oh I forgot this was the group read for August and I'm reading it for buddy reads in the other group this month. Good timing!

1. The cover and the title drew me to it. The aesthetic was something that seemed very "me." It was on my list before this challenge.

2. I have always loved black, white, and red together. I will likely read any book with that color scheme on the cover. Otherwise the feel of the art just seems magical and mysterious. The circus itself intrigues me as I love The Greatest Showman movie and I love the book Caraval. The cover made me think of a mix of those.

3. I can't answer that on a grander scale than my own opinion. Hype doesn't usually effect whether or not I will read a book, except that if I'm not planning on reading something, and it shows up enough, I will finally look at the summary and if it sounds interesting I'll add to my TBR. It does tend to make me have higher expectations of books, so if I end up not liking it as much as the "hype" said I would, it disappoints me more than it would have sans hype.

[Teri]

I'm picking up my copy from the library tomorrow. Excited to start reading it.

1. What drew you to read this book? Is it a book that was on your to-read list before this challenge, or did the challenge itself draw you to the book?
I don't recall hearing about this book previously, so the challenge definitely drew me to the book.

2. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but what impressions do you draw from this book's cover? Does it appeal to you or not?
It is an intriguing cover, to be sure. Definitely gives a circus"y" vibe, but in a dark sense. I actually haven't even looked to see what the book is about, so I'm not even sure if it is about a real circus.

3. "The Night Circus" attracted a lot of attention when it was published in 2011. Do you think "hype" such as this helps or hinders a book, both in the short and the long run?
Where was I in 2011? Apparently I missed the hype (or I've forgotten it because I'm old). I've never been one to not read a book because I feel like it is over-hyped. If it interests me, I don't care if it is the latest "it thing" or not.

[Jacqueline]

I read this a month or two ago. I was waiting for this month but I didn’t make it lol

What drew you to read this book? From when I first joined Goodreads in October last year everyone recommended The Night Circus to me. I bought it waiting for the day I felt like reading it. It was a bonus that it worked for the challenge.

The cover. Yes the cover drew me in. It was one of the reasons I bought it when I did. I usually only buy books new that have nice covers. Shallow I know. Most of my second hand books aren’t as pretty.

Hype. Does it help or hinder? Hmmm that’s hard. A lot of people buy the over hyped books but do they read them. I have the Da Vinci Code, Game of Thrones and *whispers* Fifty Shades is Grey but have I read them. No. I think I’m in the minority with 50 Shades but whatever... I have bought some of the hyped books recently published and I have read them and been pleasantly surprised by them. Most of them are actually good. Then there’s the “I’m not buying that book because it will look like I’m a conformist/jumping on the bandwagon” person. A lot of people still haven’t read Harry Potter for that reason. Silly buggers. Harry Potter is magical.

It’s really a bit of both. Some don’t live up to the hype but others do. If the book’s good enough it will endure. As this one has.

[Allison]

What challenge prompt is this book meant to fill?

[Nadine in NY]

Twins

[Jess]

Urrgh I remember now why I dnf'd this years ago. Who writes in present tense? Or in second person for that matter? I'm finding it really jarring and I'm not sure it's something I'll get used to. I'll give it my normal 50 pages before I decide whether to dnf again.

[Theresa]

Although I read The Night Circus two years ago for 2016 challenge [NYTimes Best Seller Prompt], I decided to join the discussion because I am leading one soon and figured I needed to experience one! Kenya, I love the idea of a few questions each week to start off discussion.

My answers:

1. What drew you to read this book? Is it a book that was on your to-read list before this challenge, or did the challenge itself draw you to the book?

I bought the book when it was published in hardcover (2011) because of the cover, but actually got around to reading it in 2016 because a friends and their teenage daughter all recommended it, and it fit a 2016 prompt.

2. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but what impressions do you draw from this book's cover? Does it appeal to you or not?

The packaging first drew me to it - I had to own such a beautiful looking book! Black, white, red. A feminine hand in its palm holding a miniature circus -- or is that a cubist rendering of a person? Or both? Intriguing and beautiful.


3. "The Night Circus" attracted a lot of attention when it was published in 2011. Do you think "hype" such as this helps or hinders a book, both in the short and the long run?

It all depends on the book. I bought the book before there was any hype, and read it when I was ready. I absolutely loved it and whatever hype it got it desrved. I really did not know about the hype, frankly. I rarely read a book because it is hyped...but I don't usually avoid a book because it is hyped either. On those rare occasions when I do read a book that doesn't necessarily speak to me because it has been hyped, I either agree The Hate U Give or don't undestand the hype [[book:Wolf Hall|6101138]. A currently over-hyped book i have yet to acquire or read is A Man Called Ove. Likely will read it someday.

[Stacey]

Allison wrote: "What challenge prompt is this book meant to fill?"

Most people here are likely using this for 30) A book with characters who are twins as Nadine stated but I'm going to be using it for 8) A book with a time of day in the title since I've already read another book this year with twin protagonists.

Discussion

1. What drew you to read this book? Is it a book that was on your to-read list before this challenge, or did the challenge itself draw you to the book?

The challenge & sheer luck/convenience drew me to this book!

When it came out in 2011, I was a university student with no spare time for much extracurricular reading so I actually didn't even hear about this book until this year! I hadn't actually planned specifically to read it but my local library had a withdrawn book/charity yard sale 2 weeks ago where I snapped it up for dirt cheap! (It was fill a grocery bag with books for $2!) I knew that it was an upcoming monthly read here and figured I might as well snatch it up and join in as I enjoyed the last one that I participated in! I also knew it would fulfill one of my remaining prompts. :)

2. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but what impressions do you draw from this book's cover? Does it appeal to you or not?

At first glance, I thought the tents on the cover were actually a doll (lol...I didn't look closely at all) and I noticed the hand immediately. My impression at that point was that there might be an element of a mastermind/puppeteer behind the scenes type of story line included here which the synopsis also hints at. After further reflection, it looks whimsical and the elaborate swirl shapes really stand out to me. I'm lukewarm as far as personal appeal.

3. "The Night Circus" attracted a lot of attention when it was published in 2011. Do you think "hype" such as this helps or hinders a book, both in the short and the long run?

I think that hype generally helps a book in terms of sales and popularity in both the long and short term & certainly affects Hollywood. I think a lot of people (especially more casual readers) read books that they hear other people talking about or pick up books so that they can find out what all the fuss is about.

In terms of personal appeal it can go either way for me. Hype certainly isn't everything! Some hyped books turn out to be some of my favourites (Harry Potter, The Selection), while others have been some of the worst books I've read or DNF (The Kite Runner, An American Marriage) and some I'm just lukewarm/meh on (50 Shades, Turtles All The Way Down).

Lastly, special thanks to Kenya for stepping up to be the discussion leader last minute!!

[Jess]

1. What drew you to read this book? Is it a book that was on your to-read list before this challenge, or did the challenge itself draw you to the book?
I attempted to read this book in 2014 but I gave up pretty early on because I hated the writing style (as you can see from my little tantrum above). Since then a few people who have similar tastes in books to me have said that I should give it another chance so I thought this would be a good opportunity to do so.

2. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but what impressions do you draw from this book's cover? Does it appeal to you or not?
It's a very pretty cover but I've always been more swayed by plot than aesthetics. Plus I'm reading the ebook so I don't see the cover much.

3. "The Night Circus" attracted a lot of attention when it was published in 2011. Do you think "hype" such as this helps or hinders a book, both in the short and the long run?
I think hype definitely helps a book. Every author wants the word to get out about their book. It might put some people out but those will be vastly outnumbered by those who hear about, and pick up the book because of the hype.

[SarahKat]

Stacey wrote: "
Allison wrote: "What challenge prompt is this book meant to fill?"


Most people here are likely using this for 30) A book with characters who are twins as Nadine stated but I'm going to be usin..."

I thought the cover was a doll when I saw it too! Granted, I really only see the cover as the thumbnail image on goodreads and now my ipad. I do think it's interesting that it looks like that at first glance.

[Kenya]

Hopefully people have gotten a chance to at least start the novel this week. A few preliminary questions to start us off -- will hide under a spoiler tag in case people haven't started yet.

(view spoiler)[1. This book switches between second person and first person points of view, using the second-person POV to describe the circus itself and first-person POV for narrative purposes. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?

2. This book uses the present tense despite taking place in the past. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?

3. Many different characters get a chance to provide their point of view throughout this book. How does this shape the narrative, and do you like seeing the story play out through multiple viewpoints or do you prefer a book to stick with a single "narrator" or point of view? (hide spoiler)]

[Nadine in NY]

I thought the cover was a doll, too!! I never realized it's a circus!

[SarahKat]

Kenya wrote: "Hopefully people have gotten a chance to at least start the novel this week. A few preliminary questions to start us off -- will hide under a spoiler tag in case people haven't started yet."

(view spoiler)[ 1 and 2 I have the same answer for. I feel like it makes it feel like even though this narrative takes place at the beginning of the circus, it could easily be happening now. It makes the reader feel like it's possible to stumble across the circus in some random city in 2018.

3. This is a such a popular writing-style nowadays I am used to it. I like it, but I always prefer one story arc over the others. In this case it's Celia's. I'm 65% through the book though and I do like all of the other characters' POV's as well. (hide spoiler)]

[Jess]

(view spoiler)[
1. This book switches between second person and first person points of view, using the second-person POV to describe the circus itself and first-person POV for narrative purposes. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?

As mentioned before I really dislike second-person. I know that it is supposed to be immersive but I hate the feeling of being told what I am doing. I would rather view the book from afar which is why my preferred POV is 3rd-person omniscient narrator. For me, the second-person format would be much more powerful in 3rd-person

2. This book uses the present tense despite taking place in the past. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?

Yes, this was another bugbear of mine that made me dnf this book the first time. It feels clunky and unnatural to me. However, I am 10% into the book now and it's becoming less noticeable so that's a good thing.

I was also reminded that I felt this way about Wolf Hall at first (also written in first-person present tense) and that became one of my favourite books. That has encouraged me to persevere.

3. Many different characters get a chance to provide their point of view throughout this book. How does this shape the narrative, and do you like seeing the story play out through multiple viewpoints or do you prefer a book to stick with a single "narrator" or point of view?

Now, this is something I don't mind (despite my previously mentioned preface for an omniscient narrator). If the book is going to be in first-person then I like to have multiple perspectives so that we don't just hear of the experience of one character. This way is much better for world building and when done well (e.g. George R.R. Martin, can be very effective) (hide spoiler)]

[Sonali]

1. What drew you to read this book? Is it a book that was on your to-read list before this challenge, or did the challenge itself draw you to the book?
I started reading this book simply because of this month's reading challenge.

2. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but what impressions do you draw from this book's cover? Does it appeal to you or not?
I didn't pay much attention to the cover :D

3. "The Night Circus" attracted a lot of attention when it was published in 2011. Do you think "hype" such as this helps or hinders a book, both in the short and the long run?
I wasn't aware of any hype created by this book, nor had I even heard of its name until now.

[Stacey]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who initially thought the cover had a doll!!

Funny story: So I had bought this book at the library sale in mid July as I mentioned before but had forgotten that I was going to read it for this year's challenge and sent my copy home with my sister after she visited near the end of July! (We usually swap a couple books when we visit!) I'd even forgotten that I'd done that and started discussing the cover here before I started reading because I wasn't at home last week and by sheer coincidence one of my friends just sent me his e-book copy and told me I had to check it out! Apparently, I'm really supposed to be reading this book with you guys! ;)

I was messaging my sister last night and turns out she had just started reading it too! So I had her to join the PS challenge group here to discuss with us! I'm not sure if she will join in with the PS prompts this year or not since it's already August but she loves to discuss books so I'm sure she will pop in this thread at some point! =)

Anyways, so far I'm 26% through the book & just finished the chapter where ...(view spoiler)[ the twins were born (hide spoiler)]

Onto the Discussion

(view spoiler)[
1. I agree with Jess on this one. I find reading 2nd person narration a bit awkward! I don't like to feel manipulated or like I don't have a choice as to my own decisions if I were in that scenario so for me this detracted from the book a bit. (Maybe I'm just a bit of a rebel too.) Plus, I found that the swap in the middle of reading was a bit bizarre.

I can certainly see why some people might feel it adds to their experience though, as I can understand why it would be more immersive!

2. While this adds a more relatable aspect to the reading and I like this in general, I didn't like it in this book because the plot isn't chronological. I started reading before bed when I was a bit tired and didn't pay too much attention to chapter headings at first so I had to piece things together when I picked it back up today!

3. In general, I really like reading from multiple points of view especially when two characters have wildly different perspectives on the same event that are both relatable. I only dislike this format when an author goes overboard with it (like with 10+ characters from the start) and makes things super confusing/hard to follow, when there's a lack of any character development because there are just too many characters or when my favourite character seems to be neglected!

For this book, I like that we're seeing both Celia & Marco's points of view. I think by the time they are really going head to head in the challenge, most of us will already have a preference of who we would like to see succeed and it will make for an interesting discussion if some of our opinions differ! (hide spoiler)]

A few more discussion questions & some extra thoughts...

(view spoiler)[Did you get the impression that Prospero knew OR didn't know he had a daughter before Celia shows up waiting for him with the letter? I'm curious to see what you guys thought!

Personally, I got the impression that he didn't know. I thought his reaction was maybe due to a bit of shock and we know he went for the letter right away which suggests he was seeking some kind of explanation or confirmation of what he suspected after seeing her eyes. I don't think it's terribly odd that he doesn't question her DNA after he sees that she is capable of magic and he probably remembers her mothers name from the letter right away as well.

What were your thoughts on Celia & Marco's training experiences? At this point in your reading, who do you think is going to end up "winning" the competition?

I found that Celia's experience was basically abusive but I think it will make her take her magic extremely seriously and give her a practical edge. I thought Marco's experience was a little less rigid and taught him how to research new things and let his work be directed by his interests. I suspect ultimately that Marco may come out a better magician in the challenge (but not until the end) because I think watching Celia perform things she's mastered with so much practice will push him to research new things and find something crazy that will help him "win" if he can perform it successfully. Although, perhaps this will end where nobody truly wins to the other persons' detriment because the author is letting us get attached to both characters and in a way, they're both underdogs which we usually love to cheer for!

I also just wanted to say that I like how the author singles out Celia as being a very different child right from the beginning of the story. She is a young child who sits very still and refuses to give in to comfort (she won't take off her coat in the hot theater) and is relatively calm even after she went through something traumatic - lost/said goodbye to her mother. Right away we get to see her dedication & focus! (hide spoiler)]

[Nadine in NY]

Stacey that is so funny! Perfect timing all around!!

[Stacey]

Nadine wrote: "Stacey that is so funny! Perfect timing all around!!"

For sure! I'm glad it all worked out! :)
I have so much on my TBR these days that I forget what I had planned for the challenge & what's for fun! :P

[Megan]

1. What drew you to read this book? Is it a book that was on your to-read list before this challenge, or did the challenge itself draw you to the book?
What really drew me to this book initially was the title and context of the magical circus. I love magical realism, and while I know there is some debate about if this book is fantasy or magical realism, it falls into a category of book I tend to like.

2. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but what impressions do you draw from this book's cover? Does it appeal to you or not?
I love the font of the title on the cover and the color scheme. I also like the image of the circus that appears to be made from the paper cut out.

3. "The Night Circus" attracted a lot of attention when it was published in 2011. Do you think "hype" such as this helps or hinders a book, both in the short and the long run? I don't remember this hype, but I tend to think a lot of hype helps books initially, but then it tends to fizzle out some.

[SarahKat]

I changed my answer to number 2 in the spoiler-hidden round of questions...

(view spoiler)[ I think the second person parts at the beginning of the chapters is more dreamlike, than for the purpose of putting the reader "in" the world of the circus. Someone mentioned above they are a rebel or don't like being told what to do. I think the second person sections are like dreams because you can't control your dreams (usually), and the circus itself is a dream, or many people's dreams as the case may be. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Second set of questions:

(view spoiler)[1. This book switches between second person and first person points of view, using the second-person POV to describe the circus itself and first-person POV for narrative purposes. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?
While I wouldn't want to read an entire book in second person necessarily, I have no problem with it at all in this book as it has only occurred on about four pages out of the 298 I've read so far. Second person reminds me of some guided meditations that I do, so I have no problem with someone leading me through the circus. I find it a great way to tell what my experiences would be like in the individual tents.

2. This book uses the present tense despite taking place in the past. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?
I think present tense adds to the story, actually. It makes me feel like I'm in that time period and not looking back on the history of it, so I can feel more a part of it instead of as an outside observer.

3. Many different characters get a chance to provide their point of view throughout this book. How does this shape the narrative, and do you like seeing the story play out through multiple viewpoints or do you prefer a book to stick with a single "narrator" or point of view?
Some books are better if written from a single narrator POV, but I like how this one is written as there is more than one main character, and these characters have not yet been spending time in the same place, so it would be impossible for a single narrator to move the story along. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Stacey's questions:

(view spoiler)[Did you get the impression that Prospero knew OR didn't know he had a daughter before Celia shows up waiting for him with the letter?
I don't think he knew beforehand, but I don't think he was terribly surprised either. And it was obvious that she was his daughter pretty quickly.

What were your thoughts on Celia & Marco's training experiences? At this point in your reading, who do you think is going to end up "winning" the competition?
Celia's training has been horrible and abusive, and I hate that her father has treated her this way. Marco's training is more to my liking since it involves a lot of research and study, but his isolation was terrible. There had to be better ways to train these kids. And I hope they both win in a tie somehow and fall in love and live happily ever after, but if they don't, that will be okay as well. (hide spoiler)]

[Theresa]

(view spoiler)[1. This book switches between second person and first person points of view, using the second-person POV to describe the circus itself and first-person POV for narrative purposes. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?

I actually in general find this technique to add to the story -- as long as it does not create confusion as to who is speaking, what POV we are supposed to be 'seeing' from. As I have infamously ranted everywhere, one of the biggest problems I had with Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall is that her use of the 3rd person POV was so poorly done that you could not tell when the POV shifted from Cromwell to another character, especially during dialogue. Here in Night Circus, I thought the circus being 2nd person POV totally contributed to the story - and the sense of magic and wonder that is the circus.

2. This book uses the present tense despite taking place in the past. Do you think this adds to or detracts from the story at all?

Absolutely adds to the story, the sense of timelessness. As I said in my review after reading it in 2016: 'It is not fixed in time or place, more like Brigadoon, touching the world from time to time but existing within its own unique situs. The paths meander and circle towards each other, drawing closer and closer until they merge into the final event ... know that the Night Circus continues to this day. I dream that one night soon it appears near me, and I will don a red scarf and lose myself in it. "

Perfect for a book of illusion.

3. Many different characters get a chance to provide their point of view throughout this book. How does this shape the narrative, and do you like seeing the story play out through multiple viewpoints or do you prefer a book to stick with a single "narrator" or point of view?

I'm perfectly fine with multiple viewpoints. Adds a real richness to certain types of stories, and allows the author to present information to the viewer that a single protagonist could never provide. I often find that the more layered and complex a story, especially if spread out over time and/or geography, or multiple plot lines that eventually coincide, the more POVs are needed. (hide spoiler)]

[Theresa]

Nadine wrote: "I thought the cover was a doll, too!! I never realized it's a circus!"

Actually, I'm pretty sure I initially thought clown...given title had circus in it, but definitely agree that 'doll' fits too!

[Theresa]

Stacey's Discussion Questions:

(view spoiler)[ Did you get the impression that Prospero knew OR didn't know he had a daughter before Celia shows up waiting for him with the letter?

Hard to answer that at this point as I read the book in 2016...but I'm pretty sure I leant towards his knowing.

What were your thoughts on Celia & Marco's training experiences? At this point in your reading, who do you think is going to end up "winning" the competition?

I thought both methods were problematic and abusive. I did not think either truly prepared one of them to prevail in the contest as each method neglected something.

I remember feeling uncomfortable about this, and frankly was incredibly uncomfortable about favoring one over the other. I did not want one of them to win. I think that feeling of discomfort was deliberate on the part of the author. (hide spoiler)]

[Stacey]

SarahKat wrote: (view spoiler)["I think the second person sections are like dreams because you can't control your dreams (usually), and the circus itself is a dream, or many people's dreams as the case may be" (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[You make a great point, I feel like this is probably what the author intended. (hide spoiler)]

Theresa wrote: (view spoiler)["I thought both methods were problematic and abusive. I did not think either truly prepared one of them to prevail in the contest as each method neglected something.

I remember feeling uncomfortable about this, and frankly was incredibly uncomfortable about favoring one over the other. I did not want one of them to win. I think that feeling of discomfort was deliberate on the part of the author." (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I hadn't really thought about it when I was initially reading, but Marco's experience was full of isolation and neglect and I think
the fact that he didn't know some very basic things (like when/why he was moving and when he would see his adopted dad again) was pretty awful.

Also, I think you're right about the author wanting us to feel uncomfortable about a winner because she lets us know from the start that one of them wins to the detriment of the other and then proceeds to show us both of their experiences. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Theresa wrote: "As I said in my review after reading it in 2016: 'It is not fixed in time or place, more like Brigadoon, touching the world from time to time but existing within its own unique situs. The paths meander and circle towards each other, drawing closer and closer until they merge into the final event ... know that the Night Circus continues to this day. I dream that one night soon it appears near me, and I will don a red scarf and lose myself in it. "

Dang, if this is the way you write book reviews, I need to start following you. That's just beautiful.

[Theresa]

Teri wrote: "Theresa wrote: "As I said in my review after reading it in 2016: 'It is not fixed in time or place, more like Brigadoon, touching the world from time to time but existing within its own unique situ..."

Dang, if this is the way you write book reviews, I need to start following you. That's just beautiful.

Thank you, Teri, and I would be honored to have you follow me! I can't promise that all my reviews are quite as lyrical {I surprise myself sometimes when I look back]...but really wonderful books do inspire me!

[Theresa]

Stacey wrote: (view spoiler)[[I hadn't really thought about it when I was initially reading, but Marco's experience was full of isolation and neglect and I think
the fact that he didn't know some very basic things (like when/why he was moving and when he would see his adopted dad again) was pretty awful.

Also, I think you're right about the author wanting us to feel uncomfortable about a winner because she lets us know from the start that one of them wins to the detriment of the other and then proceeds to show us both of their experiences." (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ Exactly, Stacey! In fact, I think the discomfort is so deliberate in order to in some ways prevent you from having a favorite, or figuring out who will prevail, for reasons that become very clear at the end.

Night Circus is a very carefully structured and crafted novel, filled with red herrings, illusions, layers. In fact, I think if you are a fan of reading mysteries, especially if you like to follow the clues and solve the puzzle, then you probably loved Night Circus. Definitely that was part of what appealed to me, and I'm a huge mystery reader! (hide spoiler)]

[Kenya]

I hope everyone is enjoying this book so far. And it seems the cover art inspired quite a bit of discussion. Also, thank you, Stacey, for providing some additional discussion questions!

Questions for this week (hiding in case of spoilers):

(view spoiler)[1. This book, as well as the titular circus itself, uses smells as a motif throughout. It has been proven that our sense of smell is powerfully linked to our memory, probably more so than any other sense. Do you think this was done on purpose on the part of the writer, and how does the emphasis on smells affect your reading?

2. There are a number of allusions to Shakespeare throughout this novel -- "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Tempest," "As You Like It," etc. Have you noticed these yet? How are they revealed throughout the novel?

3. Time seems to be a motif in the novel as well -- from the delayed aging of the circus performers to Thiessen's clock. What role do you think time plays in the novel?
(hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Third Set of Questions:

(view spoiler)[1. This book, as well as the titular circus itself, uses smells as a motif throughout. It has been proven that our sense of smell is powerfully linked to our memory, probably more so than any other sense. Do you think this was done on purpose on the part of the writer, and how does the emphasis on smells affect your reading?
I don't have a great "nose" and don't seem to attribute smells to experiences as much as some people do (too many allergies and sinus problems, I suppose). The author is using references to smell on purpose as the circus is meant to appeal to all senses. Circuses themselves have a lot of smells (peanuts, popcorn, hay, animals, etc) that bring a person right back to that place, and this circus has even more than the usual circus. Some of those sweets sound delicious. Smell definitely enhances the experience of attending the circus.

2. There are a number of allusions to Shakespeare throughout this novel -- "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Tempest," "As You Like It," etc. Have you noticed these yet? How are they revealed throughout the novel?
I noticed the name Prospero being a name from Shakespeare, although I had to look up which play, which then made the reference to Miranda make sense. And the story certainly has a Romeo & Juliet vibe. Since I haven't finished yet, I don't know that it will carry out at the end (hopefully not). I haven't yet noticed others.

3. Time seems to be a motif in the novel as well -- from the delayed aging of the circus performers to Thiessen's clock. What role do you think time plays in the novel?
Right from the beginning you get the idea that time will be expressed differently as it is opened only at night instead of more customary times. This gives the book a sense that time will be unusual in many ways.

I would love to see Thiessen's clock. It sounds amazing! (hide spoiler)]

[Theresa]

(view spoiler)[ 1. This book, as well as the titular circus itself, uses smells as a motif throughout. It has been proven that our sense of smell is powerfully linked to our memory, probably more so than any other sense. Do you think this was done on purpose on the part of the writer, and how does the emphasis on smells affect your reading?

Since I read this in 2016, I don't remember noticing that at all.

2. There are a number of allusions to Shakespeare throughout this novel -- "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Tempest," "As You Like It," etc. Have you noticed these yet? How are they revealed throughout the novel?

Ah, I just loved all that because for me it adds to understanding the characters and where the plot is taking me. It also contributes to the sense of timelessness - referencing plays writ in 17th Century that have been in continuous performance since then and will continue to be performed in the future.

3. Time seems to be a motif in the novel as well -- from the delayed aging of the circus performers to Thiessen's clock. What role do you think time plays in the novel?

I'm raising the Brigadoon analogy again... it all contributes to making the circus as a place that exists in the present of the book, but also is from the past and anticipates and will appear in the future. In the end, there is a timelessness, nay a portrayal of eternity. Isn't the Night Circus a metaphor for eternity? (hide spoiler)]

[Jess]

I have actually already finished this book as I had a long plane journey. I won't discuss anything further than where we are discussing though.
(view spoiler)[
1. This book, as well as the titular circus itself, uses smells as a motif throughout. It has been proven that our sense of smell is powerfully linked to our memory, probably more so than any other sense. Do you think this was done on purpose on the part of the writer, and how does the emphasis on smells affect your reading?
Yes, this book made me hungry! I really wanted a cinnamon roll and a hot chocolate after how they were described.

2. There are a number of allusions to Shakespeare throughout this novel -- "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Tempest," "As You Like It," etc. Have you noticed these yet? How are they revealed throughout the novel?
Yes I noticed these but I didn't really think anything of them because it's quite common for books to reference Shakespeare. I also found a lot of Arthurian references too,

3. Time seems to be a motif in the novel as well -- from the delayed aging of the circus performers to Thiessen's clock. What role do you think time plays in the novel?
Even the non-linear timeline plays with our perception of time. I thought it was interesting how the aging of the twins was the only thing that really marked the changing of time (hide spoiler)]

[Theresa]

I have a discussion question, and one that does not need spoiler tags to post although you might want to use spoiler tags with your answer:

Question: Have you ever experienced someplace that could be a real life Night Circus (not the competition just the Night Circus itself)?

My Answer (I put in spoilers in case anyone wants to post before seeing what others say): (view spoiler)[ Yes! Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM (and soon to be in Denver and elsewhere) I recently vacationed in Santa Fe where I visited on 2 separate occasions Meow Wolf, an immersive experience that is impossible to accurately describe, must be experienced. Built in an abandoned bowling alley, a group of artists, performers, writers, and just plain cool folk, with significant initial financial support from George RR Martin, created a series of rooms and hallways, each unique although some are interconnected. One room for example has laser lights you can play like a harp. Another has a giant tree and tree house, there are secret passageways, hidden doorways, color, art, jokes, beauty, camp, sci fi, vintage, on and on. I believe there are 78 rooms in total and even after 2 visits I do not believe I saw all of them. You make your own path through it, and each time you see something different, and it truly has appeal for any age (well above 10, younger ones might get too over stimulated). Look it up online: www.meowwolf.com - and add it to your bucket list.

I was excited about Meow Wolf since I first heard about it several years ago, after George RR Martin bought the bowling alley and outsourced the development to Meow Wolf. But the similarity to Night Circus, which I read in 2016, did not really occur to me until just now!

I would also add that many European inspired circus troops, like in some ways are reflective of Night Circus, or rather you can see their influence in the circus in Night Circus. Think Cirque du Soleil and Cirque du Freak, which I did consider while reading Night Circus. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

That sounds amazing, Theresa.

[SarahKat]

Theresa wrote: "I have a discussion question, and one that does not need spoiler tags to post although you might want to use spoiler tags with your answer:

Question: Have you ever experienced someplace that could..."

That sounds like someplace I definitely need to go. I wish it was going to be in Denver already when I'll be there next summer. Maybe we'll stop at the one in Vegas on our way to Disneyland in 2020.

[Kenya]

Theresa, that sounds amazing! And very much like a real-life Night Circus. Sadly, I've never been anywhere similar...

[Stacey]

Third set of questions!

(view spoiler)[1. This book, as well as the titular circus itself, uses smells as a motif throughout. It has been proven that our sense of smell is powerfully linked to our memory, probably more so than any other sense. Do you think this was done on purpose on the part of the writer, and how does the emphasis on smells affect your reading?

I’m not sure if Erin Morgenstern consciously included description of smells or if it’s just a sense that she personally values and wanted to include.
Personally, the emphasis on smells doesn’t really affect my reading as I tend to only really stop and take note of smells in real life when I’m actually smelling them and they seem familiar. I guess describing a familiar scent isn’t enough for me to take special notice of it.

2. There are a number of allusions to Shakespeare throughout this novel -- "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Tempest," "As You Like It," etc. Have you noticed these yet? How are they revealed throughout the novel?

Honestly, I hadn’t noticed anything other than that I thought Prospero sounded familiar but that’s not terribly surprising to me as I absolutely hated having to read anything Shakespeare in High School - and still hate reading anything not on modern english (it just can’t capture my attention enough to keep my interest, even if the story might be interesting)!

3. Time seems to be a motif in the novel as well -- from the delayed aging of the circus performers to Thiessen's clock. What role do you think time plays in the novel?

I hadn’t really considered what role time plays in the novel, but I suppose the slowing of time might allow the reader to really stop and smell the roses as far as the circus experience while simultaneously providing a sense of timelessness to the story as a whole.

@Theresa no I haven’t experienced anything like a real-life Night Circus

(hide spoiler)]

[May]

I read this book years ago and it still one of my favourite books ever read. It is a beautiful book, scared to read it again to find out it isn't as amazing as I remember it being

[Teri]

I finished it last night. This book is magical!

I couldn't imagine how they were going to resolve this, and it was a very clever and imaginative way. Perhaps not exactly how I would have done it, but likely in the way that it should be.

[Teri]

A couple of questions I found for those who have finished the book:

(view spoiler)[1. Celia tells Bailey that he is “not destined or chosen” to be the next proprietor of the circus. He is simply “in the right place at the right time…and care[s] enough to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that’s enough.” In this situation, is that “enough?” Can the responsibility of maintaining the circus be trusted to just anyone, or unlike Celia suggests, is Bailey truly special?

2. At the closing of the novel, we are left to believe that the circus is still traveling—Bailey’s business card provides an email address as his contact information. How do you think the circus would fare over time? Would the circus need to evolve to suit each generation or is it distinctive enough to transcend time? (hide spoiler)]

And one of my own:

(view spoiler)[3. What do you think of the resolution of Celia and Marco's love story? (hide spoiler)]

My answers:

(view spoiler)[1. Perhaps Bailey isn't as magical or imaginative as Celia and Marco, but he is special. He has always been drawn to the circus in ways that most people were not, and he loves it more than anything. Sometimes it isn't the most talented or creative people that are the best for the job - sometimes it is the person who loves it the most.

2. I believe the circus is still going, and I want to believe it really exists somewhere. It would need to adapt, as all circuses and theme parks must, but Bailey has Poppet and Widget and others to make sure that it happens. The circus is in good hands.

3. While it doesn't have quite the happy ending I would have hoped for, their story continued to be magical. At least they get their happily ever after, even if in a limited form. (hide spoiler)]

[Theresa]

(view spoiler)[1. Celia tells Bailey that he is “not destined or chosen” to be the next proprietor of the circus. He is simply “in the right place at the right time…and care[s] enough to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that’s enough.” In this situation, is that “enough?” Can the responsibility of maintaining the circus be trusted to just anyone, or unlike Celia suggests, is Bailey truly special?

It's like anything created by someone and then gets passed on to someone else to manage and grow - when that person has a passion and love for it, it is a perfect fit - perhaps even destined. But when the founders are gone and there is no Bailey - it dies.

2. At the closing of the novel, we are left to believe that the circus is still traveling—Bailey’s business card provides an email address as his contact information. How do you think the circus would fare over time? Would the circus need to evolve to suit each generation or is it distinctive enough to transcend time?

I go back to my Brigadoon analogy. I actually think it is timeless. Or perhaps simply that it exists outside of time.

3. What do you think of the resolution of Celia and Marco's love story?

Bittersweet. At first I was sad that there was no traditional happy ending, but of course, not all endings need to be perfect. There is power in a bittersweet ending. (hide spoiler)]