The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
When people describe the fall season, some quintessential moments may be the chill air, crisp leaves in an array of colors, football games, apple cider, cozy flannels, and maybe even some scarier Halloween related activities. Evidently, "The Night Circus" is a part of that category as well in the book-reading community. I had heard quite a few recommendations for the book, but never really felt inspired to pick it up. It just so happens that the book captures a lot of those classic fall motifs and really draws you into the spirit of the season. Since reading the book, I have seen multiple readers coming out of the woodwork saying they are preparing for their annual fall re-read of this book. I'm grateful that I happened to read it at the opportune time. I highly recommend reading this book during the fall/colder season versus spring or summer.
It is reported that the author starting writing the book for NaNoWriMo, which is short for the National Novel Writing Month. This is more of an internet spread idea in which people attempt to write a novel (50,000 words) during the month of November. Wikipedia states that she wrote the book over the span of three NaNoWriMo's.
This is a fantasy novel written about a circus that will appear in different cities without warning and perform for a short amount of time before packing up and moving to a different unannounced location. Within the circus, there is a competition that has been in the works for years. There is mystery surrounding the circus performers, the rivalry, and a peculiar charm that seems to envelope the reveurs (devoted fans) of the circus. I don't want to spoil the mystery and allure of the story, so I won't delve into the plot any further.
The writing is glorious. I feel like I've read a lot of books that have been character driven lately, where the plot and "world" that the author creates were a little lack-luster. It was refreshing to dive into a book that seems to sweep you away from reality. You really feel transported to the Night Circus and can imagine being there, even with all of the fantasy aspects. There are some people who may not appeal to the fantasy genre, but I think the fact that it takes place in a circus helps with that. People expect wonderment, intrigue, and mind games in a circus so adding some additional fantasy story lines to the normal slight of hand tricks isn't too far of stretch.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I definitely think it's well worth the read if it sounds like it follows your normal interests.
It is reported that the author starting writing the book for NaNoWriMo, which is short for the National Novel Writing Month. This is more of an internet spread idea in which people attempt to write a novel (50,000 words) during the month of November. Wikipedia states that she wrote the book over the span of three NaNoWriMo's.
This is a fantasy novel written about a circus that will appear in different cities without warning and perform for a short amount of time before packing up and moving to a different unannounced location. Within the circus, there is a competition that has been in the works for years. There is mystery surrounding the circus performers, the rivalry, and a peculiar charm that seems to envelope the reveurs (devoted fans) of the circus. I don't want to spoil the mystery and allure of the story, so I won't delve into the plot any further.
The writing is glorious. I feel like I've read a lot of books that have been character driven lately, where the plot and "world" that the author creates were a little lack-luster. It was refreshing to dive into a book that seems to sweep you away from reality. You really feel transported to the Night Circus and can imagine being there, even with all of the fantasy aspects. There are some people who may not appeal to the fantasy genre, but I think the fact that it takes place in a circus helps with that. People expect wonderment, intrigue, and mind games in a circus so adding some additional fantasy story lines to the normal slight of hand tricks isn't too far of stretch.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I definitely think it's well worth the read if it sounds like it follows your normal interests.
