BOOK REVIEWS BY JOAN G. SMITH JGS 354

THE NIGHT CIRCUS BY: ERIN MORGENSTERN The Circus always arrives at its next location without warning – and no advertisements. The tents are black and white stripes and appear magically; all set up and ready to go, but never before midnight! The Night Circus travels the world and each tent contains something unique – the participants each have their own specialty to perform and the audience may wander on paths from one to another at their own pace and preference. The scenery in each tent is magical as well. Make mo mistake, this is a totally dream like experience for the visitors. Smoke and mirrors, illusionists, fortune tellers, and fantastic food and drink. There is a peculiar owner, of course, that is orchestrating this display of fantastic and unbelievable acts. However, this is a secret game, with two main players that have been raised from childhood to participate until one wins. They are unaware of each other for years, but the fun really begins when the two main participants grow up and take matters into their own hands. This plot is both a dream and a nightmare, like most fairy tales, but this is one made for adults. I loved fairy tales as a child, but The Night Circus is something else. This is Erin Morgenstern’s debut as a novelist, and it is by turns enchanting, nerve wracking, funny, and exasperating. I can’t wait to hear the reactions and opinions of my book group! There are seven of us and we are all vociferous readers with interesting and wildly divergent interpretations of our books. We also have fun and often agree as well, but this is a wild ride. Take a chance and give it a try – there is some kind of magic at work here !

Published: Doubleday a division of Random House, Inc.., New York, NY Copyright: © 2011 By: Night Circus, LLC

Reviewed: 06/15/12 – 354 Copyright: © 2012 by Joan G. Smith 354