Discussion of The Night Circus

[jomarie]

I enjoyed this book. I think that the reader needs to suspend all ideas of what is real and enjoy the "ride". But I did not enjoy the end. I felt as if I was lifted up and then dropped.

[readingiso2forsoul]

I wanted to finish it but I never got around to it. And that says a lot because I always keep reading even if not thrilled with a book. It just was dragging and the dialogue was stilted and I forgot to keep reading it. I will at some point go back and read the second half to be sure I didn't miss a gem that was just slow in the making. There is value in every written word for both the feelings they evoke in us and the ones they don't.

[Schmunzelmonster]

The book doesn´t hold up to the story that is described on it´s cover. When I started reading it, I expected a fast paced tale about two magicans who would outwit eachother to prove who is the best. Well, that´s not what I got. BUT I still loved it. I think it´s a beautiful written book in which the story takes a backseat to the atmosphere. I was enchanted by the circus and wish I could visit it. The only thing I am not happy with is Baileys introduction into the story. I felt it was kind off half-hearted or rushed. I was rooting for a more substantial ending. A more thorough storyline for him IMHO would have enabled that.

All in all I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is into magical stories. You need to be comfortable to let go of the concept of reality to enjoy this book.

[Geneen Karstens]

I have never been fond of magic so I didn't expect to like the book...to my surprise I loved it! I am always amazed at the imagination of authors but this one went above and beyond. Some didn't like the love story init, but I felt it almost had to be a factor between a male and a female as competitors. I don't think it was an overwhelming part of the book. I was amazed at picturing the various tents described by the author so clearly. I would like to see the book made into a movie. It was an excellent read.

[Meg_egg]

I highly enjoyed this book. It was hard to stay with it at times but once I got through those parts I couldn't wait to find out what tent at the circus was going to pop up next. I liked the relationship building between all that contributed to the circus in a way. I wish we would have been able to get to know the contributors a little more. The magic and fantasy was what kept me interested. I wanted to know more at every turn. I wish there would have been a little more to the ending. Something not so expected. Otherwise I would recommend it to someone who likes to read not to someone who wants to just read a book for fun.

[joreasonable]

I have just joined the group, so sorry for adding my opinion late on. I really enjoyed this book, one of the first I read on my new kindle, and I thought the idea was different (ok, the love story isn´t exactly new). It was a magical story,and with stunning descriptions. I recommend this book totally.

[Sophiebarta]

I definitely was not instantly sucked into this book. For some reason it was really hard for me to get into this book. I did like the imagery of the circus.

[lady_charlie]

I liked this book because I could see the rooms and imagine all the beautiful things they tried to create.
It is never to late to run away and join the circus!
Of course I really liked Water for Elephants, too.

[Sarayan7]

Transported me to a magical place. It was fast paced reading and yet it felt like a slow dance while reading... something wispy intangible... almost achy. I gave it to my niece afterward (she's 18). She loved it so much it inspired her to choreograph a dance with her friends at a college event drawing on some themes from here.
The book reminded me of the Sorcerer's Apprentice by Tahir Shah.. where you 'meet' "real" magicians....

[lady_charlie]

Transported me to a magical place. It was fast paced reading and yet it felt like a slow dance while reading... something wispy intangible... almost achy. I gave it to my niece afterward (she's 18). She loved it so much it inspired her to choreograph a dance with her friends at a college event drawing on some themes from here.
The book reminded me of the Sorcerer's Apprentice by Tahir Shah.. where you 'meet' "real" magicians....

yes, it felt real, or at least parts of it did - but then I am one of those people who doesn't want to know how magicians do their tricks. We saw David Copperfield live once and he told about wanting to fly and then he flew and it was magical.
Their used to be an ice cream flavor called Summer's Dream that I thought was magical until someone told me it was just vanilla ice cream mixed with orange sherbert. I looked down at my spoon and suddenly that was all it was.

So anyway for what it is worth I like The Night Circus, at least the magical circus parts.