the night circus

have you ever read a book that was so engrossing that you didn't want it to ever end. one that transported you into a dream like mood, introducing you to new ideas, journeys and characters that you never really thought of before? I'm not talking about a complete fantasy land, but something that would actually be somewhat tangible, realistic and true.

that is the bliss that i can only describe as "the night circus" by erin morgenstern. i read a lot of books, and this has officially become one of my favorites. i am not usually one to read the latest books (i am enraptured with "east of eden" and "the beautiful and the dammed") so i gave this one a shot after the glowing review from gwyneth paltrow & her (incredible!) website goop.com. read on a combo of my ipad and my iphone via google play books (amazing, and easier to go through than ibooks at times) and looked forward to any extra time i had in my insanely busy schedule to read a few pages. the book was surprisingly longer than i had expected (normally i find newer books too short) and loved the delicate chapters, the timeline jumps and the fluidity of each character that enticed and bewildered me.


the book centers around a magical circus that takes place once the sun sets and last into the wee hours of dawn. constructed of multiple black and white tents with incredible and different acts, treasures and feats behind each entrance. from the adaptation of the circus to each performer and member of the circus, you follow the amusing tale of a group of people who live and breathe for the circus, willing to do anything to keep it's secrets. enchanting, mystical, and secretive, the circus is the lifeline of celia , the enchanting illusionist who is much more than she appears, and marco, the mysterious apprentice of the circus creator. as you fall in love with the circus, celia and marco begin a deep and forbidden love themselves. forbidden since they are secretly competitors in a competition that they themselves are not even aware of, the circus is the playing board for the two star-crossed lovers.

with passion, there's the danger of disaster, and that is what the circus is on the verge on, unless celia and marco can find a way to be together, while beating the game of the competition, saving those whom are a part of the circus and themselves.

truly written in a beautifully rich style, "the night circus" is a treat to the imagination, the senses and to the heart. erin morgenstern is a modern classic and a magnificent story teller and quite the charmer  herself.