Already mid-February and only now am I posting my February read? Sheesh…
I only read in bits and spurts last month so it took me forever to read a most enjoyable book. Kind of sounds oxymoronic, doesn’t it? Well, it is what it is! I basically read before bed so a chapter or three per night does not make for a fast read, no matter how good a book is!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern was suggested to me by my niece, Jennifer. And a good suggestion it was! As I was reading the story, the description of the circus and the people involved in its creation I could not help wishing it were a possibility in real life!
Imagine a circus that appears suddenly, is set up without your knowing it and is only open from sunset to sunrise. The whole set-up is black and white: from the performers to the tents to the rest of the décor. After a few nights (it is never really specified just how long it stays in one area), it disappears. This circus is particularly magical as all the acts are real and not mere illusions.
Two magicians have each taken a student under their wing to teach them all they know. What the students don’t realise is they are part of a challenge. They don’t even know what it is nor who their opponent is until they fall in love with each other.
I shall not say more as to say too much is to ruin it for others! I truly enjoyed it.
My February choice was also suggested (and the book supplied) by said niece. We have been bonding lately (which is simply marvellous) and it’s nice to be able to discuss a book with a fellow reader. We’ve yet to fully discuss The Night Circus but we will! American Gods is my choice this month because for some reason, every where I look, I see the name Neil Gaiman! He must be a “go-to” writer, lately. A number of his books are on many of my Goodreads friends’ lists. I see his name everywhere I turn. I’ve no idea what it’s about and no one has told me a thing so let’s see where this takes me!
Not an avid reader of fiction, so I can’t help here .. but the black & white circus acts is very timely with the dancers I had on Monday. 😉
Why am I not surprised? (That you don’t read fiction…) Interesting…
My wife is the avid reader … very avid! Thankfully, so believes in using the public library as much as possible. 🙂
Me too – avid, that is. Unfortunatley, living where I do, the libraries are filled with French books. I’d have to go into Montreal – very English Westmount – to have access to Ebglish…
So I take it your French is good enough to understand and speak, but reading would be laborious.
Bien non! Je suis francophone! My mother is French and I went to mostly French schools! And I do read in French – every 5-6 books.
Thank you for the recs! I’m reading Joan Didion right now–a bit depressing. Probably not the best choice for Feb. in the Midwest:).
I hear you! February is definitely depressing enough here too in the Montreal area. Bloody cold…
I’ve never read Joan Didion – yea or nay?
Oy. How to answer. Her writing is quite good. But I think this book was hyped so much–bit of a cult classic on grief–that I find it lacking. Clinical rather than engaging.
Ahhh..I’ll be in no rush then! Besides got enough real grief, don’t need to read about it too.
It seems to take me forever to get through books because of the same reason. If I save reading for just before bed, I start nodding off too soon. Now that I’m taking a little breather from writing, I can read more on the weekends. Yay!
Oh I hear you, Britt! All we need to do is TAKE the time! 😉
“Night Circus” sounds really intriguing! That I have to read. Thanks Dale for that recommendation.
My pleasure! Now if I could just get more into “American Gods”…
Always so much to read and so little time. Seems I just get into the flow of a book and have to stop for some reason.
Ain’t that the truth! You should see the stack of books on my “to read” pile(s)!
Starting a library?
Hello, my name is Dale and I am a book-o-holic….
Hi Dale … your among friends. Tell us about yourself… lol
LOL indeed!