Likely Stories - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

It's even more perfect when you listen to the audio version, narrated by the incomparable Jim Dale (he of award-winning Harry Potter narration fame).

Welcome back to Likely Stories, everyone. I’m Paige Connell, and I teach English at Midway High School, here to tell you about one of my very favorite books ever.

Taking place in late October/early November in the late 1800s to early 1900s, we
first observe the enigmatic circus arriving in an English town and captivating the general public numerous ways. This is no ordinary circus: each tent is more magical than the last with visual enchantments, fanciful illusions, and performers who dazzle the mind. But behind the circus is a secret: it was developed as a charade by two magical masters to each pit his student against the other in increasingly complicated and spellbinding arrays of magic. This seemingly endless game does not take into account consent of the students or the exit strategy but only how the creators can prove their prowess and “win”. Hector Bowen's daughter Celia takes after her father in his illusionist talents, and Marco, the student of the man in the gray suit, is a quick study and an even match against his rival.

For years Marco and Celia perfect their respective crafts under the purview of the circus, but the game to which they have been bound has intense consequences...but none stronger than the love the two develop for each other. As the lovers are on a collision course with their destiny, we are spellbound to see how their love story will culminate. Magical acts as love letters, risk and reward, a traveling circus with the most vivid cast of supporting characters (one of the best parts about the entire book), this is the story that will make you believe magic is real.

Any time of year is a good time to read The Night Circus, but one must pay close attention to the shifting and the back-and-forth in time to keep the story straight. This is easily one of my top 5 favorite books of all time, and I ought to read it annually. "The circus arrives without warning," says the opening lines and just like its arrival, it will capture your heart and build a permanent tent.

Are you interested in contributing to Likely Stories? Have you read a book that you think should be shared with the world? I can confirm that it’s truly a magical experience, so write up some thoughts and

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