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

PREVIOUS EPISODES OF LIKELY STORIES

Likely Stories - The Book of Light by Lucille Clifton

This is Guilherme Feitosa de Almeida, senior lecturer in music theater at Baylor University. I'm here with this week's edition of Likely Stories.

Likely Stories - The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

Have you contemplated spring cleaning? When this bug hit me, I turned to the grand-master cleaner, Marie Kondo, for inspiration. This best-selling author has sold 9 million copies of her classic book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up – the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Ok, add me, Maggie McCarthy, to the ranks of readers as I set out on my decluttering journey with this instructive read.

Likely Stories - Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur by Jeff Pearlman

I'm Kevin Tankersley and this is likely stories on KWBU. I first learned about the book 'Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur' when I heard the author Jeff Pearlman on 'The Pete Sousa Show' podcast last year. I knew of Pearlman from his writings at Sports Illustrated and ESPN. He was a sports guy. Why would he be talking about Tupac?

Likely Stories - Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle

I can remember a number of truly incredible meals in my life, whether cooked for me at home or in restaurants locally or while traveling. Some of the food stands out in my mind: a perfectly-cooked piece of meat, a well-crafted cocktail, a side dish that pairs perfectly with the entree, a dessert that caps off the wonderful meal. But in all those epicurean events, what I recall most are the people with me around the table, loved ones sharing a gustatory experience always seems more important than the food itself.

Likely Stories - A Short History of a Small Place by T.R. Pearson

"Some books stay with you for decades. For me, that’s A Short History of a Small Place by T.R. Pearson. First published in 1985, it’s a funny, Southern tale of Neely, North Carolina, told through the eyes of young Louis Benfield, Jr. From quirky townsfolk to a chimpanzee companion, the story blends humor and heart in unforgettable ways. I first heard it on The Radio Reader in 1986—and I’ve never forgotten it."

Likely Stories - The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein

Imagine being punched in the ovaries to bring on a fit.This is The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein, which was inspired by the dark history of the Salpêtrière asylum in the 1880s.

Likely Stories - Killers of a Certain Age

I am a huge James Bond fan, and never missed an episode of Charlie’s Angels as a pre-teen growing up. A story about women my age who could still fight, run, plan, take action, and do all the things they did in their early years really appealed to me.

Likely Stories - My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

The book that I'm reviewing today is challenging. It was an unsettling read, and I thought about it for weeks after I finished it. I hesitated to recommend it on Likely Stories. But these difficult books catch our attention for a reason, they are important to talk about and examine.

Likely Stories - American Road Trip by Patrick Flores-Scott

War is hell. And what comes after war, when soldiers return home, is often its own version of torment, one that takes exceptional patience and grace from everyone--those who love the soldiers as well as the soldiers themselves.

Likely Stories - Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morrison

I’ve been reading a lot about Saturday Night Live lately, for a couple of reasons. First, I talk about the show when I cover the history of television in my Introduction to Mass Communication class at Baylor, and I like to keep up with what’s going on with SNL. Second, Saturday Night Live just celebrated its 50th anniversary, so there’s been plenty written about it in the last year or so.