Welcome to the KPL Book Club Blogspot

Welcome to the internet home of the Kilbourn Public Library (KPL) Book Club. The KPL Book Club meets at the library once a month. A book is chosen for each month and then members of the book club meet the last Monday and Wednesday of every month for lively discussion and treats. While we can’t offer you treats via the internet, this KPL Reads blog was designed for those of you who would like to participate in the book club but don’t have time to join us at meetings. Each month KPL staff will post discussion topics and questions to get you “talking”. Join in the discussion by adding a post to the blog. Click on the word comments below the post you want to "talk" about and write your comment. Be sure to check back often to see feedback and comments.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

The Kilbourn Public Library Book Discussion Group is reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern for its August selection.  The Night Circus is Morgenstern's debut novel that was published in September 2011.  Associated Press calls this novel "Magical.  Enchanting.  Spellbinding.  Mesmerizing."

The circus arrives without warning.  No announcements precede it.  It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.  Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements.  It is called Le Cirque des Reves, and it is only open at night.  

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors.  Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing.  Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance. 

The Night Circus is not written in a linear timeline.  Did you find the structure of the book disorienting? 

The novel frequently changes narrative perspective.  How does this transition shape your reading of the novel and your connection to the characters and the circus?  Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from varied perspectives?

Between the chapters that tell  the story of The Night Circus are descriptions of the circus itself, written as if you are visiting it right now.  What do these chapters add to the story?

Why are Frederick Thiessen and the reveurs important to the story?  Why do you think some people were so entranced by the circus that they devoted themselves to following it around?

What did you think of Marco and Celia's relationship?  Why did they fall in love?

Let us know what you think of The Night Circus.