The Night Circus, Chosen and Norwegian Wood Mini Reviews
by Jenners • 05/10/2012 • 3 Stars, 4 Stars, C Titles, Contemporary, Fiction, H Authors, Literary, M Authors, Miscellaneous, N Titles • 50 Comments
The Night Circus by Erin MorgensternPublisher: Doubleday, 2011
Pages: 400
Genre: Fiction, Literary Where I Got It: Borrowed it from the library and read it on my Kindle!
Why I Read It: I was sick of hearing how great it was
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: This book has been reviewed on just about every book blog I’ve seen so I’m not sure I even have to tell you that much about it. However, just in case you aren’t familiar with the basics, here they are: A magical circus appears out of blue, only at night. Its colors are always black, white and red. The circus is created and maintained by two magicians, who are in competition with each other. The competition is vague in its goals and ending, even to the two magicians.
My Thoughts: OK … that description sounded a bit flat, but the book itself is not. The main character is really the circus itself, which Morgenstern describes in exquisite and wondrous detail. I love how she described the circus using the second person: “You walk through the gates. You see the acrobat.” When reading these sections, I felt like I really was walking in the circus and seeing these amazing and mysterious creations. It makes sense that the circus is called the Cirque de Reves (The Circus of Dreams) because it feels like a dream. You know how you have amazingly weird dreams but you can’t quite describe them? Morgenstern has somehow figured out how to put the language of dreams onto paper and share it with others. Although I wasn’t as rapturous about this book as many others (I’ll admit that I almost wanted to dislike it out of a weird sense of contrariness), I have to admit that it captured me in its spell. It really was a magical and otherworldly read that lets you escape into another person’s fully realized imagination in the best possible way. If they ever make a movie of this (and it cries out to be made into one), they’ve got quite a challenge, and it would be a shoo-in for Best Oscar in Art Direction if they get it right.
Chosen by Chandra HoffmanPublisher: Harper, 2010
Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
Where I Got It: Bought it for my Kindle
Why I Read It: I had seen reviews and the premise of the book intrigued me My Rating: 3 stars
Brief Description: Chloe Pinter works for the domestic program for the Chosen Child adoption center. Her job? Convincing pregnant women to give their child up for adoption and then facilitating the process from beginning to end. A challenging job filled with heartbreak, uncertainty and elements of danger, things become especially complicated when a couple who gave their baby up for adoption begin to have second thoughts and take matters into their own hands.
My Thoughts: The main reason I read this book was to learn more about the process of adoption. I’ve not read many books that dealt with adoption, and I imagine it is a difficult process. The strength of this book is that Hoffman (who worked in Romanian orphanages and as a director of a U.S. adoption program) knows this world inside and out. (FYI: The book is set in Portland, Oregon, which allows for open adoption, which means the birth parents get to pick the adopted parents and keep in touch if they want.) We get to see things from all different angles: the adoption center worker tasked with ensuring that adoptions go through; the couple considering giving up their baby; the couples who want to receive a baby of their own. It is gut-wrenching stuff—filled with emotions ranging from selflessness to desperation to greed and almost every emotion in between. Hoffman uses the plot to look at two basic questions: What if the parents who gave a baby up for adoption changed their mind afterward? What if a couple desperate for a baby for years finally got what they wanted … and found it wasn’t as amazing imagined? These are two interesting questions, and I think Hoffman does a good job of exploring all the different angles associated with adoption. The plot gets a little wonky and unbelievable at times, but the details felt true and I was willing to overlook the plotting issues to learn more about the world of adoption.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki MurakamiPublisher: Vintage, 2000
Pages: 298
Genre: Fiction, Literary
Where I Got It: Bought it
Why I Read It: I wanted to experience Murakami’s fiction
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: At the start of the book, we meet Toru the businessman on an airplane. As he is getting ready to deplane, he hears the Beatle’s song, Norwegian Wood, and it transports him back to the past—to the late 1960s when Toru was a quiet and serious college student who kept mostly to himself. However, a chance encounter with a girl from his hometown, Naoko, leads to a strange and unclassifiable relationship. The two are bound together by the suicide of a mutual friend years before, whose death continues to haunt their lives. Although Toru is doing his best to adapt and fit in with the world, Naoko struggles and eventually seeks help at an asylum. Toru, who finds himself bound to Naoko in ways he doesn’t fully understand, is confused when he also finds himself drawn to a sexually liberated and outspoken fellow student, Midori. As Toru attempts to balance his commitment to Naoko and his attraction to Midori, he finds that he can only be free when (as the song says) “This bird has flown.”
My Thoughts: OK … I’ll be upfront about why this book didn’t work for me as much as it could have or I wanted it to. The main problem is that I was super-excited to try one of Murakami’s fiction books and was prepared and pumped up for weirdness and alternate universes and talking animals and, unknowingly, managed to pick the one fairly straightforward book that Murakami wrote. (I only found this out afterwards. If only I’d read the blurb that said this book was “a complete stylistic departure” from his mysterious and surreal novels!) So, I was hoping for surrealism and found, instead, realism. Not to say this was a bad book, but it wasn’t what I was expecting or hoping for. (Apparently, I should have chosen The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles or A Wild Sheep Chase instead.) The writing is graceful and fluid, and the story was accessible. Although tinged with melancholy and surprisingly graphic sex scenes/talk, Norwegian Wood ended up being a memorable and haunting coming of age story. It also evokes the strangeness and melancholy of the titular song.
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The Night Circus has been on my shelf for several months now. I’ve waited for all of the hype to settle before contemplating reading it but it sounds like I need to move it up my list.
I know what you mean! I was prepared to hate it because of all the hype but it is a worthy read. Very different in feeling and tone.
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I have Night Circus, but I’m on the fence about reading it anytime soon. Of course that could have something to do with it’s length.
No no no … give it a go. It reads pretty fast and it is very different than any other book I’ve read. It is worth trying!
I’ve been curious about The Night Circus, it sounds good as does Norwegian Wood. Sometimes I wonder why some authors decide to put graphic sex scenes in literary fiction. But then again, sometimes it works well.
Well, in this case, I think it fit in. I was just personally shocked at how graphic and explicit it was. I guess I’m used to having my “sex scenes” more wishy washy!
I read Norwegian Wood and The Night Circus last year and really enjoyed them. Glad you liked them, too!
They were different reads, weren’t they? And I think I couldn’t visit a blog last year without seeing raves for The Night Circus!
Norwegian Wood was my first Murakami and I saw what everyone else was saying about this writer. I would like to read the other 2 you mentioned as well.
The Night Circus I have not gotten to yet but it has been on my to-read list. I am one of those who has to wait for the hype to go down a bit usually before I read a book that has been acclaimed up one side and down the other. But nice to know that it does seem to live up to its hype.
I am absolutely fascinated by the process of adoption. Back when I wanted to have children, I wanted to adopt. I am a staunch supporter of adoption to this day. I looked into the process and it is absolutely unbelievable. These people go through so much just to help a child who does not have a family because of whatever circumstances (and there are many). People will put down those who choose international adoption over adopting children who need help right here but they do not understand how much more involved the process is to adopt an American child, including how easy it is for them to change their minds long after you and the child have had time to form attachments to each other. (I don’t have a problem with intl. adoption anyway, but the process is so much more cut and dry, too.)
I have no idea what the process is like for those having to give up their child, or what it may be like in an open adoption, but I would love to find out. Thanks for sharing about this book!
It sounds like you should read the adoption book. It was interesting to hear about the process and the pitfalls. I find it fascinating too.
And I know what you mean about waiting to read a “hot” book when it is being all hyped and discussed to death. When you wait awhile, you forget what everyone said and can read the book and judge it on its own merits.
I won an ARC of The Night Circus but haven’t read it yet. I imagine it will probably wait until the fall or winter now because I’m a seasonal reader and that seems like the right time for it! Norwegian Wood is one that I wasn’t really interested in but now that I’ve read more than one Murakami, I’m ready for it. I enjoy the differences in language and cadence that all of his books have.
He does a have an interesting writing rhythm … though I always expect it to sound more “Japanese” than they do. I even tend to get the pop culture references.
I still haven’t read The Night Circus. I still haven’t read Murakami. And I still haven’t finished the newest Tag post. Can you guess which one will happen first though?
I’m going to guess … TAG Post! (At least I hope that is what it is.)
I honestly was not as enchanted by The Night Circus as most of the other bloggers and reviews I’ve read…perhaps I was being contrary, but it just did not work for me. I have not read the other two – haven’t been brave enough for a Murakami book yet…or maybe it’s i haven’t taken the time, hmmm, guess I need to enter your giveaway which btw, thanks for a wonderful giveaway!
I wanted to dislike The Night Circus out of a sense of contrariness, but I just couldn’t do it. I could see that it might not please everyone — I did end up getting caught up in the atmosphere, which I think she did really well. And you could totally handle this Murakami book!
Of these three,The Night Circus is the one I’d choose to read.
That would be the wise choice!
On my wish list for ages, after your review I’m more determined than ever to make the effort and actually order The Night Circus.
It is worth reading for sure!!! It really is a reading “experience.” Can’t wait to see what you think of it!
I actually have Chosen on the way to me right now from paperbackswap… I’ve heard good and bad about it, but I’m glad to hear the details at least ring true (even if the plot did get wonky). I have some experience from working with DCF about adoption but I’m interested in reading more about it!
I’d love to hear your reactions to The Chosen since you have some experience in the field. I imagine it is just charged with all kinds of emotion. From a writing perspective, it wasn’t that good but the subject matter made up for it with me.
Norwegian Wood was also my first introduction. I did it as part of a readalong. Man, I should I just read Kafka on the Shore instead. I also admit, initially I wasn’t a big fan even though I SOO wanted to be. But then, this is one of those books that lingered with me. And the longer that I sat with it, the more I ended up liking it. And liking it is where I’m comfortable staying.
I agree with you 100% on your reactions to Norwegian Wood. I can’t say I loved it but it does linger with you. I’m very interested to try more of his writing.
I’ve seen The Night Circus around, but hadn’t really read any reviews so didn’t know for sure what it was about. It sounds enchanting!
Both of the others sound interesting in their own right, but I think The Night Circus sounds the best.
For awhile, it felt like every single book blog I read had a review just praising The Night Circus to the sky. It boggles my mind that you didn’t read a review for it!! HAHA! It is worth reading — it is a very rich reading experience that is like falling into a dream.
I’m one of the few who haven’t read The Night Circus and I’m a little leery because of all the hype. It’s outside of my comfort zone, so it may be a while before I pick it up.
I was thinking the same thing: it can’t possibly live up to the hype but the circus itself is so compelling. I really encourage you to try it. It is an interesting reading experience — almost like going to a movie with her visual descriptions.
I fell completely in love with Night Circus. I read it from the library, but will spend the money for my own copy so I can reread. I agree – it would make an amazing movie if done well.
Not familiar with the other two books, but they look interesting also. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
I read it on my e-reader but everyone mentioned that I had to see the print copy to see the end papers with the stripes. I need to look at a print copy one day to fully appreciate it. I love that you bought your own copy to have it. That is a recommendation for it!!!
I loved The Night Circus, so much so I wanted the circus to be real.
You’re right that it would make a great movie.
I know!! She makes the circus come alive and you feel like if you just looked, maybe you could find it. It would be an amazing movie if they pulled it off.
I loved both The Night Circus, and Chosen, for very different reasons. Some had problems with Night Circus because of it’s lack of direction and flat characters, but I fell in love with the circus itself, like you. Chosen made me angry because it felt so real, and I could imagine these things happening…just so frustrating. I have heard good things about Murakami, and have only attempted The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, but I didn’t get through it. I was a much less mature reader at the time, and didn’t understand the choice of style. It would be interesting to read it again and see how I feel about it now. Wonderful mini-reviews today, Jenners. I loved them!
I do think the strength and the draw of The Night Circus is the circus itself. I don’t even remember the names of the two magicians!!!! And I did find the adoption information in The Chosen fascinating even though the plotting and writing were not stellar. It is just something that I find interesting and mysterious. And I could see that being less mature reader might make The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle a challenge. I’ve been steadily ramping up to it! But if you can get through Mr. Fox, you can get through anything!! HAHA!
Glad you liked The Night Circus enough to give it four stars. I loved the atmosphere in that novel so very much. I think reading it is more about the experience than the story which really worked for me. And I have yet to read any Murakami which is shameful!
I would agree with you — the experience of reading The Night Circus and living inside the circus is the real draw of the book. When I finished and was “outside” the circus, I forgot everyone’s name and any of the plot. It was all about the atmosphere!
I must read The Night Circus soon! I have the book and an audio copy through the library on my iPod. There really is no excuse for not fitting it in. Chosen sounds interesting in that I find novels dealing with adoption interesting. I may have to give this one a try one day.
So I guess I wasn’t the only blogger left you hadn’t read/listened to The Night Circus. With the right narrator, I bet it would be amazing on audio!!!!
I loved Night Circus for the world that she created. The story was okay, but it was so visually stunning that I gave it extra points in that area.
As you know, I adore Murakami but I haven’t read Norwegian Wood! I have it but my book club is reading it for August so I will be reading it over the summer. All of his other books are sort of strange, some REALLY strange but I like that dreamy, surreal nature of his stories. I’m so sorry you didn’t get your fix with NW. I read Dance, Dance, Dance which is the follow-up to Wild Sheep Chase (which I found out afterward) and yes, I would say that would have been a good one. I have also read parts of Wind Up because it’s on my nightstand, but I read it in between other books.
I agree with you about Night Circus … the story and the characters were kind of just OK but the descriptions of the circus make it something special.
I’d be curious about your reaction to Norwegian Wood and if it appeals to you. I’m listening to After the Quake (a collection of Murakami’s short stories) and finally got to a really weird one about a giant talking frog who wants to save Tokyo! Woo hoo — finally some weird surreal Murakami like I’ve been hearing about.
Norwegian Wood was my 4th Murakami, so I was surprised by its realism. I found it very dull in comparison, but I think I was also expecting something else. I recommend you try one of the others – perhaps then you’ll be craving the normal one
and yes….Night Circus would make an Oscar worthy movie
I was so prepared for talking animals and then all I got was Toru thinking about all his problems. ACK! : ) I’m listening to After the Quake right now and got to the story “Super Frog Saves Tokyo” with a giant talking frog and I was like “Yeah … that’s what I want to hear!!!!”
I’m glad The Night Circus got 4 stars from you, even if you were feeling contrarian.
I honestly expected to read a few pages of that one and then just return it to the library. I didn’t realize I would love it more than any other book last year, and then go on to become obsessed with my own writing project for months based on the energy I got out of that book.
I think your reaction to The Night Circus (more than any other) finally compelled me to read it. I love how it inspired you and propelled you to work on your own writing project!!
I loved The Night Circus, but have felt curiously disinclined to talk about it after writing the review. It’s such an insular world.
I know what you mean … you’re in its thrall while you are there but it is hard to discuss or describe it to others.
I haven’t read The Night Circus yet, mostly because I just so tired of reading all the reviews…hundreds of them! I figure I will wait a year or two, then read it, so I don’t fault you for putting it off. I have heard horrid things about Chosen, so I intentionally avoided that one. And believe it or not, besides Murakami’s memoir, I’ve not read any of his books. I have Wind Up Bird and one other one on my shelves though, I just need to work on not being intimidated.
It felt like, for a period there, every single blog I read had a review (and a gushing one) about The Night Circus. It made me want to hate it for some mixed-up reason. But when I saw it for borrowing on my Kindle from the library (such an awesome thing!), I caved. I hadn’t read too many bad reviews for The Chosen. It certainly wasn’t fantastic in any way but it was interesting to learn about adoption. And I’m listening to a Murakami short story collection now and am finally getting the weirdness — a giant talking frog who wants to save Tokyo!
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