FINDING AUDREY READ-ALONG discussion

We've come to the end! How do you feel? Satisfied? Frustrated? How do you feel about Bailey being left in charge of the circus? Or about the way Celia and Marco ended up?

I feel actually at peace about the ending. I thought it was very well thought out and creative. This is my favorite book now.
Thank you so much for putting it as the book of the month. If you had not, I would've never read this amazing novel!

I read this one already, but my mom is reading it now so I'm kind of tagging along with her. It's just as good the second time around.
I felt the reader was kept at a distance from the characters so we never really get fully in their heads, but I liked that. It allowed me to read this as a fairytale as a story being told in present tense almost as if I was there.
I hope they make this into a movie or something.
Plus it made me crave chocolate & wine.

Read it already but never mind.
I thought the ending was kind of rushed. Morgernstern spends forever building up the story and them it happens in the blink of an eye. Plus, I still don't truly understand what the book was about.
It was kind of a relief to finish it. It was amazing but the descriptions carried on a bit too much...

I agree I didn't get what the competition was about. it wasn't fully explained. the romance between the two characters was rushed and it was instalove in my opinion, I think if the book didn't skip periods of time the romance might have been better. The ending was okay, but really did they have to be ghosts and the people at the circus don't die unless the circus goes down isn't explained either. The book wasn't bad but it wasn't the best book ever written. But I will say that the book has a really beautiful cover.

I actually loved the end although I would have love to see more of after the lightning of the bonfire, of how the artists woke up and Poppet's reaction etc, but I like how they ended it with Widget telling the exact same story that we had been reading! And the end of the second person part was curios, I thought at first that it was Poppet giving 'you' a card, but now I am wondering if it was Celia maybe, since she was gone so sudden and stuff

Just finished and I can safely say I did enjoy myself! I want to visit the circus, I want to give young Marco and Celia a hug and tell them its ok and I want more.

But that's the problem I want more but not in the sense that I didn't want the story to end but I felt that half the story was missing. I needed just a little something extra in the characters and their interaction to bring this from a 4 star to a 5 star book for me.

Overall though I would say to anyone looking for a new read to give the book a shot, after all they might just find magic.

This book took me on a magical journey that was packed with wonderful things that I've never read about before. I felt attached to the characters and I found myself cheering for them along the way. Even though I didn't expect this ending at all, I found it totally satisfying.
So glad I got to read this amazing book alongside the Booksplosion group!

I read this book a while ago and I'm so excited more people are reading it! The ending is a bit confusing, but I still really enjoyed it. The setting was very vivid and truly magical.

I made a fanmix inspired by the story! Check it out here: http://8tracks.com/xandraaling/opens-... if you'd like (:

This is my new favorite book,... of all times.

i have already read it and it is by far one of my favorite books, i mean the circus is AMAZING and the writing style is just perfect. I WANT TO VISIT THE CIRCUS.

One of my new absolute favorites now! So glad we chose this as the book

I really enjoyed this book! I liked all of the detailed descriptions and the writing style. I do wish that there was a little more added on to the end as it left me wanting to know more. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and was glad that it was this month's book because i've been wanting to read it for a while now!

I want to read it again. This book transported you into another world. After closing it I felt distant, like I wasn't in the rigt place. The writing captured you and made you feel like you were a character watching everything unfold. The author created a world with mystery as well as emotions. Where you were attached to the characters in a way that made them your best friends, but if one of them died you knew everything was going to be okay. Amazing. A million stars.

Loving the impasse chapter and how it starts with the exact same words. Amazing

Such a beautiful ending! I'm very happy with the Celia and Marco ending. I think I still wanted more about bailey though. He's proprietor and kept the circus running into the days of email but what of him? What of him and poppet?

Unlike most comments on here, I actually think that the fact that as a reader we do not get more information about the characters was better than an abundance of it. Is it really our place to know what happens in Bailey and Poppet's relationship? It is hinted enough that something will happen between the two of them, what exactly happens needs to stay between them as it is not our place to know. The fact that there is this lack of answers as to how the characters end up fits perfectly with the whole style of mystery and blurriness of the novel.

As for the competition, of course it is not your usual magic duel type of story. It is clear from the first encounter of Prospero and Alexander that this competition is one of a kind and definitely not a 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' duel. The one portrayed in the book is really subtle and slow, clearly showing that a competition does not have to be set in hate and all burst into flames at the end. The love developing between Celia and Marco is much more stronger than if they saw each other every day as it is through their work inside the circus that they slowly fall in love with each other, and hence becomes something more than a physical infatuation (at least on Celia's side). And it only makes sense that once they actually are together physically, they do not waste any time.

Otherwise, this book was magical. From the first pages right to the end, it immerses you in this world that you do not want to leave, and it was not the characters that I did not want to leave as they can continue their lives on their own, but the whole atmosphere it brought forward. This has become now one of my favourite books and I will definitely be giving this a reread.

I loved this book. I read it about 6 months ago and if I had time I would have re read it this month as well. The imagery is fabulous and the story moves in such a way that there really is never a dull moment.

I hope that the movie does a good job at following the book. I have a feeling that it will either be amazing or they will destroy it. It has so much potential.

So...Widget is telling the story? ... I liked the ending. I'm so glad Celia and Marco didn't die. I wonder what happened after Bailey restarted the fire.
I also wonder what year it was in the "You" chapters.
I'm definitely going to retread this.

I think that there should have been more about what happens to bailey and the twins. I want to know if bailey and poppet end up together. I liked the book after the first part but I would have liked more of an ending.

I personally love how it ended without answering every question. It leaves the reader wondering, and thinking about the book long into the night, and that to me is better than having every last detail revealed.

Even though I didn't like how things were resolved, I did like how the author ended the story. I could feel myself in the circus. I could feel those glances.

It was my first experience in this group and it was awesome. Thank you very much!

This was amazing! I loved the ending, it felt very appropriate. Just finished it moments ago, so still reeling too much to give a particularly coherent reaction, but I'm definitely satisfied. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.

Perfect ending. Beautiful writing. Some things I wish they would have explained more but it leaves the rest up to your own imagination so maybe that better. This book has entered my top 5 stand alone books for sure! Maybe even top 3!

Yowzaa! Such a beautiful and magical cum mysteriously written book so much so that I cannot stop imagining myself already watching this movie in years to come. Thank you for choosing this book for the month. It's exhilarating.

My Blogspot Review

I loved this book. I actually shied away from reading it for a while (can't remember why), but I'm so glad I finally did. It was so beautiful! I want the circus to be real! One of my new all-time favorites. A must read!!!
Really looking forward to the live show.

I like the written so dam much but the ending just was a cut off. It felt super rushed but I super happy when Celia and Marco ended up together after all. I was really sad when Bailey was in the empty lot, but pretty pumped when he become in charged of the circus! I will totally reread this book in the future!!

Here is my video review if anyone is interested!! :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YOhL...

Wow where to start.. The buildup was a bit much but after the first part it was so enchanting. I cared more about Bailey and Poppet but the style was beautiful and "fresh". I don't think I have read anything quite like it and couldn't put it down

I'm satisfied with the way it ended. I really enjoyed the conversation between Widget and Alexander. I'm glad this book was recommended. It was quite the ride.

Easily my favorite novel of 2014 so far. While I wish for more pages of this story, to get a more complete ending, ultimately, I'm content with my being able to envision whatever I want with the ending.

I really loved that Bailey, Poppet and Widget are taking control of the Night Circus, and I'm so happy that Celia and Marco were able to get their HEA.

Just awesome.

For me the author extended the end more than needed. I would have been more than satisfied with the ending being Widget telling the story. I loved the fact that Bailey ended up being the owner of the circus, not because he was the chosen one or some bs like that, but because of pure chance and good timing.

I already reread this. Look earlier in the year, so I'm only joining I with the discussion not the actual reading part, but I love it. It's probably my favourite book of all time. I love the ending, I think it's so atmospheric and tense

Honestly, I loved this book; it may be one of my top three favourite books ever. I really thought Celia and Marco would stay alive, but I understand why they were left the way they were, though I was still sad about it. I think that Bailey is actually very deserving of owning/running the circus. I don't know why, maybe it was just because he was so willing to save it and keep it alive, but I just feel like he is perfect for the place. And not gonna lie, I loved how it turned out that Widget was telling the story to Alexander, or the man in the gray suit. But all and all, I loved this book, and with this being my first time participating in the BookSplosion, I found that I enjoyed it quite a lot and am very excited to participate in more ^_^

Did anyone else listen to the audiobook? I loved the book and Jim Dale, who narrates it, is so good at adding atmosphere and character to it. I think he has also narrated the american version of the Harry Potter audiobooks, although I've only listened to the Stephen Fry ones.

I'm actually pretty satisfied that Bailey is left in charge of the circus. He is so lucky that he was at the right place at the right time, it was really chance. It's exciting to think that someone as mundane as Bailey could end up running the dream circus?!!

I think that Celia and Marco will be fine how they ended up because they still have each other and they are surrounded by an amazing atmosphere that's magical and ever-changing. I'm sure they'll be happy :)

Oh and I really liked the chat between Alexander and Widget at the end. I thought that was prettyyyyy cool.

The writing and imagery was so beautiful. I still want to know what Alexander is since he is not immortal but he has been around forever. Does he just know how to live long because of magic or what. I am so glad I finally read this. Though now I am wanting this circus to be real.

Not sure I liked how the book ended. Particularly regarding Marco and Celia, but I suppose that's as close to a happy ending as they will get.
I also thought it was inappropriate to have the victim and the murderer on the same In Memoriam placque, regardless of culpability.
But overall I really enjoyed the book. My first Booksplosion read along. Will probably be back for more.

I'm so annoyed the book ended! It's left me with such a hankering for more even though it's standalone >.<

I REALLY enjoyed this book. I'm so glad I finally read it. Its been on my TBR list since it came out.

I do wish that it wasn't over. This is one of those books you want to continue forever. The environment is so enchanting and the characters are endearing. I want to be apart of this world. But it did end on a happy note. The circus is still alive. Celia and Marco and together. YAY!

I hope Erin Morgenstern's future books will be just as whimsical and beautiful.

I honestly cannot believe anyone could give this book a rating of lower than 3 stars. I don't understand it. Were they reading the wrong book?? lol

Thanks Booksplosion for having this as the August book of the month!!!

I am pleased as punch to be done with this.

I don't get the ending. I liked the book, overall, but the ending left me confused. What exactly happened to Celia and Marco? Are they alive? Are they dead? Both? What was the point of the competition? Who is Alexander? Will Bailey be stuck, ageless, or aging very, very slowly, like the others were, or will he grow old and die? Does the end suggest that the second-person narrative is happening in our time? If so, does that mean that Bailey is still alive? What about Poppet and Widget?

I have so many questions, none of which were answered. I liked the book, but I'm left feeling confused and dissatisfied.

Abbie wrote: "I don't get the ending. I liked the book, overall, but the ending left me confused. What exactly happened to Celia and Marco? Are they alive? Are they dead? Both? What was the point of the competit..."
Well, I can share my understanding and opinion on the book, since I haven't yet and this happens to be one of my favourite books.

-Celia and Marco are now in the same state as Prospero. Not dead, but not really alive either. They're became those ghostly figures.
-The original point of competition was to prove which kind of magic is better, the one Alexander practised or Prospero's one. But after some time this became a private competition between them I'd say. To see who chooses better competitors and who can 'overpower' the other. The victor is the one who is the most powerful, who finds a way to control the most of the circus without crashing. It is said in the book that the competition is not about skill, but about endurance (if I remember correctly). And I have to say I really liked that aspect. I was happy that there wasn't some big fight at the end, I loved that the competed with adding tents to the circus. I imagine this could be a bit anticlimactic for some people, but I love it.
-I believe Bailey is ageing very slowly, since this was Marco's work and he had all signatures of circus people in his notebook, which was at the end signed by Bailey too.
-I loved when books have parts written in second person! I guess this is just left to your interpretation. I personally would say yes, it implies that they succeeded in preserving the circus and that you whenever you are reading the book are attending the circus in your time.

Some other thoughts:
-When I read it for the first time I was really surprised by multiple POVs. I was expecting to hear the story from Celia's point of view and maybe Marco's but not the others. And I was surprised when I realised I really like other characters that are telling the story.
-What really took me by surprise was that Tsukiko was Alexander's apprentice. I really didn't see this coming. And it was really nice when she talked about her competition.
-I love the descriptions in this book, I think they're magical. The story is good, but without this descriptions wouldn't be half as good. I can't get out of my head that description of the clock. Beautiful.
-I think that Bailey taking over the circus was a bit rushed, it felt a bit weird. But what I loved was that he wasn't the Chosen One, but it was at the right time in the right place. I like now down to earth this novel is sometimes. I also didn't expect people to die, but it made sense. Tara was too curious, so she had to die - a very realistic thing to happen.
-Now, that is probably a very unpopular opinion, but my one of my favourite characters is Alexander. I liked very much his conversation with Widget. I liked him in the very beginning when he was nice to Celia when she was a little girl. I liked that remark of Prospero's that he grew attached to his students, but that is a pity that very few realised that. And I liked that he decided to go see the circus upon Celia's request. I know, he's cold, distant, sends people to die in a competition, but still I like him very much, then again I tend to like not very likeable characters. The other two I really liked were Thiessen and Celia.
-Lastly I would like to share with you my favourite tent, which is probably Widget's tent - the one with bottled stories. I think it's such a good idea. I would love to visit it.

Well, that was one long comment.

I would really like to now what was your favourite tent, please share!

I felt satisfied and frustrated. Frustrated because the circus isn't real!!! :( I want the circus to be real soooooooooo bad (but I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way). My favorite tent was the one with the bottles - Widget's tent. I loved all of the tents, but that's the one that stuck with me to the very end. I think it's awesome Bailey was left in charge of the circus! I want his job. :) Celia and Marco's conclusion was so bittersweet and beautiful and heartbreaking and wonderful.

It must not have ended . Also why hasn't she written a book since ?

* must be patient*

I can't wait for the live show

I'm not so sure I liked Celia and Marco's romance story, but the rest was really good :). Also, I wish the circus was reaaaaaaal

Overall, the book was magical with the beautiful descriptions. But, I just couldn't get into it. I didn't really care for the characters except Celia. The book took forever to build up the action and then everything resolves in such a short amount of time. I appreciate the beautiful writing, but it's just not for me.

Can anyone explain to me why Bailey teared the page with the twin's names apart and then put it on top of the book and in the cauldron? What purpose did that serve?

Also, if it is not asking too much, can someone make this circus real? Please?

The book was

I thought the ending was great, I kind of always thought Bailey would eventually have something to do with the circus, running it or not. I'm so glad that Celia and Marco didn't really die or get trapped in the cauldron, but I wish they were still alive at the same time. Overall though, I loved this book!