The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This book is magic. It's not wrapped in trivial nonsense and isn't clouded with self-indulgence from the author. It is elegant, and fantastical and big. It is thought provoking, and smart, and so entertaining that even that quarterback who hasn't picked up a book since that time he he used it as a weapon would even thoroughly enjoy it. Think Harry Potter mixed with a Jane Austen novel and throw in some Romeo and Juliet. There. That's this book.
The story begins with a self-seeking magician who discovers he has a daughter. She can move things with her mind. He sees this working to his advantage and binds her to a challenge. A game of sorts. But what this game entails, you will have to find out for yourself. Here is a link to the blurb on the back the book. I didn't want to post it, because I think it gives a little bit too much away. Barnes and Noble: The Night Circus
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
I'm just going to say it up front; this book is chick lit. But if you aren't normally a fan, don't sign it off completely just yet. Because I'm with you. I find that the majority of romantic comedies just aren't…… enough. After the first half of the novel, the plot is either severely one-sided or too shallow. You can tell the author was either entirely focused on the emotions of the characters and apathetic about the story-line, or vice versa. But this book was different.
I'm not trying to be selfish or whatever, but I feel like this book was written for me. I counted maybe six or seven inside jokes in it that I have with my friends or just myself (I'm extremely cool because I have inside jokes with myself, I know). And the characters are completely real. At times, I felt like I had actually written a sentence or two. Like it came straight out of my mouth. And again, I'm not trying to be conceited, or consider myself on the same level as a published author (because I really, really don't). I'm just saying that it was like this book was in alignment with my thoughts.
My favorite part about this novel is how extremely awkward it is. The whole of the plot is revolved around this one, main, paradoxical problem, and it's hilarious because it is profoundly creepy. And strangely, though however cringeworthy it is, I know that I have done things like it before. So I couldn't even pretend that I was above anything in book.
It's perfect. And real. And so funny (which makes up for any cheese factor). And I know that anyone who reads this will find it just as charming and relatable.
Here is the plot summary blurb if you're interested: Barnes and Noble: Attachments
So in conclusion: Read these books please.
