Okay, I love magic. I didn't realize how much I've missed the Boy Who Lived until I read this. The atmosphere in this book is fantastic. I want to join Le Cirque des Reves and have some sort of mysterious talent to share with the world. Ahhh....alas, I can only dream....with my nose in a book.Morgenstern has created a world of mystery and delights. This isn't a tale of any ordinary circus -- I wasn't sure if I would care for this, since I don't really like normal circuses - the clowns freak me out and I don't like watching the elephants - they look so sad, but don't let the title fool you. This is a circus I was able to love.Not a piece of serious fiction or an example of magnificent writing, but who needs that all the time? Trust me - this is an escape into a magical world - you will be transported to a wonderful realm of love, illusion, and fascination....let the stories begin....