Category: - BC Reads!

"Everything is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer

3/27/2013

Title: Everything is Illuminated
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
Genre: General Fiction
Date Published: 2002
# pages: 276
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended?: Yes

Jonathan Safran Foer’s debut novel, Everything is Illuminated, is a remarkable feat of fiction that transcends its own genre. The novel is comprised of intricately woven narratives that show the inextricable connections between time, place, culture, and humanity. The protagonist, who shares the author’s name, embarks on a journey to find the woman he believes saved his grandfather from the Nazis. With Alex, an ambitious Ukrainian teenager striving for the American dream, and Alex’s grandfather, a cantankerous man with a hidden past, acting as translators and guides, Jonathan realizes that he is not the only one looking to the past in order to better understand the present and to guide the future.

While the themes of the novel – growing up, facing reality, grappling with love and loss, discovering family history, trying to explain inexplicable tragedy, and forming an individual and collective identity – are all clichés, Foer artfully portrays the tragically beautiful universal truths and uncovers the raw, relevant emotion in these familiar plotlines. Through the intersecting narratives, Everything is Illuminated conveys the universal bond of humanity and the struggle to reconcile reality when that bond is violated and betrayed. Simultaneously using macroscopic and microscopic lenses, Foer expresses the complex emotional existence that connects people of all ages, cultures, and religions. The juxtaposition of the protagonist’s exploration of his family’s past and Alex’s grandfather’s inability to escape his own past highlights the equal liberty and burden in acquiring knowledge, as both characters realize the duplicitous nature of history and memory.

The work itself is fiction, but it is rooted in the illuminating truths of profound sorrow, joy, and introspection. The novel’s liminality is paradoxically jarring and comforting, foreign and familiar. When the plot becomes uncomfortably serious, Alex’s broken English provides humorous malapropisms that offer necessary comic relief, while at the same time it makes the reader explore the possibilities and powers of language. When the journey seems physically and emotionally impossible for the characters, there is a reassuring discovery that motivates them to push forward. When the darkest cavities of human cruelty and frailty are exposed, there is still the wavering glow of hope to remind the characters and the reader that it is in moments of seemingly unbearable hardship and self-discovery that everything is illuminated.

Review by Lauren Bly, A&S '15

"Bright's Passage" by Josh Ritter

3/27/2013

Title: Bright's Passage
Author: Josh Ritter
Genre: General Fiction
#Pages: 193
Date Published: 2011
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Recommended?: Yes

In his seventh studio album, The Beast in Its Tracks, released on March 5th, it is indisputable that Josh Ritter has a knack for songwriting. However, in his debut novel, Bright’s Passage, it is questionable whether this prowess translates to prose.

The protagonist in Bright’s Passage, Henry Bright, is a deceivingly average young man. After growing up on a small farm in West Virginia, he has the good fortune of surviving World War I, where he had been stationed in the French trenches. What proves unique about Henry Bright, however, is not his good luck or his own actions, but what guides them—an angel, called the Voice. Yet, while the Voice helps Bright survive the war, his advice is not always sound. He instructs and misguides Bright in his struggles during the aftermath of the war, advising him to marry Rachel, a neighbor and his first cousin—a fact that neither the Voice nor Henry find to be an issue. Following that advice, Bright rescues Rachel from her evil father, marries her, and starts a family. However, just when it seems that their lives might work out, Rachel dies in childbirth, leaving Bright alone with an infant son. Shortly after, the Voice speaks again, this time informing him that his son is the Future King of Heaven, born to replace Jesus. Upon the Voice’s prompting, Bright buries his wife, sets his house on fire (which subsequently sets the entire forest aflame), and leaves in search of a new home for his son and himself. However, Rachel’s evil father and his two sons are in close pursuit, looking to steal Bright’s son from him. The story continues with a full-fledged chase and with the ultimate good winning out in the end.

Cliché? Yes. However, Bright’s Passage remains a heartwarming story of a father’s love for his son. Regardless of this, the relatively poor character development distracts from the story’s lyrical and well-written passages. I found the characters one-dimensional. The good characters: entirely good with no serious faults; and the bad characters: purely evil. As a fairytale this would not be a shortcoming. In a novel with an otherwise realistic setting, though, it is difficult to imagine people so distinctly black and white. Consequently, the credibility of the narrative is somewhat compromised. Furthermore, I found that there were too many blatant religious allusions that would have been far more impactful had they been understated. This novel would have done well as a religious allegory; however, I don’t think Josh Ritter intended it to be read that way.

On the other hand, this novel was extremely well researched. The chapters that recall Bright’s time in WWI were historically accurate and strongly added to the novel’s credibility. My largest problem with the piece was the repetition of certain colloquialisms used over and over again. After a while they became rather distracting. For example, in a 195-page novel, how often can someone really “bite his knuckle” in worry or pain or panic?

All things considered, at certain moments Bright’s Passage echoes Josh Ritter’s expertise for storytelling that is seen so clearly in his songwriting. Yet, over the course of the novel it is apparent that Ritter is far more comfortable with the process of lyric writing than prose writing. As a result, I left Bright’s Passage disappointed. What I expected was an extension of his songs—a ballad in prose form. That wasn’t what I found and perhaps because of this expectation my disappointment in the novel was partly my own fault. If anyone has ever listened to Bob Dylan’s music and then read his book, Tarantula, they would have a similar reaction to the one I had to Bright’s Passage. However, unlike Tarantula, Bright’s Passage has a linear plot line and the makings of a great novel, if only it had been tweaked or the author had had a bit more experience. All in all, I would recommend it, even if only to be read as an inside look at a successful artist’s thought process. I think that it is a good start in Ritter’s literary career, and if he can take what he has learned from writing this novel and harness some of his profound story-telling expertise that is so evident in his songwriting, his second novel will be a greater literary success.

Review by Christine Degenaars, CSOM '15

"Mergers and Acquisitions" by Dana Vachon

3/25/2013

Title: Mergers and Acquisitions
Author: Dana Vachon
Genre(s): Fiction
# pages: 240
Date published: 2008
Rating: 2.5 out of 5stars
Would you recommend it? Yes

Mergers and Acquisitions follows the life of Tommy Quinn, a young man who has just graduated from Georgetown and is setting out on a career in banking in New York City. He is hired in the Mergers and Acquisitions department at J. S. Spenser, a ritzy firm where the bonuses are big, the talk is cheap, and everyone’s priorities are completely out of line. With his lack of ambition, sub-par GPA, and inability to add or subtract, Tommy has absolutely no business being in banking; yet connections and social circles get him the job, the girlfriend, and the experiences – which are not what he thought they would be. Written before the collapse of the financial industry, this novel is a flashback to what the realities of banking were pre-2008. In addition to all-nighters spent pulling together projects at the last minute, a banker’s “responsibilities” often included drugs, parties, and entertaining clients. The world is dark, funny, and constantly moving. The characters are relatable in that they reminded me of people I know – individuals who are both entitled and completely qualified.

This was definitely an easy read; it was quick (it only took two days between class readings) and easy to understand. What I really appreciated was that it was similar to chick-lit, but instead of taking the perspective of a young, love-stricken female, it was written by a man from a man’s perspective (think Holden Caulfield all grown up), which enables Mergers to reach a wider audience. Despite the escape it provided me from the reality of midterms, it wasn’t anywhere near the best light book I’ve read. It was similar to Less Than Zero by Brett Easton Ellis, but not quite as captivating. If you’re looking for something different, and something quick, Mergers and Acquisitions is a good read. However, if you are looking for something with a lot of substance or complex characters, this is not the book for you.

Review by Molly Saint, A&S '15

"Save Me the Waltz" by Zelda Fitzgerald

3/25/2013

Title: Save Me the Waltz
Author: Zelda Fitzgerald
#Pages: 225
Genre: General Fiction
Date Published: 1932; Republished 2001
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Recommended?: Yes

Earnest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Elliot—these are the authors that occur in one’s mind when thinking of the “Lost Generation”. They were men, writers, disillusioned with a world destroyed by war. Yet, there was more to this time period and the literature produced during it. There were women; there was Gertrude Stein and Hadley Hemingway. There was Zelda Fitzgerald.

In her only novel, Save Me the Waltz, Zelda Fitzgerald describes the familiar dissolution of the American dream felt by many of the authors of 1920s. However, unlike other writers of the period, she describes these themes through a woman’s perspective. Save Me the Waltz is the semi-autobiographical account of a young woman from the South, Alabama Beggs, specifically detailing her marriage and her life with the artist David Knight. At first, she is enthralled with the late-night parties and the ritz and glamour that come along with her marriage to David. However, she soon sees the emptiness of such a life and turns away from her husband and into herself. In Paris, she recognizes her dream to become a great ballerina and begins to take lessons in a nearby dance studio. After months of practice and weeks of neglecting both her family and her customary lifestyle, she becomes exceptionally close to fulfilling her dream. She moves to Italy and performs in a ballet. However, soon after, her dream is shattered by an infection, which leaves her incapable of dancing again. Upon recovery, she returns to America with her husband and daughter to attend her father’s funeral. The novel ends with her and her husband resigned to complacency, seemingly content in mutual disillusionment.

For anyone who is interested in the Lost Generation, Save Me the Waltz is a necessary addition to his or her library. It brings full circle the thoughts and attitudes of many of the writers of that time – illuminating a woman’s perspective from an era that is described largely and almost singularly by men. With events taken from her personal life, the novel gives a different point of view on the workings of Zelda and F. Scott’s relationship, a marriage that has long incited the interest of readers. Drawing on many of the same themes as Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night and written at relatively the same time, Save Me the Waltz parallels many of the plot points of what has become, arguably, Fitzgerald’s most famous work. Consequently, Save Me the Waltz is an interesting juxtaposition to that novel and good companion for those reading it. Zelda Fitzgerald’s writing style, with a devoted attention to minute details, makes Save Me the Waltz a thoroughly engrossing read and one that can very successfully stand on its own as a great and unjustifiably overlooked piece of literature.

Review by Christine Degenaars, CSOM '15

"Every Day" by David Levithan

2/27/2013

Title: Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Genre: Fiction
Date Published: 2013
# pages: 336
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended?: Yes

“Every day I am someone else. I am myself—I know I am myself—but I am also someone else. It has always been like this.” A receives no warning and no preparation for the person he/she will become the following day. The life of transience that A, for whatever reason, has been forced to lead leaves little room for friendship and certainly no room for mistakes. The guidelines A has set for him/herself are simple: live each day without being noticed and without interfering. This system proves to be successful until the fateful day when falling in love causes A to break his/her own rules.

The constantly changing scenery in this David Levithan novel makes it a quick read, but the style also takes some getting used to. In the same way that A has to establish his/her own procedure for dealing with constant change, readers must find a way to adjust to an exceedingly dynamic main character. Despite the different bodies and situations in which A finds him/herself, however, A’s strong personality remains at the forefront of the narrative and gives the novel a sense of consistency. Every morning, he/she offers the reader a psychological and physiological analysis of the body he/she wakes up in. This unbiased report breaks open stereotypes, examines the nature of relationships, and presents the potential joys and horrors of high school in a way that evokes both pleasant and less desirable memories.

Although this novel is engaging for its ability to place the reader directly in the mind of the main character and in the bodies of several unsuspecting high-school students, it leaves much to be desired. A repeatedly makes imprudent decisions, the ending left me unsatisfied, certain aspects of the plot lacked development, and the romance reached a level of cheesiness that may have led me to set it aside were I not such already such a sucker for love stories. Nevertheless, it is A’s poor decision-making and romantic tendencies that help develop his/her character and the ending is, for lack of a better phrase, the way it had to be. In all, this was a good, quick read and one that I would suggest to anyone that has a few hours to spare.

Review by Christie Wentworth, A&S '13

"My Name is Memory" by Ann Brashares

2/17/2013

Title: My Name is Memory
Author: Ann Brashares
Genre: Fiction
# of Pages: 336
Date Published: 2010
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Ann Brashares, who also wrote the much-acclaimed Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, composes a unique and intriguing love story in My Name is Memory. Daniel has “the memory.” He can remember all of his past lives – from 520 A.D. to present day. Through countless deaths, parents, wives, and wars, he remembers it all. But despite living these different perspectives that span human existence, one thing remains constant in Daniel’s remembrance: his love for a soul, which he calls Sophia. From 552 A.D. Asia Minor to 1918 England to 1972 Virginia, Daniel and Sophia’s souls are constantly seeking each other, only to lose each other time after time again.

The book takes place in the present day, with Daniel and Sophia, named Lucy by her current parents, meeting in high school. However, in order for them to finally be together, they both must conquer the competing forces that have kept them apart for so long.

This book was fairly entertaining and well written but dragged on a bit in the middle. One can only take so much whining about how much Daniel and Lucy love and yearn for the other. Nothing of consequence happens within the first 300 pages; it is simply a summarized account of a number of their past lives and a never-ending stream of pained thoughts detailing their unrequited love.

Don’t get me wrong, the anecdotes of their past lives were interesting and varied. I enjoyed reading them and putting the pieces together. It just took Brashares too long to reach the climax of the novel – not to mention the unfinished ending. I have never been one to adamantly despise ambiguous endings, as long as they make sense with the rest of the story and leave the reader with a sense of thoughtfulness to take with them. However, the ending of My Name is Memory was far from thoughtful. I wouldn’t even call it ambiguous. It just ended, as if no further explanation or musing was necessary. As far as I know, there is no sequel to this book. The main action of the novel was completely cut short.

Despite the disappointing ending of this novel, I did enjoy the ride to the end and would recommend this book to lovers of romance novels. Only people who have an affinity for this genre will be able to stand the repetitive stream of consciousness that revolves around Daniel and Sophia’s love.

Review by Brittany Duncan, A&S '16

Illustration Below by Tashrika Sharma, A&S '15

If you liked this book, we recommend: Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn

Double Review! "The Casual Vacancy" by J.K. Rowling

1/28/2013

Title: The Casual Vacancy
Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: General Fiction
Number of Pages: 503
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Scroll down to see the second review!

It was a big deal when J.K. Rowling announced that she had written another book, and more specifically, a book that wasn’t part of her established Harry Potter series. Expectations were very high given the fact that she had already written what is arguably the most popular book series in the world. Though people expected another fantasy novel, The Casual Vacancy is completely different from HP in so many ways, which is probably the most important thing all should realize before picking it up. If you start this book expecting spells, Hogwarts or Quidditch matches, you will end up disappointed. On the other hand, if you go into it with an open mind, the experience will render itself much more enjoyable.

The Casual Vacancy is a character-driven book that follows the lives of various citizens of a British town called Pagford. One of the members on the Pagford Council dies of a sudden brain aneurysm, which causes a great deal of sadness in the town. Even so, the sudden death leaves an open seat on the council, which, for many townspeople, presents an even larger dilemma. The book follows the lives of the characters – from young rebellious teenagers to snobby old-time Pagfordians – and even documents those citizens new to the town. The Casual Vacancy provides an entertaining story of character interaction, the daily struggle of life, and electoral issues present in today’s world.

Though the book is overall a good one, the characters are so plentiful that at the beginning it can be very difficult to keep track of them and the ways in which they are all related. As a result, immediate engagement is difficult to reach with this novel. However, once you know all the characters, everything suddenly becomes much more interesting. Another thing to bear in mind is that The Casual Vacancy is targeted towards adults, and possibly older teens, due to the mature and disturbing nature of some of Rowling’s major themes. Overall, fans of J.K. Rowling might like to see this new side of her writing, yet even those who were previously not fans of her previous works might enjoy this take on the British middle class and its resultant society.

Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When J.K. Rowling announced she was publishing a new book, Harry Potter fans everywhere rejoiced. However, The Casual Vacancy was not exactly what many Potterheads were hoping for. Rowling completely changed genres – going from fantasy to reality. Many of the same people who enjoyed Harry Potter may not like this book, just because it is not the same genre. But there are certainly exceptions to the rule. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and I loved The Casual Vacancy. It is the perfect book for the Harry Potter fans that have completed their adolescence and are ready to experience a more mature novel. The book got a lot of hate because it is just not Harry Potter; it is completely different. J.K. Rowling tackled something close to home, as Casual Vacancy in some ways is almost an expose on how she herself was brought up.

The Casual Vacancy takes place in a tiny English town called Pagford. The plot revolves around the death of Barry Fairbrother and the townspeople’s search for a candidate to take over his position on the town council. Although there are a lot of characters, J.K. Rowling does a good job of fully developing her cast. All the characters have a connection to someone running for council, which allows the reader to see why each candidate potentially deserves the position from all perspectives. These characters are three-dimensional; they have flaws and are not always very likable, but this makes them even more complex, real, and relatable. The book recounts each character’s struggles with family, school, and teenage rebellion – even romance. Rowling also tackles serious issues like drug and child abuse.

At first the book was difficult to get into; the beginning was slow and mostly consisted of introducing all the characters. Once I got into it, the last 300 pages or so went very quickly. I enjoyed getting the insight to how small town governments in England work as it is very different from America. I loved the classic Rowling style – she doesn’t fail to integrate her humor within the pages. Some readers have complained about the vulgar language in this book, which is probably the reason it is tagged as “J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults,” but that language is an effective way to portray real life and the culture of the characters.

As she did with the Harry Potter series, Rowling triggers emotions and knows how to open up a reader’s heart to otherwise unlovable characters. I definitely recommend this brilliant book and I am looking forward to whatever other worlds Rowling has up her creative sleeve.

Review by Colleen Brady, A&S '16

"Natural Born Charmer" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

1/20/2013

Title: “Natural Born Charmer”
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Genre: Romantic Fiction
Number of Pages: 400
Rating: 4.25 stars

            Who wouldn’t adore a novel about the America’s most attractive wide receiver falling in love with a young woman dressed in nothing but a simple beaver suit? The star, Dean, unhappy with his life, sets off on a cross-country trip that will hopefully help him identify what has gone wrong. When he hits a lonely stretch of Colorado highway, he spies Blue Bailey – aka: beaver suit girl. Dean offers her a lift, she begrudgingly agrees, and it is here that their peculiar romance blossoms.

As the summer progresses, Blue, a wandering portrait artist, and Dean play a high-stakes game, fighting themselves and each other for a chance to have it all. One cannot help but love the old-ball couple and their deeply real romantic courtship.

"Natural Born Charmer" is for anyone who loves an easy yet thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read. Susan Phillips has a way of drawing you in and carrying you through the great story of Blue and Dean.

Review by Morgan Healy, LSOE '13

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

11/20/2012

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: General Fiction / Romance
Number of Pages: 225
Date Published: February 1999

*This is special double review - the rating and recommendations from the reviews appear alongside their individual reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended: Yes

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a book narrated in letters by Charlie, a freshman in high school. The book opens with Charlie’s first day of high school, as he reflects back on his best friend’s suicide in middle school and his favorite aunt’s death. Charlie is an innocent narrator, which makes the book very intriguing because it feels as though the reader is going through his experiences for the first time as well. Charlie encounters serious issues in high school detailing both family and friendship; sexual abuse and abusive relationships; first love and sexuality; drugs and alcohol; and depression. These real issues and situations are presented in such a way that readers can easily relate to them. Also, the characters are diverse enough that every reader can find someone to identify with.

I read this book in my sophomore year of high school, again my senior year, and I recently opened the binding a third time at the beginning of this year (my freshman year). It is amazing how this book continues to be relevant even though it is told from the perspective of a high school freshman in the ’90s. In fact, the issues it touches on are so universal that I argue it’s impact could be eternally significant. The book is well written with deep, quotable sentences on each page.

It did not take me long to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Since it was composed of letters, the chapters were short and left me wondering what would come next. I really love this book. It made me think a lot about life, happiness, and what it means to be human. It also opened my eyes to what some people have to go through. I was able to relate to some of Charlie’s experiences; he is a very real and complex character who I wish I could meet and have a conversation with. The book was a roller coaster of feelings – at times I laughed, and sometimes I even cried. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of those books I feel everyone must read. John Green nicely sums up my feelings about it: “Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” – The Fault in Our Stars. So stop reading this review and pick up The Perks of Being a Wallflower. (And watch the film after – it is a great complement to the book!)

Review by Colleen Brady, A&S '16

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended: Yes

Making it through high school is difficult. Among the angst-ridden issues are ever-changing friends, a persistent search for your true identity, a multitude of crushes or lackluster relationships, and way too much meaningless homework, growing up as a teenager can be a bit overwhelming. Yet what is arguably more difficult is finding a book that manages to accurately reflect the emotions and the reality so many teenagers encounter. Perks of Being a Wallflower manages to do this beautifully, and surprisingly in a meaningful manner. The story is revealed in the form of letters, which the protagonist, Charlie, a freshman in high school, writes to a mysterious “friend.” In the letters, Charlie discusses all aspects of his life, detailing his weeks much like in a diary. The letters follow Charlie’s life, from the constantly developing relationships with his family, his classmates, and his friends, and all of the crazy and ordinary things they do together. The letters provide an interesting insight into Charlie’s mind, as he writes the questions and concerns about life that many people would not admit to thinking about. Charlie’s emotional journey is entertaining, funny, and moving, with a relatable cast of characters and moments that will make you laugh and cry. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is, essentially, a coming of age and very Catcher in the Rye type of novel that will entertain, but more importantly inspire as well.

Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16

"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

11/5/2012

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Genre: General Fiction, Fantasy
Number of pages: 512
Date published: 2011
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended?: Yes

I usually shy away from fantasy literature, often proclaiming that I prefer to read stories that could actually happen in our world, but I’m glad I broke that self-enforced rule for The Night Circus. The story begins with a twist of fate: a young Celia is given to her father, Prospero the Enchanter, an extremely talented magician of questionable character. After Celia breaks a teacup without touching it, Prospero notices his daughter’s gift and challenges a man in a grey suit to a duel: Celia against the grey-suited man’s own protégé. After Celia’s opponent is selected and years of training are completed, the Night Circus is chosen as a venue for this competition. However, this nocturnal world of black-and-white stripes becomes much more than a stage for a battle, the lives of many getting tangled up in the magical circus. Beneath the wonders and pleasures of the tents and performances, though, the forces that balance the circus and the competition that drives it threaten to collapse.

The multitude of characters, the non-chronological order of the novel, and the suspenseful mystique Morgenstern creates throughout the story demand readers’ close attention. I often found myself flipping back through the pages, trying to figure out whether certain characters had been mentioned before, if certain events had already taken place at another point of time, or even important details I may have skimmed past without noticing. While the novel was thoroughly enjoyable, it demanded my full attention. It is no lazy read, not the kind of book you can relax with.

But what drives this book is not the plot, but rather the majestic, enchanting atmosphere that is the Night Circus. With her beautifully crafted words, Morgenstern creates an enticing, irresistible world, filled with intricate clocks and mazes and illusions unparalleled by anything found on Earth. Her descriptions are interlaced within the actual story of the circus, a couple pages at a time dedicated to elucidating a certain tent or attraction. Each time I would arrive at one of these descriptions, I felt like a patron of the circus, stumbling upon a new striped tent. Morgenstern creates wishing-to-be reveurs out of her readers, the characters of the book who follow the Night Circus around the globe dressed in black and white with a splash of red. The book concludes, and yet one wishes they could travel with the circus forever.

While I sometimes grew impatient for substantial plot development during the immense stretch of 512 pages, I cherished the opportunity to enter Morgenstern’s highly imaginative and elegant world of the Night Circus. The book has earned critical acclaim with seven weeks on the bestseller list, and has been rumored as a possible film down the road. I urge you to explore the enchanting novel as soon as possible. The well-deserved hype will almost certainly escalate.

Review by Laura Baumgartner, A&S '16