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PowellsBooks.Blog
Authors, readers, critics, media − and booksellers.

Indiespensable

How We Assembled Indiespensable #29

by The Panjandrums, September 20, 2011 12:42 PM
When we first heard about Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus from our head buyer, Gerry, we were skeptical. It sounded a bit fantastical for our sensibilities. But his defense was swift. "I don't usually read books about... well, circuses," he said, "or books that could be described as magical or romantic. But this one is an exception to the rule. Read it. It's amazing." We promptly complied and then thanked Gerry profusely. We were bewitched. At Book Expo America in June, it became apparent that booksellers from across the country felt the same way. And the critics haven't been far behind; in a starred review, Publishers Weekly raved, "Debut author Morgenstern doesn't miss a beat in this smashing tale of greed, fate, and love set in a turn-of-the-20th-century circus....[A] giant, magical story destined for bestsellerdom. This is an electric debut." We're also excited to include Megan's interview with Erin Morgenstern, wherein the author admits, "It's funny, everything anyone ever told me never happened to debut authors is happening to me."

Jill was also charmed by a very early advance reader's copy that seemed to be a good fit with The Night Circus — it has magic, darkness, whimsy, and flat-out great writing. The Vanishers, by acclaimed novelist and Believer editor Heidi Julavits, is the remarkable story of Julia, a student, at an elite institute for psychics, who is attacked (psychically, but with devastating physical effects) by her one-time mentor. At the same time, she's also trying to unravel the mystery of her mother's life. The Vanishers is original, whip-smart, and extremely funny, and not due out until March of next year — so you can enjoy it a full six months before the rest of the world does.

Finally, all the circus talk had us salivating for caramel corn. So, from Salted Caramel — the Chicago-based company "where sweet meets savory" — we include a bag of their irresistibly tasty Smoked Pecan Bourbon Caramel Corn. We're happy to share the sweet, sticky — and literary — magic.




Books mentioned in this post

Night Circus

Erin Morgenstern
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13 Responses to "How We Assembled Indiespensable #29"

Julie February 10, 2012 at 12:31 PM
"Absolutely a beautifully written and thought out book. I feel bad for those that didn't "get it". The superiority complex of some of the people who liked this book is astounding to me. I did not find it beautifully written, and for the life of me I cannot figure out what is well thought out about it. The plot was a complete afterthought and the author has admitted as much. Don't feel bad for me--I've had plenty of amazing reading experiences in my life. This just wasn't one of them. Or if you like, feel bad for me that I wasted precious time on a book that absolutely wasn't worth it.

Clarence January 26, 2012 at 03:06 PM
I certainly "got it". It was plotless, charmless, and about as full of magic as the local ads that appear on our diner's paper placemats. However, my main question is whether or not Ms. Morgenstern had an editor look at the manuscript at any point before before printing. Nearly every page needs a touch of color from a blue pencil. 'The Vanishers', on the other hand, was a very pleasant surprise. Thanks, Indie folks, for providing an alternate.

Suzanne December 24, 2011 at 08:19 PM
The trend continues in our book club. I LOVED the book as did some others in the club...then there were those that HATED it. No one was in between. It definitely is a "get it" book. Doesn't mean your dumb or not well read, just means you get what this book is about. Absolutely a beautifully written and thought out book. I feel bad for those that didn't "get it".

Sara December 6, 2011 at 07:55 AM
I would also happily buy anyone's unwanted Night Circus slipcase edition. I loved it for all the descriptions and images conjured up by the words. Stitches and Lemon Cake are certainly great books, too. If you're interested in off-loading your Night Circus: [email protected] Thanks!

Jenn Young November 29, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Wow, for all of you who hated it feel free to email me @ [email protected] I am interested in purchasing your slipcased signed copy of The Night Circus. Thanks

Lacenaire November 3, 2011 at 04:31 PM
You should have overrun Gerry's defense. The book is weak. To criticize it in any detail, and I have many complaints, is to give it too much credit. It's just not worth the time. This choice is a blemish on an otherwise winning track record.

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