This book was a welcome surprise. I read it before it picked up any hype and I immediately connected with the descriptions of the animals and the magic of the circus. It touched me so much that I recommended it to a number of people and suggested it as a book club pick. Everyone in my book club loved it too. It is very rare to find a book that appeals to all of us. I haven't watched the movie and I hesitate because I enjoyed the book so much.

I absolutely loved this book! I read it upon recommendation from my former 4th grade teacher, whom I ran into at the local coffee shop. I am so glad that I saw her that day and decided to go to Barnes & Noble and purchase this book.

I loved this book. Not only were the historical events fun to read about but I felt like I could put myself in this book. At times I was on the 'edge of my seat' wanting to know how a situation turns out. FANTASTIC!!!

I loved this book. I read a lot and it was probably in my top 5 for the year, maybe even the top 2! I love that the narration rotates between now and the past and what a lovely story unfolds amidst all of the crazy stuff that happens. Truly a great debut novel!

The story was spellbinding and the character development was expertly crafted. I don't have a lot of time to read these days with three little ones, but I got so into this book that I made time to read and finished it in a few days.

What an amazing and beautiful movie. It is now my second favorite love story next to The Notebook.

This book is a good read for sure! The descriptive detail is very good at putting you right in the center of the book!

A Fantastic Book!!

One of my favorite books of all time!

I absolutely loved the book. I couldn't put it down. It was very well written. As for the movie, should have read the book after I saw the movie, as the book is always better for me, lol. That said, the movie is definately worth seeing.

I loved this book. Great character development. I am still trying to get my husband to read it. I think men would enjoy it as much as, or maybe more, than women.

I loved this book, and now can't wait to see the movie.

The over-arching story of the narrator as an old man telling the story of his youth in the circus. The tragedy you know is coming, even without knowing all of the details. The whimsy and poetic justice of the final chapter. This book kept me up all night reading just to find out what happened next. Walter Forever!

One of my favorites... great characters, enjoyable setting.... a walk thru the past that is a fun romp!

One of my top 25 books of all time. It has a few explicit parts but over all a complicated love story, so well written I couldn't stop reading it!