Reading this book gave me a little bit of hope that Amazon's compilation of "Best Books of 2011" actually has some books worth reading - after reading a few others on their list, I wasn't sure.This book was fun, imaginative, and whimsical. I felt pulled into another world, one where wonder and magic are par for the course. The setting and fantastical elements are perfectly done - not too ridiculous, but not too serious either. The plot and characters kept me interested throughout, with just enough foreshadowing to leave me guessing as to what would happen next. The story moves forward slowly and persistently, leaving you enough time to savor the imagery and beauty of the prose.Some have compared this to Harry Potter. I don't see the similarities (other than the use of magic, obviously), but this is just as enjoyable in its own ways. I felt the world the author created was more similar to that found in this book:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Novel. The world of The Night Circus is not nearly so detailed as the world of Jonathan Strange (Jonathan Strange seemed like a book centered around a magical world with the plot being secondary whereas Night Circus was exactly the opposite), but they have a similar feel to them.I didn't find anything deep or profound in this book, nothing that made it stand out as an amazing piece of literature. It is not destined to become a classic. But it was a good, fun, easy read - perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable romp through another world. 

Question: Where did the idea of ​​the writer come from?
Answer: Harry Potter