The Bookmark: Time of year for great books on Fairs and Circuses
By SUSAN CRUTCHFIELD, Carnegie Library Director
Fall is a book lover’s paradise!
It is my favorite season with the arrival of cozy sweaters, hot tea and delightful fall books. But there is also a little bit of nostalgia in the air as the summer fades away. The transition between seasons, at least in Coweta County, is marked by the Kiwanis Fair. There is something so magical about an evening at the fair with the bright lights on the midway and the delightful smells of fair food! We are thankful to every person who attends the fair as the Carnegie receive grants from the Kiwanis to fund our summer program.
You know what else I love? Books about fairs, circuses and Coney Island. Yes, if I stumble on a book set in old-school Coney Island, I am immediately going to pick it up. Here are a few of my favorites that fit in that category.
Escaping Dreamland by Charlie Lovett: This is a book set in both 1906 and in modern times. It centers around three authors who are creating a syndicated children’s series (interesting fact this is how a lot of children’s books were written then. The Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books were written by a group of authors and put out under pen names). The more modern times storyline focuses on a young man who is seeking out the story of this trio of writers as he works through personal issues. Dreamland is located in Coney Island and plays a large role in this story. I adored this book. It started out slow but quickly became mesmerizing. I love old children’s books like Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and the Hardy Boys so I really enjoyed how this book was centered around a fictional children’s book series. This book was a love letter to readers.
Devil in the White City by Erik Larson: This is a non-fiction book that reads like fiction. It is set around the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and tells the story of the architect of the fair, Daniel H. Burnham as well as serial killer doctor, H.H. Holmes. This was chilling and frightening and I could not put it down. The juxtaposition between the two men was fascinating. This book was really well-researched and I found out new things about H.H. Holmes that I had never read before. Erik Larson is such an amazing writer and I will read whatever he puts out.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: This is a beautifully written book about a magical circus that will just suddenly show up and only opens at night. Two magicians are dueling with their magical powers with one trying to come out on top. The richness and magic of this world is entrancing. I have read this book multiple times as a print book and also an audiobook. I love books like this that just sweep you away to a mysterious world.
I hope you get a chance to pick up one of these reads in October. Happy fall y’all!
Susan Crutchfield is the director of the Carnegie Library in Historic Downtown Newnan. She also is a professional photographer and enjoys volunteering with the Newnan ArtRez and the Newnan Theatre Company.
