The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

For February we'll be discussing The Hobbit by J.R.R.Tolkien.

I usually try to find an 'official' site for authors and books, but that has been a bit complicated.  These books have been around for SO long and are SO well-loved that there is a LOT of information.  Of course you are all capable of doing a google search, but I like to have things handier for us.  So here are some of the sites I found interesting.

Of the ones I looked at, the Tolkien Library, seemed to be the best organized, most comprehensive as well as most interesting of the ones I looked at.  Here are a few of its pages I found most relevant.
Tolkien Library Biography
Tolkien Library Gallery of Hobbit Translations from around the globe (totally worth checking out although I included several at the end of this post).
Tolkien Library: About the Hobbit
Tolkien Library: Books by J.R.R. Tolkien


The Tolkien Society has a site, and while it has a lot of information, it isn't the most intuitive set up.  It focuses most on the author himself and his works as a whole, but if you are looking for something specific about the hobbit it may be hard to find here.
Tolkien Society Home Page
Tolkien Society's Tolkien Biography

There were a couple other sites that looked worthwhile:
The Barrow-Downs about the Hobbit
The Hobbit Hunter
And just because I found them fascinating here are a bunch of different covers.  Many in English but some in other languages.  Some beautiful, some horrible.

Discussion: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Start discussions below in the comments.

Remember to start a new discussion comment on the post to reply to a discussion comment on the comment.

Here are some discussion questions off of goodreads.  Maybe a little something to think about  . . .
Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Finish the book before reading on.

1. The Night Circus is not written in a linear timeline. Did you find the structure of the book disorienting? Do you think it was effective in mirroring the nature of the circus or did it just annoy you?

2. Between the chapters that tell the story of The Night Circus are descriptions of the circus itself, written as if you are visiting it right now. What do these chapters add to the story?

3. What was your favorite part of the circus? Which character would you most want to meet? Which tent would you most want to visit? Which food sounded most appealing?

4. Why are Frederick Thiessen and the reveurs important to the story? Why do you think some people were so entranced by the circus that they devoted themselves to following it around?

5. Did you feel sorry for those who were being used in the game -- Isobel, the Burgess sisters, even Celia and Marco? Why do you think some people, like Mr. Barris, don't mind being trapped by the circus while it drives others, like Tara Burgess, mad?

6. Why do you think Bailey was willing to give his life to the circus?

7. Discuss themes of good and evil and free will verses being "bound."

8. What did you think of Marco and Celia's relationship? Why did they fall in love?

9. Why does the man in the grey suit feel so passionate about stories? What sort of commentary do you think the chapter "Stories" is on the novel? On life?

10. Rate The Night Circus 1 to 5.


OPRAH BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

Warning: May contain spoilers
Questions and Topics for Discussion 

1. The novel opens with a quote from Oscar Wilde: "A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world." How is this sentiment explored in The Night Circus? Who in the novel is a dreamer? And what is their punishment for being so? 

2. The novel frequently changes narrative perspective. How does this transition shape your reading of the novel and your connection to the characters and the circus? Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from varied perspectives? 

3. The narrative also follows a nonlinear sequence—shifting at times from present to past. How effective is this method in revealing conflict in the novel? 

4. There are a number of allusions to Shakespeare throughout the text: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest and As You Like It. Explain these references—how does each play reveal itself in the novel? 

5. What role does time play in the novel? From Friedrick Thiessen's clock to the delayed aging of the circus developers to the birth of the twins—is time manipulated or fated at the circus? 

6. "Chandresh relishes reactions. Genuine reactions, not mere polite applause. He often values the reactions over the show itself. A show without an audience is nothing, after all. In the response of the audience, that is where the power of performance lives." How does this statement apply to both Le Cirque des Rêves and the competition? Which audience is more valuable: one that is complicit or one that is unknowing? 

7. Chandresh is portrayed as a brilliant and creative perfectionist at the beginning of the novel, yet he slowly unravels as the competition matures. Is Chandresh merely a puppet of the competition—used solely for his ability to provide a venue for the competition—or do his contributions run deeper?


8. Marco asserts that Alexander H. is a father figure to him (though his paternal instincts aren't readily noticeable). In what ways does Alexander provide for Marco and in what ways has he failed him? 

9. Celia emphasizes that keeping the circus controlled is a matter of "balance." And Marco suggests that the competition is not a chess game but rather a balancing of scales. However, the circus and the competition become disordered at times—leaving both physical and emotional casualties in their wake. Is the circus ever really in "balance," or is it a pendulum swinging from one extreme to the other? 

10. From the outside, the circus is full of enchantments and delights, but behind the scenes, the delicate push and pull of the competition results in some sinister events: i.e., the deaths of Tara Burgess and Friedrick Thiessen. How much is the competition at fault for these losses and how much are they the individuals' doing? 

11. How do you view the morality of the circus in regards to the performers and developers being unknowing pawns in Celia and Marco's competition? Do Celia and Marco owe an explanation to their peers about their unwitting involvement? 

12. Friedrick Thiessen asserts that he thinks of himself "not as a writer so much as someone who provides a gateway, a tangential route for readers to the circus." He is a voice for those unable to attend the circus and suggests that the circus is bigger than itself. What role do the rêveurs play in keeping the spirit of the circus alive outside the confines of the circus tents? 

13. What is Hector's role in determining the fate of the competition? He lectures Celia about remaining independent and not interfering with her partner, but ultimately, Hector largely influences the outcome of the competition. Explain this influence. 

14. Poppet and Widget are especially affected by the lighting of the bonfire. How crucial are their "specialties" to the ongoing success of the circus?


15. Isobel is a silent yet integral partner in both the circus and the competition. She has an ally in Tsukiko but seemingly in no one else, especially not Marco. How much does Marco's underestimation of Isobel affect the outcome of the competition? 

16. How does Isobel serve as a foil to Celia? Who, if anyone, fills that role for Marco? 

17. Tsukiko is aware of Isobel's "tempering of the circus" from the outset, and when Isobel worries that it is having no effect, Tsukiko suggests that "perhaps it is controlling the chaos within more than the chaos without." What, and whose, chaos is Tsukiko alluding to here? 

18. Mr. Barris, Friedrick Thiessen, Mme. Padva and even Bailey are aware that the circus has made a profound, inexplicable change in their lives, but they each choose not to explore the depth of these changes. Friedrick Thiessen states, "I prefer to remain unenlightened, to better appreciate the dark." Do you agree with this standpoint? What inherent dangers accompany a purposeful ignorance? What dangers present themselves when ignorance is not chosen? Is one choice better/safer than the other, or are they equally fraught? 

19. Celia tells Bailey that he is "not destined or chosen" to be the next proprietor of the circus. He is simply "in the right place at the right time...and care[s] enough to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that's enough." In this situation, is that "enough"? Can the responsibility of maintaining the circus be trusted to just anyone, or, despite Celia's assertion, is Bailey truly special? 

20. At the closing of the novel, we are left to believe that the circus is still traveling— Bailey's business card provides an email address as his contact information. How do you think the circus would fare over time? Would the circus need to evolve to suit each generation, or is it distinctive enough to transcend time? 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

February's book is the The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, 387 pages.

After you've read it post your rating and, if you like, a review as a comment below.
If you want to discuss something go to the discussion page.


Here is a website for the author, Erin Morgenstern, and an NPR review.
2-7-2012 Here is an interview with the author as well.

SPOILER ALERT!

Timeline
Title & Summary	Page	Year	Month	Day
Unexpected Post: Celia Bowen is brought to her father.  Prospero writes to Alexander.	9	1873	2
A Gentleman’s Wager: Celia meets Alexander and is bound.	12	1873	10
Shades Of Gray: Alexander adopts Marco Alisdair	21	1874	1
Magic Lessons: Celia and Marco’s training	24	1875-1880
Le Bateleur: Marco meets Isobel	30	1884	5-6
False Pretenses: Celia works as a spiritualist.  Marco learns of Isobel’s past. Marco is  hired as Chandresh’s assistant. Prospero begins his final project.	38	1884	7-11
Target Practice: Meet Chandresh and his obsession with the audience	44	1884	12
Associates And Conspirators: Midnight dinners at Lefevre mansion.  1st planning meeting for the circus.  Introduction of Mr. Barris, Mmme Padva, Tara and Lainie Burgess.	55	1885	2
Horology: Meet Friedrick Thiessen, clockmaker.  Mr. Barris commissions a clock for the circus.	68	1885
Condolences: Prospero “dies”.  Celia receives many sympathy cards and ‘your move’ card.	62	1885	3
The contortionist’s Tattoo: We meet Tsukiko at a circus planning meeting/midnight dinner.	64	1885	9
Auditory: Illusionist auditions.  Celia and Marco meet.  Celia is hired for the circus.	71	1886	4
Strategem: Marco is rattled.  Isobel joins the circus.	78	1886	4
Opening Night I:  Inception: 6 minutes before midnight Winston Aidan Murray is born.  At midnight the bonfire is lit. Six minutes after midnight Penelope Aislin Murray is born.	93	1886	10	13-14
Opening Night Ii:  Sparks: How Marco prepares for the bonfire.  Celia’s performance.  She is rattled by the lighting of the bonfire and observed by Tsukiko.	97	1886	10	13-14
Opening Night III:  Smoke And Mirrors: Chandresh and the Burgess sisters.  Tara Burgess begins to wonder about Marco.	101	1886	10	13-14
Rules Of The Game: Marco questions Alexander. Celia questions Prospero.  Both offer vague, unhelpful responses.  Marco’s letters from Isobel.  Carousel by Celia and Mr. Barris. Ice Garden by Marco.  Isboel surprises Marco with a visit.	114	1887-1889
Tasting: Friedrick Thiessen discovers the circus.	121	1889	9
Chaperoned: Celia babysitting the Murray twins.  Widget sees stories on people.  Poppet sees things in the stars.  Poppet sees Tara’s burial.  Celia offers to teach them magic in a few years	124	1890	11
Wishes And Desires: Marco visits Isobel.  Chess or balancing of scales.  Wishing Tree by Celia.	128	1891	5
Atmosphere: Circus Train by Celia. Midnight dinner at Lefevre mansion.   Tsukiko takes Celia.  Celia realized that Tara reminds her of her mother.  We learn more of the Burgess sisters’ talents.	131	1891	9
Reveurs: Friedrick gets to visit the circus again, begins to write articles about it.  A society of circus lovers forms.  He receives letters from all over.  One from a Celia Bowen.  They begin a correspondence.	140	1891-1892
Collaborations: Marco discusses the challenge with Mr. Barris and they build the labyrinth together.  Celia writes to ask if she may add to it.  Yes.	145	1893	9-12
The Ticking Of The Clock: Tara visits Mr. Barris and questions him about the circus.  He gives her an address for Alexander.	150	1894	1
The Magician’s Umbrella: Isobel and Celia become more friendly.  Celia discovers who her opponent is.	154	1894	3
The Wizard In The Tree: Poppet’s predictions.  Widget’s story of the Wizard in the Tree.	171	1894	11
Temporary Places: Tara talks to Alexander.  Goes to bus station.	176	1895	4
Movement: Celia and Friedrick meet.	180	1895	4
In Loving Memory Of Tara Burgess: Tara’s funeral.  Isobel and Tsukiko discuss the circus and how Tara really died.	185	1895	4
Tete-A-Tete: Midnight Dinner.  Celia goes back for her scarf and she and Marco finally really talk.	205	1896	8
Truth Or Dare: We meet Bailey, dared to sneak into the circus.  Bailey meets Poppet.	48	1897	9
Thirteen: 13th anniversary of the circus. Celia and Marco kiss.	226	1899	10	13
Three Cups Of Tea With Lainie Burgess: Lainie talks to Mmme Padva, Mr. Barris and Celia about the circus.	250	1900
Bookkeeping: Chandresh investigates Marco’s office.  Prospero strikes up a conversation with Chandresh.	243	1900	3
Stormy Seas: Celia and Marco discuss disappearing like  Prospero.	257	1901	6
Invitation: Celia invites Alexander to the circus.	271	1901	10	30
Intersections I:  The Drop Of A Hat: Marco tells Isobel he is in love with Celia.  Isobel undoes the balance charm.	272	1901	10-11	31-1
Intersections II:  Scarlet Furies And Red Destinies: Chandresh goes a bit crazy. Friedrick dies	278	1901	10-11	31-1
Retrospect: Alexander and Prospero talk at the circus.	287	1901	11	1
Beautiful Pain: Celia visit’s Marco and they discuss the impossibility of running away and how to save the circus.	290	1901	11	1
Technicalities: Celia talks to Prospero and realizes that she or Marco will not survive.	299	1901	11	1
----: Celia and Tsukiko talk about saving the circus.	303	1901	11	1
Impasse: Celia tells Marco her plan to end the game and breaks his heart.	315	1902	8
Visitations: Prospero visits Celia.  Marco talks to Alexander who confirms one must die.	319	1902	9
Hidden Things: Bailey’s future debated.  His dream.   The circus returns.	85	1902	10
Oneiromancy: Bailey goes  to the circus and watches the contortionist and visits the illusionist’s tent.  Sees ‘statue’ in memorium.	107	1902	10
Cartomancy: Bailey visits Isobel, looks for Poppet.	164	1902	10
Ailuromancy: Bailey finds Poppet, meets Widget.  They visit the Cloud Maze and give him a Silver Ticket.	191	1902	10
Bedtime Stories: Bailey visits the Labyrinth and Widget’s tent of scents.	235	1902	10
An Entreaty: Poppet asks Bailey to join the circus.	267	1902	10
Darkest Before The Dawn: Widget and Poppet discuss Bailey and the circus and wonder what will happen	276	1902	10
Farewell: Bailey leaves home, but misses the train.	284	1902	10
Precognition: Poppet and Widget talk to Celia about what Poppet has seen.	324	1902	10	31
Escapement: Bailey runs to the train station and meets the reveurs.	309	1902	10
Old Ghosts: Isobel goes to see Marco and sends him to the circus	334	1902	10	31
Incendiary: Marco arrives at the circus and talks to Tsukiko.  The bonfire goes out.	342	1902	10	31
Transmutation: Celia and Marco escape into the circus	348	1902	11	1
Pursuit: Bailey arrives in New York to hear very bad news	330	1902	11	1
Aftermath: Bailey gets into the circus and meets Tsukiko who takes him to Celia and Marco	338	1902	11	1
Suspended: Bailey Meets Marco and Celia.  Bailey agrees to be caretaker and is bound.	354	1902	11	1
The Second Lighting Of The Bonfire: Bailey lights the bonfire.	364	1902	11	1
Blueprints: Poppet visits Chandresh.  He signs over the circus and she helps him move forward	372	1902	12
Stories: Widget makes a deal with Alexander	375	1903	1
Anticipation: “The circus arrives without warning.”  Waiting for nightfall.	3	Present
Darkness And Stars: In line with your ticket you step into a world of stars.	47	Present
Fire And Light: White light of the bonfire.	84	Present
The Hanged Man: Acrobat act	105	Present
Reflections And Distortions: Hall of Mirrors	163	Present
Labyrinth: Maze	190	Present
The Lovers: Bride and Groom ‘statues’	225	Present
The Pool Of Tears: Drowning your sorrows.	282	Present
Playing With Fire: Fire use throughout the circus	302	Present
Charming But Deadly: Charmed Snakes	323	Present
Fates Foretold: Fortuneteller	371	Present
Bon Reves: The last patrons linger.  Bailey’s business card.  Which side of the fence is the dream?	385	Present