Monday, April 01, 2013

Review: That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard

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That Time I Joined the Circus
 J.J. Howard
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication date: April 1st 2013
by Point

Lexi Ryan just ran away to join the circus, but not on purpose.

A music-obsessed, slightly snarky New York City girl, Lexi is on her own. After making a huge mistake–and facing a terrible tragedy–Lexi has no choice but to track down her long-absent mother. Rumor has it that Lexi’s mom is somewhere in Florida with a traveling circus.

When Lexi arrives at her new, three-ring reality, her mom isn’t there . . . but her destiny might be. Surrounded by tigers, elephants, and trapeze artists, Lexi finds some surprising friends and an even more surprising chance at true love. She even lucks into a spot as the circus’s fortune teller, reading tarot cards and making predictions.

But then Lexi’s ex-best friend from home shows up, and suddenly it’s Lexi’s own future that’s thrown into question.

With humor, wisdom, and a dazzlingly fresh voice, this debut reminds us of the magic of circus tents, city lights, first kisses, and the importance of an excellent playlist.

–A copy was provided by Scholastic Canada for review–

A sweet and enchanting read, this novel brings us to a circus where New York City girl, Lexi, figures out who she is, and where she wants to go in life.

Having been a big fan of Water for Elephants, I’ve since had a liking for books revolving around the circus, so That Time I Joined the Circus had me instantly intrigued by its title alone. Although it is much different from Water for Elephants; where that book is dark and dangerous, this one is light and cute, I found a similar kind of adoration for it nonetheless. Moreover, the magic of the circus, while less vibrant than the intensely atmospheric Water for Elephants, is present through a different light in this friendship-filled modern day traveling circus venture.

Lexi has always been kind of a loner. She has a couple of very close friends with whom she’s had a falling out with, thus finding herself alone when her father dies. Her situation is undoubtedly sad and very easy to relate to. Even if you’re far from ever having been in such a situation, she has that kind of loneliness that I’m sure we all experienced once or twice during our teens. When she gets hired in the circus, she has to adapt to foreign place and situations that she never thought she’d find herself in and we really see some big character growth happening in the story. She’s a determined and strong soul that I easily found myself rooting for through and through. In a situation where a lot of people would have broken down, she did what had to be done; I commend her for it! 


Being set in the circus means many things, but the best of them is the colourful set of secondary characters that get to be a part of this story. Even though this cast is kept relatively small in comparison to similar settings, with only 5-6 of them, they come with fun quirks and sweet moments, developing a wonderful group dynamic. I especially enjoyed Louie’s daughters; these two girls whom at first came off as cold surprised me by becoming very endearing to Lexi. Their friendship blooms throughout, giving us a lot of lighthearted moments that you usually only see from the most seasoned of friendships. There are boys walking in the midst as well. The romance is done very differently in this novel. There is no love triangle, but Lexi does make a few mistakes and life experiences before finding out who she truly wants to be with. I thought this was a realistic portrait of most teenage relationships. It’s at a time in your life where you don’t really know what kind of guy you’re looking for. The romance itself, though, never becomes the main focus of the plot; it’s simply another sliver of Lexi’s self-discovery–which is, in the end, what this novel is truly about.

Friendship and family play the biggest parts in this story, with a setting that brings about a unique and exotic atmosphere filled with lights, magic, and music, and a young girl who truly finds herself, in the middle of it all.

4 Hot Espressos

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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30 Responses to “Review: That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard”

  1. Sirtsu

    I want to read The Night Circus. I’ve actually wanted to read it for ages and I still haven’t. I wonder why’s that.. Hmhh.. Anyway, your review made me want to pick both of these books up. I’m all about magical settings, adventures, self-discovery and strong protagonists. I love the sound of this book and I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Giselle:-)

  2. Carrie Monroe

    This sounds like a good book. I just visited the circus museum in Florida and was remembering how much I loved reading Water for Elephants and The Night Circus. I’ll have to check this one out.

  3. Amy

    This sounds really great!! The characters and setting seem like they are done really well. I am fascinated by circus stories, but have yet to actually read any. I have The Night Circus and I put Water For Elephants (audiobook) in my Check Out Later list on my library website. I think I would really like this one. Great review as always chick!

  4. bookittyblog

    Awwww! This sounds so good and fun! I’ve never read a circus book before except for Water for Elephants but I didn’t finish it because I couldn’t ge into in. But this one sounds like something I would enjoy! I will be adding it to my TBR pile 🙂

  6. Nick

    Lovely review, Giselle!
    I reviewed this book on Saturday and you and I had pretty much the same reaction to it. The characters were wonderful and I was definitely surprised by Louie’s daughters too. I loved their friendship with the MC.
    The multiple love interests bugged me a little, but since it never really took over the plot, I wasn’t as annoyed as I should have been.

  7. Bailey

    This books cover is so gorgeous and it sounds like such a good book! Looking at the cover it kind of reminds me of Water For Elephants which I have yet to read. Fantastic review! You make me ever more eager to read this one. 🙂

  8. Megan K.

    To be honest, I wasn’t quite interested in this book (mostly because of the title and the cover, so I never bothered to read the synopsis), but I’m glad that you enjoyed it! THAT TIME I JOINED THE CIRCUS sounds like a very character-oriented book, so it’s also good to know that there was a very colorful cast of characters. 🙂

    BTW, I love your last paragraph. <3

    Great review as always, Giselle!

  9. Jasprit

    This sounds like such an adorable read Giselle, and I can’t believe that I hadn’t heard about it sooner! The sweet story definitely sounds like something that I would enjoy! I will be adding it to the tbr after your gorgeous review for sure! 🙂

  10. Micheline D

    Oh I am SO happy you enjoyed this one Giselle 😀 I was hoping for exactly what you described for this one!! It sounds sweet and filled with the wonder & excitement that always comes with the Circus…and I love how you mention Lexi finding herself within all that ♥

    Awesome review!

  13. Jenni @ Alluring Reads

    This one sounds really good! I like that it has a bit of a lighter take on the circus but it’s still really predominant in the story. I think I would like the MC in this one and I had seen mentioned that it was more about her coming of age or whatever so that’s always good!

  14. Christianna Marks

    This sounds like one of those books that I would love to read! I like what you had to say about the romance in this one. I find myself getting really tired of the whole love triangle thing. Plus it has to do with the circus! And with a 4 star rating from you I’m adding this one to my TBR pile list!

  15. Candace

    I have this one on my wishlist, it just sounds amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much, I’m looking forward to the day I can finally read it!

  17. Faith Sullivan

    I immediately thought WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and NIGHT CIRCUS when I saw the title and the cover is gorgeous. And thanks to your review now I know the story’s good too – even better! 🙂

  18. Kelley (Another Novel Read)

    I also enjoyed Water for Elephants, so this book has piqued my curiosity. It’s nice to know that this book is lighter than WFE, and I’m glad to know that you enjoyed it. It sounds like an entertaining read. 🙂

  19. Alexa Y.

    I actually got the opportunity to read this one fairly recently as well! While I did like certain parts of the book, I just didn’t connect with it as much as you did. I felt like there was too much going on for me. I’m glad you enjoyed it though!

  20. Molli Moran

    Really happy to hear you liked it, Giselle! I am ridiculously excited for this one, the more I see it around the blog-o-sphere and hear about it. I like that it’s light and cute. I was afraid it would be heavy and depressing!

    Molli | Once Upon a Prologue

  22. Lauren

    I really enjoyed Water for Elephants, so I’m excited to read another story set in and around a circus. Lexi sounds like a strong main character I would respect, and I love that the secondary cast is so strong. I always expect a vibrant group of characters and atmosphere when I’m reading about a circus. This is definitely going in my TBR now. Lovely review!

  23. Jesse Burgoyne

    This book really caught my eye the first time I saw it. I usually avoid books about the circus because circuses have always really creeped me out for whatever reason. But this sounds like its a really sweet read!

    Jesse @ Pretty In Fiction

  24. Chrystal

    Now I must read this. I’ve been dying to get my hands on a copy ever since I saw the cover, but now I really need to read this one. Great review!

  25. Jen (A Reading Daydreamer)

    I actually got an egalley of this not too long ago and I’ve been wanting to pick it up for awhile now. I’m so happy to hear that this book is very character-driven! I can’t wait to meet Lexie and be able to relate to her. The side characters seem very fun as well. Alas, you’ve convinced me to read this book soon! Thanks for the fantastic review, Giselle! 🙂

  27. Savannah Bookswithbite

    I admit that this is one thing I wanted to do when I was little. Run away with the circus. Hmm, I think this book will take me somewhere where I always wanted to go… Thanks for sharing.

  28. Kat Balcombe

    I am a total sucker for circuses – and even now I say that I’m going to run away and join the circus when I get stressed out! I’m going to save this one for a quick afternoon read. Great review!

  29. Michelle @ In Libris Veritas

    I didn’t think I’d want to read this one, but the more I see about it the more I want to. I have only read one book involving a circus (Water for Elephants) so I’m going to have to try this one out I think. Great review.

  30. Lyn Kaye

    Yet another book haunting my feed. I still need to read Water for Elephants. I own the book and all. It is another one collecting dust in my room.