Under the Big Top

The circus is the greatest show on earth, but civilians rarely get to see what goes on beyond the glitz and glamour of the big show. These tales of trapeze artists, elephant trainers, and side show acts give you a glimpse into this rarely seen world and will stay with you long after the circus has folded up the big tents and left town. All of these titles are located in the Adult Fiction section of the Library unless otherwise noted.

Benjamin, Melanie. The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. 2011.
     Also available: CD

Bryson, Ellen. The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno. 2010.
     Also available: CD

Bynum, Sarah Shun-lien. Madeleine is Sleeping. 2004.

Carnahan, Matthew. Serpent Girl. 2005.

Carter, Angela. Nights at the Circus. 1984.

Chalfoun, Michelle. Roustabout. 1996.

Chalmers, Robert. Fortune's Bastard. 2004.

Davis, Amanda. Wonder When You'll Miss Me. 2003.

Day, Cathy. The Circus in Winter. 2004.

Gresham, William Lindsay. Nightmare Alley. 1946.

Gruen, Sara. Water for Elephants. 2006.
     Also available: Large Type, CD, eBook, eAudiobook, Digital Player

Hough, Robert. The Final Confession of Mabel Stark. 2001.

Lawrence, D. H. The Lost Girl. 1920.

Lawrence, Iain. Ghost Boy. 2000. (Teen Fiction LAW).

Morgenstern, Erin. The Night Circus. 2010.

Phillips, Susan Elizabeth. Kiss An Angel. 1996. (Adult Romance PHI).
     Also available: CD, eBook

Raleigh, Michael. The Blue Moon Circus. 2003.

Samson, Lisa. Embrace Me. 2007.

Schmitt, Richard. The Aerialist. 2000.

Smith, Mary-Ann Tirone. Masters of Illusion. 1994.

Toscana, David. Our Lady of the Circus. 2001.

Wallace, Daniel. Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician. 2007.
     Also available: CD

Wimberley, Darryl. Kaleidoscope. 2008. (Adult Mystery WIM).

The Wickedest Show on Earth: A Carnival of Circus Suspense. 1985.
(Adult Nonfiction 813.087208 W).