I really liked the book The Great and only Barnum. I liked this book because I love going to the circus. Learning about how the circus became what it is and Barnum's family. I also learned about how the circus got its name. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the circus or is interested in it.The book is split into groups, which I like. It talks about different things like chapters but would have a chapter inside of a chapter. It was interesting to find out about Barnum's family like his wife and his kids. When Barnum went to Europe he barley saw his family. The book describes how Barnum left his family for his work and went to far away places. The book also talks about how Barnum's museum burnt down and so did his house. He was such a busy man that he barley saw his family and cared more about his career. This is a good overview of the showman's life from birth to death, but personally, I would have enjoyed reading more about his heyday and his "humbugs" (his label for a way to dupe the public). He was an American original and quite successful at teaching people how to laugh at themselves while learning and having a little fun. The man had his share of bad luck in life, but he always managed to bounce back with a newer and better scheme. Quite a character!
Highly entertaining account of the life of a great showman. I feel he would have approved.
—luce_girl
Juvenile non-fiction at it's best! A fascinating recap of P.T. Barnum's life.
—jazita
Fantabulous! I gotta get me an elephant...
—shadesofpale
