If you're scared of heights, can your dream circus act still be to walk on the tightrope? Our next author thinks so. We're talking with Amita Parikh about her debut novel, The Circus Train. We dive deep into embarrassing family secrets, our fascination with the circus, and why book people should care more about sports.

The Circus Train follows Lena, who is the daughter of a headlining illusionist in a traveling circus during WWII. Yet, Lena's different from the rest — she wants to study science at a university and she's in a wheelchair. When she rescues Alexandre, everything changes and Lena must find her own path in the midst of such despair and darkness.

Get The Circus Train at bookofthemonth.com. New members get their first book for just $9.99 with code VBT at checkout.