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This is a discussion topic for the May 2018 Book of the Month, The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson.

What is your overall opinion of the "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid"? What do you like most about it? What do you like least? Will you recommend the book to other people? Why or why not?

Please remember to add your actual rating using the book's page on Bookshelves.

When I read it before, I liked about half of it.(I will read it again, before the end of the month, just in case I felt as though it was my job as a reviewer to be Queen of the Hardasses or something.) I was sort of offended by the stereotype of the innocent disabled characters that always show up to show both these guys What Really Matters in life, though. Gag.

I just downloaded my review copy, so I'll be starting the book soon. I look forward to the discussion, and to reading everyone's ideas and opinions!

I really enjoyed The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid. I love learning about different groups and cultures. This one allowed me to see a part of America that is so different from what I typically think of as culture within my country. My favorite part was probably watching both Gary and Duke "save" themselves. I also enjoyed learning about different facets of the circus than I already knew. My least favorite part of the book was the graphic depictions of the drug overdoses. I also had a difficult time "watching" Duke take those dollar bills off of Gary.

I come from a fairly small community, so most of what Duke and Gary experienced seems unfathomable. Overall I did enjoy the book, but because I am State Certified Home Care Aide, it felt that the portrayal of the disabled individuals to be insensitive. I get that most of the book was going to be way beyond my own scope of experience, but I just think that the portrayal could have been different. Unless the view was meant to reflect how society viewed disabled individuals, in the certain timeline then I guess I can understand to a point.

I agree. I think they were all stereotypes, of one kind or another. Like every woman in the book--very underwritten characters.

azerikaj wrote: ↑02 May 2018, 16:13 I agree. I think they were all stereotypes, of one kind or another. Like every woman in the book--very underwritten characters.

I agree with this, and felt that is was indeed a pity that the female characters were underdeveloped.

I enjoyed the book. In the beginning it drew me in with interest and kept my interest. Some wording confused the context of some sentences, but didn't stop the reading. Interesting short versions of the culture and those who live in it daily. Nothing surprised me because life is like that. Good Read

From the beginning, it captures one's attention. Keeps you captivated all through to the end. I think it's a must have in my bookshelf

I agree that in a lot of ways it was gripping--I think that's why the flaws stood out so much, because I wanted to like it so much more.

I have not yet finished reading this book, but I have a good start. I think the story is compelling thus far, based upon what I have read to this point. I like the detail that they author adds to his description of people and items, like how he describes the biker bar's stage as being made of wooden planks stained with grease and beer.
I have come across a few spelling and grammatical errors, but these could be easily caught by a proofreader or editor, and will most likely be worked out at some point. Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of this book thus far.

I have not finished reading this book because I'm still very busy. As far as I had read, I found the book entertaining because I am into the circus stunt. I would like to read on and update my opinion after reading the whole book.

I am very excited to read all your reviews about it as I was not able to get a copy for the review. However, basing on the ones I have read, this is interesting. The 4 out of 4 rating is well deserved perhaps.

The title is already appealing. I thought it was all about action and adventure but I think it is more than it seems.

Overall I liked the book but I thought there were a lot of character interactions that didn't make sense. For the life of me, I can't understand why Angel would be attracted to the addict she's never interacted with. She seems deeply in love and she liked him before the 4th of July moment they had. Also, Gary as a character irritated me. Most flawed characters have something good to draw you in, but other thank knowing he gets better, Gary is incredibly unlikable and selfish.

This book was made by Duke, and he was further embellished by how he affected Gary.

I'm 15% into the book. I'm really started to get into it now because he is reflecting back on how he came to be a sword swallower. I wasn't sure if I would like it but I just might!