Official Review: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid

[Alwayz_T25]

Thanks for your review!
I liked knowing that there were certain lighthearted and simpleness to events in the book, when I read what it was about I thought it would be an intense read.

[Miercoles]

Thanks for an interesting review. A sword swallower is quite an unusual occupation. I'm curious to see how the author develops these characters and how they interact with each other.

[Laura Del]

This book is pretty bad. It's filled with grammatical errors and a sub par plot. I would not recommend this book to anyone. Sorry.

[Shelley McInroy]

I enjoy a book that develops characters, and allows you to get to know those characters. They become more believable if developed properly, and along the way, I often learn something about myself, or about others because in the process of connecting to characters, I reflect and think about them. What the catch here will be for me is that a sword-swallower might be a bit difficult for me to swallow (excuse the pun) in that I’m not sure how long an alcoholic who is bound to develop the shakes will survive in this daredevil lifestyle. I have not read the book yet so we will see!

[Alicia09]

Thank you for writing such an in depth summary. I am thinking of reading this story soon, so it's always good to get an idea of the writing style and topic before getting started.

[Gravy]

I don't mind the adult content, and humor is always a plus! Well developed characters are some of my favorite things.

Thank you for the review!

[Aaronson0716]

review of "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson.]

Its a good story, the drastic change on people eventhough they are so involved on some bad vices.
All the humors and stuffs. Thumbs up for this.

[Etorichard]

I cannot imagine his skills! Anyway, thanks for the nice overview of the story.

[thespookybookshelf]

This is a great review of this book. I probably won't be reading this one simply because it doesn't sound like the type of book I would enjoy - I prefer action-packed books myself.

[redrose+77]

good review...i like the novel and can't wait to get one to read more about this two guys ....mostly their characters , challenges and how they eventually overcome it all.

[Cheryl12]

In the "Sword Swallower And A Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson, Duke Reynolds ran away from a dysfunctional home where he was exposed to drugs, smoking, alcohol and Religion at an early age.
He then joined the traveling circus. Most of his time was spent on hustling on the street with his performance and circus acts. But one day his act was disrupted and he decided to take himself away from the spot lights.

Also, Gary Robinson the young boy, had a rough and challenging past throughout high school and college. He struggled with alcohol addiction and party a lot during his college years. Soon he picked up a job at the traveling circus and bumped into Duke.

Moreover, Duke knew about Gary past as they struggled with the same type of drugs and alcohol addictions. Duke being seriously sick tried to help Gary, but the Chico kid hopeless situation is about to head down a destructive path.

Even though this book is a Fiction story, there is a twist on a serious drug and alcoholic problem that we are faced with in society. Though many still struggle to fight this battle, others have been delivered through Rehabilitation Programs.

CMcDermott (Ms.)

[DathanReeves]

Character-driven stories are difficult. Making the characters be worth following is challenging wothout the right skills and charm. It's good to see this has both.

[Carly-maricque]

Thanks for the review! This book does sound interesting, but it is not a story I would be interested in reading. I have too many thrillers on my list I need to read.

[MonicaMcd]

The circus has always intrigued me but I always thought the people were eccentric. I like the fact that the characters are all pulled together and despite their flaws we can still root for them.

[Espie]

Thank you for your review.

I'm not too sure yet about why this piece has been placed under the humour category based on what I've read from the sample so far, although I loved the poignant and touching first part about a grandfather and his grandchild. Like you, I also think that some of its themes may not be suitable for some audiences especially younger ones and those sensitive to topics about vices and addiction, but a story of change and redemption will be inspirational. We humans err, but we deserve another chance at life, especially if we're kin to do better the next time. Whereas the figurative sense of the word circus has a negative connotation that I'm not so fond of, on the other hand, I like it's more obvious and traditional positive essence in providing pure wonder and clean entertainment.