Review by Tamfigu3 -- The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
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Tamfigu3
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- Latest Review: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson
Review by Tamfigu3 -- The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson.]
3 out of 4 stars
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"The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
If you like autobiographies or biographies, you may like this book. It is fictional but loosely based on author, Gary Robinson's (a Chico Kid) life as it relates to a former mentor and friend, Captain Don Leslie (Duke-The Sword Swallower), as well as the literary work of 'Madame Chinchilla and her Tattoo & Museum' in California. The title drew my attention because, as a child, I remember going to the circus and watching a man swallow swords and breathe fire. I was intrigued to get some inside information on how it was actually done or if it was actually done. Also, because of the title, I knew there was an interesting story between the Swallower and Kid to be discovered.
The book starts out discussing the life of Duke -The Sword Swallower. At the tender age of 15, he left his alcoholic home life in search of a place he fit in and felt at home. He found it at the Circus. It was during the late 60s; early 70s. He starts out doing manual labor such as cleaning cages and taking care of animals. He then began training to swallow swords so that he could be part of the sideshow. It was during his time in the circus that he starting using cocaine. The staff gave the employees cocaine in order for them to stay awake during travel and between shows. However, Duke indulged in recreational use as well. The circus life was very difficult but rewarding and Duke could not see himself doing anything else. He started acquiring (meaningful) tattoos during a summer break while living above a tattoo parlor in California. Duke lived life on the edge by today's standards. His motto was "live for today" while others planned for the future. That type of mentality lead Duke to a lot of trouble. However, everything happens for a reason and he became the person he was supposed to be.
Meanwhile a very smart and promising, young male, high school senior named Gary was struggling with a similar upbringing. He was already an alcoholic and continued to be throughout his young adult life. He graduated college without the education. He missed it due to his constant state of haze. On an adventure with his college buddies, he happened upon Chico, California. It called to his soul and he ended up staying and saying goodbye to his friends. Just when you think he is there to get his life together, things go in the complete opposite direction. After some troubles, he meets a lady that he falls in love with but there is a catch. Due to his addiction, he continues to make bad choices and he eventually runs into Duke at a bar where Duke is "performing". Gary is intrigued by Duke, much like I was by the title of this book. Soon after Duke takes an interest in Gary and becomes his "mentor" although Duke would never admit to that type of role. Duke saw himself in Gary and wanted to guide Gary without telling him what to do so he exposed Gary to some "interesting activities". I do not want to give away the ending so I will end the summary with this...sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring out the best in you.
I enjoyed this book because the story takes place throughout two individual's lives and was full of reminders of yesteryear. Times were different but eerily similar to today. It really rings true to this being a "small world". I gave this book 3 out of 4 stars because many people can identify with the storyline but also learn things and understand other people's points of view that otherwise would have been assumed and labeled. The only reason that I did not give it a 4 star rating was because it lingered a bit in certain places without any action. It was a bit boring in parts that did not affect the characters. I did not give it a 2 star rating because this is a quality book and beyond average. It is a book that I would suggest to my children, mother, and friends.
People of all ages who favor fiction, non-fiction, satire, romance, intrigue, adventure would thoroughly enjoy this book. I am a Substance Abuse Counselor and I will definitely recommend this book to my clients. It is a book about trauma, tragedy, and triumph. It is a feel good read because so much is relatable to people of all walks of life. It provides insight and hope throughout many different types of struggles. Possibly, the only readers that may not prefer this book are those who are sci-fi fanatics. Although there is some sci-fi type lure from the side show perspective.
******
The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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3 out of 4 stars
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"The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
If you like autobiographies or biographies, you may like this book. It is fictional but loosely based on author, Gary Robinson's (a Chico Kid) life as it relates to a former mentor and friend, Captain Don Leslie (Duke-The Sword Swallower), as well as the literary work of 'Madame Chinchilla and her Tattoo & Museum' in California. The title drew my attention because, as a child, I remember going to the circus and watching a man swallow swords and breathe fire. I was intrigued to get some inside information on how it was actually done or if it was actually done. Also, because of the title, I knew there was an interesting story between the Swallower and Kid to be discovered.
The book starts out discussing the life of Duke -The Sword Swallower. At the tender age of 15, he left his alcoholic home life in search of a place he fit in and felt at home. He found it at the Circus. It was during the late 60s; early 70s. He starts out doing manual labor such as cleaning cages and taking care of animals. He then began training to swallow swords so that he could be part of the sideshow. It was during his time in the circus that he starting using cocaine. The staff gave the employees cocaine in order for them to stay awake during travel and between shows. However, Duke indulged in recreational use as well. The circus life was very difficult but rewarding and Duke could not see himself doing anything else. He started acquiring (meaningful) tattoos during a summer break while living above a tattoo parlor in California. Duke lived life on the edge by today's standards. His motto was "live for today" while others planned for the future. That type of mentality lead Duke to a lot of trouble. However, everything happens for a reason and he became the person he was supposed to be.
Meanwhile a very smart and promising, young male, high school senior named Gary was struggling with a similar upbringing. He was already an alcoholic and continued to be throughout his young adult life. He graduated college without the education. He missed it due to his constant state of haze. On an adventure with his college buddies, he happened upon Chico, California. It called to his soul and he ended up staying and saying goodbye to his friends. Just when you think he is there to get his life together, things go in the complete opposite direction. After some troubles, he meets a lady that he falls in love with but there is a catch. Due to his addiction, he continues to make bad choices and he eventually runs into Duke at a bar where Duke is "performing". Gary is intrigued by Duke, much like I was by the title of this book. Soon after Duke takes an interest in Gary and becomes his "mentor" although Duke would never admit to that type of role. Duke saw himself in Gary and wanted to guide Gary without telling him what to do so he exposed Gary to some "interesting activities". I do not want to give away the ending so I will end the summary with this...sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring out the best in you.
I enjoyed this book because the story takes place throughout two individual's lives and was full of reminders of yesteryear. Times were different but eerily similar to today. It really rings true to this being a "small world". I gave this book 3 out of 4 stars because many people can identify with the storyline but also learn things and understand other people's points of view that otherwise would have been assumed and labeled. The only reason that I did not give it a 4 star rating was because it lingered a bit in certain places without any action. It was a bit boring in parts that did not affect the characters. I did not give it a 2 star rating because this is a quality book and beyond average. It is a book that I would suggest to my children, mother, and friends.
People of all ages who favor fiction, non-fiction, satire, romance, intrigue, adventure would thoroughly enjoy this book. I am a Substance Abuse Counselor and I will definitely recommend this book to my clients. It is a book about trauma, tragedy, and triumph. It is a feel good read because so much is relatable to people of all walks of life. It provides insight and hope throughout many different types of struggles. Possibly, the only readers that may not prefer this book are those who are sci-fi fanatics. Although there is some sci-fi type lure from the side show perspective.
******
The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Latest Review: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson
