I know right his passion for the book is so evident.Ruba Abu Ali wrote: ↑04 Aug 2018, 13:36 Thanks for this heart-warming letter Mr. Robinson. The passion and love you have put into this book are so evident.
I must have laughed and cried a thousand times... -- Message from Gary Robinson
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Re: I must have laughed and cried a thousand times... -- Message from Gary Robinson
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It was nice to come across this post and to get an update on your life. Congratulations on the beautiful family. I know you're proud.
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Wow!! what a rollercoaster of emotions this book would be. I like your method of storytelling and describing the characters. Well done!!!Gary Robinson wrote: ↑09 May 2018, 15:20 [The following is a featured post written by Gary Robinson, who is the author of the May 2018 Book of the Month, The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid]
I must have laughed and cried a thousand times while writing nearly every page of this book because The Sword Swallower was a close and dear friend of mine.
Writing this book was therapeutic and joyful. As I created the story, I could hear The Sword Swallower’s voice, see his face, and feel the presence of my friend.
The book is fiction, but much of this story is based on actual experiences. I wanted to write a book that was entertaining from sentence to sentence so that if you didn't read it from the first chapter you would still find the story interesting and engaging.
Duke Reynolds' life is made for storytelling. He ran away from home and joined the circus at the age of fifteen. He learned how to swallow swords and traveled with the strangest characters of the circus sideshow that were affectionately known as the “freaks”. The freaks loved the work, they loved the life, and they especially loved each other.
I also wanted to share a part of my own story. I hope you find the ridiculous social events of the 80’s contained within this book to be hysterical. I am happy to report that our culture has evolved from that type of stupidity, but this was my life for several years. I attempted to portray the character of this endearing alcoholic in a more unusual perspective. I wanted you to root for this Chico kid and see him as ‘the good guy’ despite his degenerate addictions. My intention was for you to read about my immature choices in life, shake your head and say, “What a mess. I just want to sit him down and talk some sense into him!”
This book is full of interesting people and unique adventures that you have most likely never read in any other story. You will love the characters described in this tale.
I believe that meeting The Sword Swallower was no coincidence. Without his influence, I most likely would have died at some point from drug overdose or alcoholism. When we met, we both suffered from addictions and I describe when and how each of us started our drug and alcohol abuse. Duke had much more control of his drug use than I did. He was close to dying from cancer and was just living out his last days. I wanted you to experience the dialogue between us while we immersed ourselves in what we called “medicine”. Even with the aforementioned addictions discussed, you will find this book filled with humor. It is a very entertaining tale.
This is a story of redemption and finding the most peculiar soul to teach me how to find inspiration.
I can proudly say I have raised three children since our adventures ended. They are all in college now and are gainfully employed. I also have a wonderful career and play a mean harmonica.
I am currently writing another story and hope to finish by the end of the year. I do not want to give too many of the details away, but I intend to discuss other social issues and present a different class of unusual characters while they embark on their adventure.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this letter. I truly hope you enjoy The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid. If you do have a chance to read my book, I would love to discuss it with you. I can be reached at Grobinbooks on Facebook, @Grobinbooks on Twitter, or you can visit my website at www.GrobinBooks.com.
Regards,
Gary Robinson
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By Rob White
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So, could you finally read this. I too am hesitant of reading the book not because of the stunts but because of how emotional it would get.joycechitwa wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 08:34 Thank you Gary for this heartfelt letter. It's a beautiful backdrop for your book. It allows us to peek into your mind to know what message you really wanted to get across through the pages of the book. Indeed, it has softened my stance towards the book! I have been hesitant to pick up the book because just the title to me makes me imagine there's lots of dangerous stunts happening in the book (which there actually might be!). With your explanation though, I hope I will gain courage sooner or later to have a read. Cheers.
By Rob White