The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid

by Gary Robinson

Duke Reynolds ran away from a volatile and broken home to join the traveling circus. He spends his life entertaining people on every city street corner, circus tent, and coliseum until one day something does not go as planned. Duke, facing his own immortality, decides to leave the bright lights.

Gary Robinson, the Chico Kid, is a lost and troubled soul devoid of any purpose. As each act of desperation to survive is met with failure, his life spirals out of control, until one day he meets an old tattooed man entertaining a crowd by hammering a six-inch nail into his skull.

Duke hears about Gary’s transgressions. He wants to save Gary from the same self-destruction he experienced, but Duke is terminally ill and Gary’s acts of desperation will soon destroy him.

Genres: Fiction

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2017

About the author

The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid is my first self-published book. I am now addicted to the cathartic feeling of completing novels. So I have finished a 2nd book. I play the harmonica, and when I party, I sleep with my shoes on.

Reviews

[J.P. Willson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well.
This was something, for sure.
I really did not much care for this for a vast amount of reasons. I will not go into all of them of course but a few. The writing is very 'child-like'. It is also extremely repetitive and repetitive in a way that does not need to be repeated. We have all heard the phrase,' enough is enough,' it's very much needed here. The copy I had sent to me was over 900 pages so of course that was desperately in need of another edit. This one I am posting the review to is still 396 pages and still way too long, mostly because of that repetitiveness.
Now I do realize there are some finer disgusting points in this menagerie that need to be made for the sake of the story, but good Lord; an overview would have sufficed quite nicely. There was no need for all of the gory details especially concerning the 'fraternity nonsense.' Mention the 'not so pretty parts' and move the hell on.
The drinking and the drugging and the amount of times it was repeated was ridiculous and if this was 'non-fiction' which apparently it's not, there would have been dead people here.
No one can drink that much ever-clear and survive especially with the amount of methamphetamine also being ingested. It ain't gonna happen. You be dead!
Would I recommend this?
Absolutely not.

[The Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Previously posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books

The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson is the story about a unique journey in life. The story centers around a character named Duke and the circus life. It is the story of how Duke came to be a sword swallower, which I found to be quite interesting. The story also includes two of his very close friends.

This story is written in three different parts: The Sword Swallower’s Journey, The Destructive Path of Chico Kid and An Eccentric Friendship and Unconventional Mentoring. I loved all three of them. The book opens with the delivery of a package. Which then brings about a flood of flashback memories. The character Duke travels from city to city performing and returns to the place where his journey begins. Then he retells how the circus people became his family. How this family helped him overcome so many hard times in his life. I found these side characters to be well written and rather interesting. I found some of it hard to read because it was pretty hard to read about to me.

I enjoyed the realism in this book as far as writing and language are concerned. I haven't lived a similar life to any of these characters but I can relate to dealing with people that have drug and alcohol addictions. I found that it was an interesting spin on it.

[Ivan Hecimovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel dedicated to a friend- Captain Don Leslie, who was indeed a sword swallower, The Sword Swallower, and a Chico Kid is a novel written by Gary Robinson. It is a fictional story based on real story of a sword swallower and the events that took place in Leslie’s life.
It is not an easy task to write something based on real-life events. One may think that the only thing a writer needs to do is to simply copy and “rewrite” the events and that would be it. However, that is not how things work. If someone wants to write a book or a novel, which is based on something that really happened, one needs to know how to write that book or novel in a proper way: to write what happened in an authentic and yet compelling and easy to read way. I believe that this author succeeded in doing that.
The novel itself is written in a simple, easy-to-read language with rather a big font, which makes reading even easier and faster. The adventures of the “Duke” (the name of the main character from the novel) were described with a great number of details, which is another great thing because we can easily “sink” into the story. The author, although new in the world of writing, succeeded in writing an entertaining and truly fun to read a novel.

[Kendra Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed the first part of the book, I felt that the second two parts were less well-developed. Still, there was plenty to think about as I read the book, and it was still an interesting story.

If you have issues with reading about drug and alcohol use or abuse, avoid this book. If you do not like books with strong language, this one has quite a bit, so skip this one. I’d recommend this only to a reader that is okay with reading about the things mentioned above and who is looking for something that will challenge their thinking.

[Natalia Kavale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Robinson’s The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid is an emotional story about the lives of and the friendship between a college drop-out and a circus performer. This fictional novel is based on real-life events from the lives of the author and his friend. The book is divided into three parts.

The first part of the book recounts the journey of Duke Reynold, the Sword Swallower. Duke runs away from his abusive home at age 15 and ends up as a performer in circus sideshows. He is a risk taker who makes a living performing dangerous stunts like swallowing six thirty-inch swords and escaping from a straight-jacket while dangling on a flying helicopter. He is a carefree-spirited soul with a larger-than-life personality and enjoys living in the moment. Apart from his amazing abilities and breath-taking performances, Duke is also battling alcoholism and drug addiction. His carefree-spirited nature, combined with his alcohol and drug abuse, usually gets him into a lot of trouble and put his life in grave danger. During his youthful years, he gets mixed up with the wrong crowd and ends up serving a couple of years in prison.

The second part of The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid presents the life of the author, Gary Robinson, the Chico Kid. As Student Body President of Central Valley High School, Gary Robinson is living the dream. He is popular, is always the life of the party, and has the admiration of his teachers and high schoolmates. It seems like he is destined for greatness. Outside of school, however, he lives in a dysfunctional family, with an alcoholic and abusive mother. As life would have it, Gary turns to alcohol to numb his pain. Unfortunately, he starts drinking so excessively that in certain instances, he comes to class while under the influence. His life spirals out of control from there, and he loses a sense of direction. However, he still graduates from school with flying colours and lands in college. By this time, he has left home and has built himself a reputation as one of the popular college students. His popularity, however, very does very little to help him as his life turns more chaotic. He completely neglects his studies and involves himself in a life of drugs and alcohol abuse, and sex. He eventually drops out of college. This lack of commitment to anything and his poor life choices leave him with little to no experience in the world of employment. He is thus forced to take up all sorts of odd jobs. As to be expected, one of his chaotic life choices eventually lands him in jail.

Because of the parallel life events of the lives of Duke and Gary, destiny plays its part and the two eventually meet. Although they are ages apart, they instantly bond and develop a strong friendship, allowing them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, which is creatively recounted in the last part of The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid.

What I liked most about this book is the character Duke and the relationship he has with his family of deformed people from the circus sideshow performances. Duke sees past the physical appearance of others and looks for the desirable qualities in those who are considered outcasts by society. He has love and compassion for broken souls and can relate to their conditions. He associates himself with people who accept him as he is. When things get rough, he doesn't wallow in self-pity. I love that about him. What I enjoyed the least in this book are the nudity scenes described in part two of the book where Gary and his friends are under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s an emotionally phenomenal and inspiring story. There were some errors I found here and there, but they were not much of a distraction. I believe that Robinson’s story inspires readers to always stay true to themselves. It covers some heavy topics like alcohol and drug abuse, which may be challenging for some readers. However, the author creatively presented the content in a light tone, so it was too challenging for me to read through the heavy content.

I recommend this book to anyone who has given up hope of redemption.

[Rose Auburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid’ is a book in three parts; the first is the story of Duke Reynolds, who ran away to join the circus aged 15 in the early 1950s, this is written in third person. Among other circus roles, he is primarily a sword swallower and this part of the book follows him and his escapades both with and without the circus up until the early 1990s. He is also an alcoholic and a methamphetamine addict. He manages to kick the alcohol as we leave his story but remains acquainted with meth.

The second part of the story is concerned with Gary Robinson (yes, same name as the Author) and this account is relayed in first person. Gary’s life has unravelled from a fairly early age and this section of the book lurches from his involvement in one drunken, drug-fuelled disastrous escapade to another before stumbling into Duke Reynolds plying his sideshow act in a Tavern. The third and final part of the novel tells the story of their brief but intense friendship at the end of Duke’s life and Gary’s meeting of his future wife, Angel.

There is a awful lot right with this novel, yet, an awful lot wrong. The first part is the stronger without question. The story of Duke is incredibly interesting, real, thought-provoking and Robinson writes with a clear and blistering passion. This passion, however, may well have caused the issues that arise. First, throughout the novel, there are some glaring spelling errors which could possibly be typos, clunky grammar – the tenses jump on occasion and there are continuity concerns with the narrative. The Author has also left some editing notes in the text that I read. Secondly, you feel Robinson writing with such a surge to tell this tale that some areas which he is not so keen on are weak and frankly unbelievable. Although Duke has had plenty of time in prison to educate himself, the jump to a naturally gifted, talented and fully learned band member who can turn his hand to playing any tune is a leap which does not have much explaining either other a brief few lines than he studied harmony and theory via the Julliard School of Music whilst in prison. Although this last couple of chapters of Duke’s story are entertaining, they belong in another narrative which provides more backstory to make it believable. But, there are chapters in this section that are brilliant; captivating and full of pathos.

The next section, a Chico Kid, is the weaker despite flashes of brilliance. The Author does advise at the beginning that some of the writing is drawn from personal experience, but if he gives this character the exact moniker as himself – is it faithful memoir or self-indulgence? If this is not entirely based upon his life then why given the protagonist the same name? Again, the hurry to tell the tale, get the words on the page with no rigorous editing leads to some tenuous narrative connections and cliché.

It is very easy to write that people are ingesting large amounts of narcotics, drinking themselves into oblivion and the carnage that ensues from that but not so easy to write why they are doing it. In both sections of the novel, there is no backstory to either Duke or Gary’s self-destruction – we know next to nothing of their parents (brief mention of Duke’s mother dying when he was on the road – what would that effect be? Was he close to her?) siblings, if any or life before we meet them. It makes Gary especially one-dimensional and the drinking gets a bit tedious with no obvious reason why. What is good and works well is the character of Duke seen through Gary’s eyes – it provides much needed answers.

The triumvirate passage of the novel veers into existentialism and drug-addled cod-philosophy. By this stage, I was finding the character of Gary irritating and could have happily dispensed with his antics and just heard more about Duke.

There is also a very short Prologue, where we briefly meet Gary as a Grandfather. I don’t know that it really added anything;, it was some time through the novel that I even recalled it. It may have been better worked in at the end.

From an English reader’s point of view, a few footnotes would have helped. Understandably, I know next to nothing about American College Fraternities, so a note on some of the terms would have helped. I also spent the early part of the novel inwardly cursing every time I read ‘esophagus’, thinking the Author had left off the ‘o’. Only to finally research this and discover that in American English, the oesophagus loses the ‘o’. As this is a fairly important word in the tale of a sword swallower, a quick note in the text would be advisable.

However, large sections of this novel will stay with me for a long while. I don’t think I have read anything quite like it and I would recommend it. Despite its technical flaws, which is why I cannot give higher than three stars, there is much to enjoy here. The overall quality of the story and zeal with which is has been written is worth a reader’s engagement.

[Nichole Forsyth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given the book The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson in exchange for an honest review. The story is written in three parts, the first part being the story of Duke and how he became a sword swallower in the circus, the second part is about the destructive life of a young man named Gary, and the third part brings both characters and stories together. It was a great premise, but I don’t think it was very well executed.

I really enjoyed the first part of the book. I was emotionally invested in Duke and his journey, and I loved that I felt deeply sick and saddened by his addiction. I grew up in a house full of alcoholics and drug addicts. The author did such a great job showing the comedic side to some of the stupid ridiculous things addicts do. Then there were the scenes where Duke was coming down, sobering up, and getting himself hurt and into trouble because of his addiction. It hit home, and it was a joy to read. When he ended up in prison, I was really looking forward to reading about his time there and I was very surprised when the book switched over to Gary’s story.

It wasn’t that his story was less entertaining or interesting, but it seemed to be written by a different author. The writing styles differed, and Gary’s story came off more “childlike”. My favorite part of Gary’s story was when he met Angel. The two main characters in this book are male and I think that there would be more interest from the female readers if there was a little more to the relationship between Gary and Angel. Their meeting was so fast and intense and amazing, and I was so fascinated by where it might lead, but before I knew it, the story moved on and we didn’t get to ever really see what became of the relationship. I felt that Gary’s story was a bit rushed. Before I knew it, his side of the story was over, and we hit part three where the two men meet.

I could absolutely feel the compassion and affection that Gary had for Duke. I could see how Duke shaped Gary and helped him become a better person, but I would have liked more. I personally feel like I would have enjoyed the story in its entirety a lot more if each part had more depth. The story is amazing. I can tell that there’s much more to the lives of these men that we didn’t get to see. Usually, if I feel that a book is leaving me wanting more it’s a good thing. It means I was invested in the story and didn’t want it to end. In this case, it wasn’t that I wanted it to end, it was that when it ended I was left with a feeling that I had missed something.

Overall, I’m only rating this book a 2 out of 4 stars. I am not giving it a 1, because it was indeed a good story, and I believe there are others out there that would really enjoy it. However, I cannot justify rating it a 3 because it felt rushed and there were a couple times that I felt the book was poorly written and it became a bit distracting. I feel like this book was written for a specific type of audience, and it just wasn’t written for me. I would recommend, and have recommended this book, to some of my friends who are going through recovery. I think that because this book is an easy read it is ideal for adults who do not have a lot of reading experience and who are on some sort of path to sobriety, recovery, or even just trying to figure out where to go and what to do after high school or college. I attend AA meetings with a family member occasionally, and I have recommended this book to a few of the older gentlemen in the meetings, especially those who are sponsors, as I feel that Dukes role in Gary’s life could be an inspiration to others.

[Cinnamon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a review of The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson cross posted from Onlinebookclub.org.

The novel is based on the author's life and his association with Duke, a performer in a circus sideshow. The first half of the novel is devoted to telling the story of Duke's time as a Sword Swallower and Marvel Act after he ran away at 15 to join the circus. Robinson tells the story of Duke's rise through the ranks of the sideshow and of his transformation from young runaway to street performer. Through Duke's internal monologue and his interactions with other circus members, I learned quite a bit about tattoos, and the circus life.

I picked this book because I recently watched a movie about the circus, and I found it fascinating so I wanted to know more about the circus life, especially the Freaks. Being a young, healthy white woman, the concept of being singled out in the way these people are is beyond my ken and it is inspiring to read about how they accept themselves and their compatriots wholeheartedly. It was a delight to read about the familial love between the Freaks in the sideshow and I would have liked to have had a few more chapters devoted to that time in Duke's life.

The second half of the book is about Gary's life: the life of a Chico Kid. The difference between the storytelling, point of view, and tone was jarring to me. Although there was a section title to indicate a change in subject matter, I still felt like the change was a little bit sudden. Gary is a young man who is too smart for his own good and far too decadent. His intelligence allows him to skate through school without effort and this gives him the time to be slightly hedonistic which causes him to get into trouble more than once and end up desperate enough to allow strangers to staple money to his bare chest. It is during this dark time in his life that he meets Duke who takes Gary under his wing for a while and inspires him to achieve more.

There were several sections in which Robinson is wonderfully detailed and I had no trouble imagining the scene. I enjoyed the section in which the sideshow is described in detail, and I was riveted during the helicopter stunts. The scene in which Gary meets Angel for the first time is gritty, real, and vividly described, and the dream sequence is vivid despite feeling out of place.

I can only give this book 2 out of 5 stars because there were a number of mistakes in the text such as using words incorrectly and misspelling others. I also found the second half to be less enjoyable than the first half because it felt disconnected, even though I knew that Duke and Gary were going to come together. I would have preferred to have both stories told in tandem by alternating chapters written from each man's point of view. I think I would have had more time to get attached to Gary in the way I became attached to Duke if Gary's story had been interwoven rather than added on.

I also could feel the affection Gary had for Duke in the way that the first section was written; there was a tone of legend or tall tale in the story of Duke that was lacking in the story of Gary. I think this also contributed to my becoming more attached to Duke than Gary – I think that was Robinson's goal.

I'm not sure I would recommend this novel to anyone I know but, if you are a lover of redemption stories, this might be right for you.

[Sonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson is a book inspired by the life of Captain Don Leslie, a real life sword swallower and friend of the author, but most of the events are fiction. Starting with the delivery of a package that brings a flood of flashbacks and tears to the receiver, we get to see some emotive characters that really bring the story to life.

The book is divided in three parts: The Sword Swallower’s Journey, the first part, is focused on Duke’s life as an entertainer, how he ran from home at the age of fifteen to join the traveling circus, where he learned the art of sword swallowing. He performs his act at the circus’ sideshow, when it stopped in different towns; and as the circus stopped traveling during the winter, performing at bars, or the street was his way of making money. Struggling with a drug addiction and heavy drinking, Duke calls the circus his home, and consideres the crew his family, but the reality is his life as a circus performer is far from magical or easy. Without a doubt, the reader gets a glimpse of Duke’s life and how every decision, brings him closer to the edge that eventually forces him to spot and leave the stage.

The second part, The Destructive Path of Chico Kid, follows Gary Robinson, the Chico Kid. Gary is everything a lost soul appears to be, his life has no purpose or meaning, there is no point on keep on trying. Gary is a self-destructive person making everything and everyone around him on the verge of destruction. He as a party animal since high school, going from job to job, and not caring about anyone but himself. Duke met Gary at a bar after performing his act, and they quickly became friends.

Finally, An Eccentric Friendship and Unconventional Mentoring follows both characters and how their lives are connected. Battling their addiction, understanding their differences and building a strong friendship.
The story follows Duke Reynolds and Gary Robinson. Both characters are far from perfection, showing substance abuse, violence and a journey to self-discovery, the character development both, Duke and Gary show, is impressive. It even teaches some important life lessons, showing the reader that, sometimes, living in the moment is not the answer. The author teaches the reader something about circus performing, tattoos, drugs and surviving in difficult conditions, which makes it a perfect book for someone who needs that hand taking him from the abysm.

For the first chapters, the reading seems a little tedious, even repetitive, which made it hard to read. The story has potential. The second and third part of the story, needed a little more character development, and the author could have skipped some unnecessary details to accomplish this, it is easier to feel empathy for fictional characters when the author is willing to tell the whole story, not only some highlights. The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid is, without a doubt, a very good story, although it seems undeveloped, filled with some amazing and likable characters with secrets and untold stories.

[Paulo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review: Paulo Jorge Pereira

Review:
The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid, penned by Gary Robinson, is an extraordinary coming-of-age novel that captivates readers with its raw authenticity and poignant storytelling. Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1960s America, this book offers a profound exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the tumultuous journey towards adulthood.
Robinson masterfully weaves together the lives of two unlikely friends, Danny, a young Chico Kid struggling to find his place in the world, and Frank, a charismatic sword swallower with a mysterious past. As their paths intersect, they embark on a remarkable adventure that transcends societal boundaries, revealing profound truths about friendship, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit.
One of the book's standout features is its impeccably crafted characters. Danny's introspective nature and earnest yearning for purpose make him instantly relatable, while Frank's enigmatic personality and extraordinary talent bring an air of intrigue to the narrative. Robinson skillfully breathes life into these characters, making their triumphs and tribulations deeply affecting.
The author's evocative prose transports readers to a bygone era, vividly depicting the social and cultural landscape of the 1960s. From the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the mesmerizing performances at the carnival, every scene is richly detailed, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the time. Robinson's ability to capture the essence of the era adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
Moreover, The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid explores profound themes with nuance and sensitivity. It delves into complex issues such as race, identity, and the search for meaning, providing a thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the final page. The book tackles these subjects with honesty and avoids simplifying the challenges faced by the characters, allowing readers to fully engage with the story's emotional depth.
At its core, this novel is a heartfelt ode to friendship and the transformative power of human connection. Danny and Frank's bond transcends societal divisions, demonstrating the potential for unity and understanding in a world marked by strife and division. Their journey serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in conformity, but in embracing one's unique qualities and forging genuine connections.
In conclusion, The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid is an exceptional literary achievement that will resonate with readers of all ages. Gary Robinson's masterful storytelling, vivid imagery, and profound exploration of human emotions make this novel a compelling and unforgettable read. It is a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human experience and inspire introspection. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary journey.

[Keisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid is a story about a man named Duke who joins the circus at an early age. The book is told in 3 sections. The first is the story of Duke and his circus adventures. The second part of the novel is written about a kid from Chico and the shenanigans he gets into. The third, and my favorite, tells the story of Duke and the Chico Kid together and how their stories connect and intertwine. The first and second sections are distant from each other, and then the third section ties them both together.

This novel is an easy read. Gary Robinson did an excellent job of providing the necessary details to make this an enjoyable book. It is exceptionally easy to visualize the characters and their behaviors. He provides details and jumps back and forth through time to explain how the characters got to where they were and why they are this way. It is done in an effortless way. I also really enjoyed the ending of the novel. It was very unexpected. This novel also portrays lifestyles that are not often seen in books which I think is an interesting aspect to add to the novel. There are many quotes and life lessons learned from Duke in this novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.

The only negative aspects of this novel are the first couple of chapters. As with many novels, the first few chapters are character development and can seem a bit long. There is not much happening, but we see later in the novel why this history and understanding of Duke is important and plays a big role in the later development of the novel.

I rate this novel 3 out of 4 stars. I did not give this novel 4 stars because of the first few chapters. They are quite dragged out and although the novel does redeem itself, I feel the beginning could have been accomplished better. I did enjoy the last section of the novel and understanding how it all comes together in the end. When you come to the second section of the book, it is also difficult to understand what is happening because a new main character is introduced without much notice. However, it is easy to notice within the first few pages of the section.

I would recommend this novel to anyone above the age of sixteen. The novel does have drug use, some sexual content, and religious content. It is not graphic but does take a more mature mind to comprehend much of what is happening. I also do not recommend it for anyone younger as the actions demonstrated in this novel, the sword swallowing, can be tempting for young minds who do not know any better. This novel also contains some nudity and lifestyles that may be unsuitable for a younger audience.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ meets a circus act

In general, I found the first half of the story (Duke Reynolds the circus performer) more engaging than the high school valedictorian (Gary Robinson) who blew his chance at a new start in college. I would agree with Gary that it was a privilege to meet his mentor, but also that he got “cheated and robbed” by death at the end. There no expectation offered of anything beyond the grave.

Duke displayed a great ability in performance management and crowd control; as a sword swallower, he was trained in a rare skill that often ended in cheating death. The constant drive toward adrenaline boosts make sense. So does the identification with his circus ‘family’ of outcasts. Using a poker for a prop as well as playing “freak poker” were real highlights that underlined a carpet diem mentality.

By contrast, Gary’s enthused affirmations by all authority figures (from the high school principal to his court-appointed attorney) seem overdone. He’s just a well-spoken party boy with some clever quotes and an ability to win crowds with stupid stunts. I didn’t find it believable that someone with such a daily heavy drinking regimen could pull off the valedictorian speech. (Winning the Boy Beaver contest was definitely a new low, with poor Lucky the sheep making an appearance at a frat party.)

I would also question the seriousness or sanity of a ex-sixties sidewalk philosopher (Bags) helping to hire an addict to integrate “young adults with developmental disabilities” into the community. After that long in social work, surely Bags would be able to differentiate a personal crisis versus a new hire? I’d agree with the Lancaster quote: “Sometimes I only succeed in beating myself to death.”

Sadly, there isn’t much more. Beyond the thoroughly canvassed lifestyle of sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll, there’s a bare mention of the demons of destruction and conflict getting beaten by love and kindness. Gary processes Duke’s passing and solidifies his purpose under a dead tree. I find this fitting but also grim.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just okay

According to the author this is his first novel and the Sword Swallower Duke is based on a real person that actually would swallow swords on street corners to make money. The first half of this book is about Duke's journey as a sword swallower and being part of carnival and then circus life. The second half of the book is about Gary from Chico, California who we meet as a young teen and follow through his twenties. When these two finally meet they are both on self destructive paths fueled by drugs and alcohol but yet forge a friendship of mutual respect. I think the reason I can only give it 3 stars is because I never felt connected to these two people. Duke only cared about swallowing swords and taking meth and getting drunk. I just couldn't relate to him. Gary, the Chico Kid, had many chances to get his life together but chose to drink and get high instead. Don't get me wrong I wasn't a saint and I'm not a prude but I just didn't care enough about these two men who I felt were not victims of circumstance but caused their circumstances by not wanting to become responsible adults. Gary does have a journey to self awareness but it's through a drug filled haze . It took me a long time to read this because I wasn't in a rush to see what was going to happen next.

[Yoli García · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Story

This is a heartfelt story about how Duke Reynolds, a famous sword swallower, and Gary Robinson, a Chico kid, became friends for the better.

The book is divided in three parts. The first is about how Duke escaped a broken home when he was fifteen years old and joined the circus. It accounts how Duke became a sword swallower. It also portrays circus life and the grueling itinerary of its members. Unfortunately, Duke develops a meth and alcohol addiction to keep up with the circus hours. What will it take for him to change? And, can he change?

The second part is about Gary’s life. He grew up with an alcoholic mother, which had a negative impact on him. He becomes an alcoholic himself and a drug addict. He does not have direction or purpose in life. He meets Duke when he needed it the most to wake up. But what it will take to finally wake up?

The third part is about the friendship between Duke and Gary. This part is full of emotion as Duke makes an impact on Gary’s life.

I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy stories about friendship and misfits. Note that the book portrays drug and alcohol abuse. The author’s purpose was to show how these have a negative impact on people’s lives.

[Kayleigh Brennan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh man. I read this too contribute to an organization that gets lesser known works reviewed, which is awesome. It helps authors that are less well known or not supported by a major publishing house get their work out there. I expected a mixed bag, but this was definitely not ready to be published. The writing is incredibly basic; no complexity in descriptions, consistently rigid sentence structure, and painfully weak metaphors. The dialogue structure was also a bit too formulaic, and somehow at the same time difficult to engage in. All of that being said, I see potential here. There is a TON of work to be done, and I think maybe some assistance with another writer would be beneficial. But the story that lies underneath all of this is interesting. I can confidently say it is one that I've never heard before, and that's pretty impressive considering how many people have put their stories to paper. With some revamping and honestly, a lot of patience and commitment, I think this could be a very successful novel.

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads. Thank you, Goodreads! This is the story of a sword swallower and the circus he works for, along with the many friends he meets during his life. He has much heartache in his life, but he doesn't see it that way. To him, he's just living the good life and taking it one day at a time. The characters are mostly people who have been outcast in life. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! There is a lot of drug use and alcoholism. So if you're sensitive to that, this book would be a hard read for you. I think this book will appeal to both men and women. It has lots of surprises that I didn't expect.

[Darryl Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in the Circus as a Sword Swallower

The sad, melancholic life of a circus sword swallower and the life of a rebellious and aimless student, and the dramatic drama that ensues when the two unlikely characters meet and begin a friendship.
Set in the middle nineteen hundreds, this story captures the pathos and romantic life in the Circus, but developes into a fascinating philosophy of life which will haunt the reader with its vivid telling. Although this story is claimed to be fiction, much of it sounds uncomfortably close to the truth for me, and I will never forget the impression that this book left on me.

[Diane Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of unusual partners

I thought this sounded like an unusual title, and the cover was very creative. A 15-year-old joins the circus and leaves home. After many years in the circus, he meets a kid who was like he was in his younger years. A daredevil who lives for the moment. Warning: This book has scenes that are full of drugs, alcohol, and blood.

[steffi Seitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and moved forward at all times. the characters deal with a drug and alcohol problem throughout the book so it becomes a big theme for the book. Though the ending was really worth it. I enjoyed reading about the characters and their adventure in life and struggles through their problems. Good read. I recommend it.

[Dalila Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and excellent realism

This book invokes emotions through realism with a a message of love and kindness overcoming destructive paths. The writing style is excellent with less to none grammatical errors, it simply sucked me in with the compelling story telling, especially one that is about real event.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most heart filled books I have read in a long time. It shows the struggles of lost and damaged souls. Unusual friendship with unusual people. I love this book and hope to read it again and again.

[Barbie Nall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, but.....

I enjoyed this tell and I guess I missed the description about including drugs. This story is a lifetime of being lost and eventually getting a second chanxe. Although the ending seems rushed, iy?r wE

[Jeyasivananth · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Peytonlipscomb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Epic story.

Great story but the writing is lack luster. Could not stop laughing about the spider monkey situation. Would be an interesting movie

[Sid · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Journey of Duke seemed somewhat boring to me. I wasn't able to read beyond 70 pages. This can be a good story book for kids.

[Dina Coutu · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG - LOVED IT - must read if you are looking for a moving book!

[Boon Kheng · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good read

A three part story about a sword swallower. First parts follows the story of Duke while the second part tells the story of Chico kid. The third part is about how they crossed paths and how the Chico kid learns from the wisdom of the sword swallower.

[Ashley Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a large amount of drug use and alcoholism, but it is necessary to play into some of the larger themes.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please click the link HERE to view my review of Gringo: My Life on the Edge as an International Fugitive on the Online Book Club Org website. Your views mean a lot to me, thank you!

[Redmakesmyheartsing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson starts when a package is delivered, bringing back memories for Gary. Calvin notices his grandad is crying and wants to know why. Gary settles down to tell his life story, particularly all he learned from his sword-swallowing friend Duke.

Part one begins with Duke seeing the circus train arrive in town. Getting caught up in the excitement and magic, he follows the fantastic people and animals to the circus ground. Here he helps the performers set up for that evening's show. When asked how old he is, the fifteen-year-old Duke replies that he is eighteen, and he is offered a job as a casual laborer. Duke sees this as a new start and a way to escape his unhappy life, where alcoholism, fanatical religious doctrine, and abuse prevail. Duke regularly watches Carlos, the sword swallower, perform his act and is enthralled; when Carlos asks if he would like to be a sword swallower, Duke is eager to learn. Here is the beginning of Duke's life as a circus performer. It is a life Duke loves, but there is no guarantee that a circus performer will always have work. At different times in his life, Duke is a librarian, he studies music and sets up a band, he has a lengthy prison sentence, and he studies theology. Duke has many demons but leaves prison a different man!

Part two begins when Gary is at his graduation. As the school's student body president, he is about to make a speech. The Principal introduces Gary as one of the best students the school has had. However, Gary has drunk heavily since he was fifteen and left school without any plans for his life. He is popular with many friends, but they all float through college in a drug and alcohol-induced haze. After college, Gary parties hard. The downward spiral continues until, at thirty-five, with no money, no partner, and no job, he ends up in a tavern where a man tattooed from head to toe is on the stage with a microphone. Here is Duke performing his one-person show. Duke enthralls Gary. He thinks he is the most exciting man he has ever met, and when Duke leaves the tavern, Gary follows him.

By part three, Gary is at his lowest, but introducing himself to Duke would be his making. Duke and Gary have an instant connection, and Duke takes Gary under his wing and becomes his mentor.

I did not warm to Gary. He is a hypocrite because as soon as he reaches eighteen, he says to his mother, "Mom, I have had enough. You have a drink problem, and I cannot stand it anymore." ( Quote from page 145 ). He then tells her he will not see her again until she stops drinking. By this point in his life, Gary is an alcoholic and a drug addict! Until he meets Duke Gary's reckless, drunken excesses always end up hurting himself, public property, and other people. Until the end of the book, he always seems to get away with being a complete loser. I also could not understand why the preface to this book says The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson is a work of fiction based on Gary and his friend Captain Don Leslie's lives. However, he changes the Captain's name to Duke but still calls the character based on himself, Gary. Either this is a work of fiction, or it is an autobiography. At the moment, this is not very clear!

I loved Duke and found myself laughing with him and crying with him. I like the way Duke turns every knock back and horrible experience into a positive and something to be learned from. I love that Duke wears his heart on his sleeve. The love for his circus family is there for all to see. I also liked the humor throughout this book; e.g., on page twenty-five, a Jewish man says he would never mutilate his body with tattoos. The reply to this is, "What the hell did you do with your foreskin? Carry it in your front pocket?"

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid has an exciting and fast-paced storyline. I admire Gary Robinson for writing this book which does not show him in perfect light. There are some editing mistakes, but they do not detract from a great story.

I recommend that The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid by Gary Robinson be read by adult readers who should be aware of drug addiction, alcoholism, swearing, and sexual references. This book would be enjoyed by circus enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a brilliant read based on real-life people and events.

Thanks to Gary Robinson for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review. You can read more of my reviews here : http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-...