The Long Way Down

by Robb White

An eighteen-year-old girl who wants to be a trapeze performer finds she has a lot to learn when she joins a circus.

Genres: Young Adult

185 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Robb White was partnered with gimmick horror film king William Castle during Castle's most popular and productive period. Born in the Philippines, White was a preacher's son who held a wide variety of jobs before landing in the Navy during World War II. He initially collaborated with Castle on the short-lived TV series "Men of Annapolis" (1957), then joined forces with the enterprising producer-director on the horror thrillers "Macabre" (1958), "House on Haunted Hill" (1959), "The Tingler" (1959), "Homicidal" (1961), and "13 Ghosts" (1960). He later went back to TV writing, including "Perry Mason" (1957), as well as novels.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took quite a bit of searching to find this book. I couldn't remember the title -- but about 15 years later, I still remember what it is about and how much I enjoyed it. It's the story of a young girl who joins the circus, wanting to become a trapeze artist and what she goes through during the learning process. And it's got some romance in it, which I always enjoyed when I was a teenager!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a young girl whose dream is to be a trapeze artist. And not just any trapeze artist, but one who can fly with her eyes closed... Literally.
This was really good circus fiction! (Not a whole lot of that available) It was a really good story, but I am only giving it 4 stars because Robb White doesn't really seem to have a good understanding of how the female mind works.

[Heather Borean]

I loved this book when I was a teenager. I would love to find a copy. It's one I'd love to re-read it.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet and fun. Lovely writing.

[Sundae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy rereading favorites from my youth. This one holds up. Hadn't read it since high school. If you ever dreamed of running away to join the circus, this is the books for you.