Powering the Devil's Circus: Redux

by Jason Jordan

Ranging from a variety of topics, Jason Jordan's short work has been called experimental because it breaks tradition with respect to obvious boundaries such as font, design, layout, and length, but perhaps more importantly, to theme, plot, character and dialogue. In one story, for instance, a tube uses instant messenger technology to converse with its owner. The novella, included within, might just be the highlight of the book. The author writes about himself, as a student, attending a Christian school, listening to metal music. Then he goes to college. Then he becomes a writer. And as the title of one chapter indicates, the author finds alcohol rather than Jesus, and at some point, ends up in Hell (Michigan).

Paperback

Published May 6, 2010

Reviews

[Jim Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so close to giving this book 4 stars. The main reason I didn’t was because most of the book was not like the centerpiece, the novella that the book is named after. That was an excellent read and engaging. Not that the short stories were bad, mind you, it’s just that I wasn’t drawn in until I read the main event. I do think this book is worth it for you to pick up, even if it’s just for the one story.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the sort of book I would normally choose as I tend to be more mainstream. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the surreal nature of the short stories. As a would-be writer myself, I found the novella interesting. The author's style is easy to read, and I found myself absorbed. I was well-pleased with this, the first book I have received from Goodreads.Powering the Devil's Circus: Redux

[J.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is how I blurbed this book several years back:

"Powering the Devil's Circus: Redux shows just how aggressive Jason Jordan's writing can be, inching into your space as you read, hollowing out your head. This is a text that punches; duck and dodge my friends, duck and dodge."

I still agree, whole-heartedly.