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Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 12 Jul 2018, 13:24
by ea_anthony
Wow, I just read Gary Robinson's letter (Topic of the month forum - May) and I can't wait to move this book to currently reading on my shelf.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 12 Jul 2018, 18:38
by amandathebibliophile
I’m with everyone else on here who is commenting about the lack of sensitivity in terms of the depictions of many of the disabled circus characters. That being said, I really enjoyed this book! I liked the bigger life messages both Duke and Gary had to offer through their experiences, and I also thoroughly enjoyed the comic relief scattered liberally throughout. I overall recommend this book!
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 13 Jul 2018, 04:29
by Mir H S Quadri
azerikaj wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 14:51
When I read it before, I liked about half of it.(I will read it again, before the end of the month, just in case I felt as though it was my job as a reviewer to be Queen of the Hardasses or something.) I was sort of offended by the stereotype of the innocent disabled characters that always show up to show both these guys What Really Matters in life, though. Gag.
Would you say this book was stereotypical in theme overall or did you just find certain segments in it to be offensive?
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 13 Jul 2018, 13:39
by bukworm543
holsam_87 wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 20:40
I come from a fairly small community, so most of what Duke and Gary experienced seems unfathomable. Overall I did enjoy the book, but because I am State Certified Home Care Aide, it felt that the portrayal of the disabled individuals to be insensitive. I get that most of the book was going to be way beyond my own scope of experience, but I just think that the portrayal could have been different. Unless the view was meant to reflect how society viewed disabled individuals, in the certain timeline then I guess I can understand to a point.
Thanks for sharing your perspective! I believe that if we are ever going to make progress as a society, we must learn to respect people with disabilities and treat them better. It is unfortunate that the author was insensitive in the depiction of those characters.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 14 Jul 2018, 03:48
by Bukari
The book is definitely going to be triller, and at the same time a book that gives value to readers for the time they spend in reading the story. Well, as for me, the reviews I read convinced me to give it a full rating.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 15 Jul 2018, 18:14
by holsam_87
bukworm543 wrote: ↑13 Jul 2018, 13:39
holsam_87 wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 20:40
I come from a fairly small community, so most of what Duke and Gary experienced seems unfathomable. Overall I did enjoy the book, but because I am State Certified Home Care Aide, it felt that the portrayal of the disabled individuals to be insensitive. I get that most of the book was going to be way beyond my own scope of experience, but I just think that the portrayal could have been different. Unless the view was meant to reflect how society viewed disabled individuals, in the certain timeline then I guess I can understand to a point.
Thanks for sharing your perspective! I believe that if we are ever going to make progress as a society, we must learn to respect people with disabilities and treat them better. It is unfortunate that the author was insensitive in the depiction of those characters.
Yes, that's for sure. Treating individuals with developmental disabilities like children is called Ableism. I noticed that a lot, but I think it was pretty common in the decades past.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 15 Jul 2018, 19:53
by azerikaj
Not just in the past, really. But my intent wasn't to get into all of that.
Sometimes it can be hard to separate a character's perspective from what the author thinks, also, but if the author didn't see things the same way as Chico did, he could have provided a counterpoint in some way. I thought all of the supporting characters were somewhat poorly developed, though.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 18 Jul 2018, 16:30
by history100
With so many great books to read I don't feel bad giving up on this one. The cover may be the best part - you have to pick it up and see what's inside. I know this is a first-time author so I give him (not the book) 4 out of 4 stars for his hard work and dedication but I will wait for his next book.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 18 Jul 2018, 22:38
by Anthony Martial Tata
I have not actually read the book. I don't know what it entails and giving it a rating would thus be difficult.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 19 Jul 2018, 05:49
by Northernbird84
I am so intrigued by this book, there seems to be varying opinions and I like that
Will let you know what I think! xxxx
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 19 Jul 2018, 08:49
by Anthony Martial Tata
I started reading the book recently. So far so good, I'm enjoying the content therein. It's a great review.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 19 Jul 2018, 12:41
by msomigreat
i would give the book a 3 out of 4 rating. i like the way the author explores different cultures in a multicultural society and also prefer the way the issue of self-reliance is emphasized.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 02:59
by Anthony Martial Tata
There is a proper character development in the book. To me that's a shows maturity in the author's skills.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 05:27
by Iviss
The book is interesting to read. It is about stereotypes and personalities, as well as the problems in the society, such as drug overdose. The characters are well-developed, although I had the impression that not all of them are related to each other. Generally speaking, it is a good read, and I would rate it 3 out of 4 stars.
Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 15:06
by Anthony Martial Tata
I enjoyed the book. There is a smooth flowing storyline and maturity in characters development. I would rate it at 3 out of 4 stars.