Official Review: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fiction books or series that do not fit into one of the other categories. If the fiction book fits into one the other categories, please use that category instead.
Post Reply
User avatar
Mr Benj
In It Together VIP
Posts: 707
Joined: 16 Jan 2018, 03:34
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 94
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mr-benj.html
Latest Review: In It Together by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes

Re: Official Review: The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid

Post by Mr Benj »

The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson, a book that features a sword swallower, a chico kid, circus, and the streets.
It will be interesting to read about how both of them met and the events that followed.
User avatar
Stephen Christopher 1
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1790
Joined: 07 Feb 2023, 04:27
Favorite Book: The Book Thief
Currently Reading: The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio
Bookshelf Size: 239
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-stephen-christopher-1.html
Latest Review: Bless Your Heart by Susann Camus

Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

I love character-driven novels, and I've heard lots of good things about this one. Adding it to my list today.
SophiaNd
Posts: 516
Joined: 23 Jul 2017, 13:30
Currently Reading: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
Bookshelf Size: 26
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sophiand.html
Latest Review: Rise of the Savior by Antoine Bonner

Post by SophiaNd »

Gary Robinson's "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" powerfully tells how two men, lost to addiction, find unexpected hope and a path to recovery in their raw, shared journey.
User avatar
Chi Chiu Michael Mak
Posts: 842
Joined: 15 Apr 2024, 11:32
Favorite Book: James The Accountant
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 75
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chi-chiu-michael-mak.html
Latest Review: Botany with Friends by Troy Aikins

Post by Chi Chiu Michael Mak »

Gary’s downward spiral sounds intense, but I like that his story still manages to be funny and human thanks to the way it’s written. Duke seems like the perfect kind of mentor to shake things up. Messy growth and unexpected bonds are great, evergreen themes. Always love to see those in a book!
I write the best reviews possible. :idea2:
Liwass Neloshy
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 4
Joined: 10 Jul 2021, 12:51
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Liwass Neloshy »

I really enjoyed this book. Can't imagine lol
Anyways thanks for the book
Annabella Johnson
Posts: 3
Joined: 22 Mar 2024, 11:35
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 0
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-annabella-johnson.html
Latest Review: The Unfakeable Code® by Tony Jeton Selimi

Post by Annabella Johnson »

Gary Robinson's "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" isn't just a book you read; it's a story you feel. From the moment you dive in, you're not just observing the lives of Duke Reynolds, the enigmatic sword swallower, and the author himself, a "Chico Kid" grappling with his own demons – you're right there with them, experiencing their triumphs and heartbreaks.
What really pulled me in was Robinson's incredible honesty. He lays bare the raw realities of addiction, the scars of a difficult upbringing, and that universal human search for a place to belong. You get both sides of the coin: Duke's fascinating, often tragic journey through the world of circus life, and Gary's own turbulent youth, which he recounts with unflinching self-awareness. It's rare to find an author so willing to expose their vulnerabilities, and it makes their connection to Duke all the more powerful.
And that's where the magic truly happens – when these two seemingly disparate lives intertwine. The bond that forms between Duke and Gary, despite their age difference and wildly different experiences, is just beautiful to witness. It's a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of life, redemption isn't just possible, it's often found in the most unexpected connections. It shows how helping someone else can, in turn, be the greatest help you give yourself.
Robinson's writing simply flows. He has this knack for making his characters leap off the page, with dialogue that feels so real you can almost hear it. He masterfully navigates moments of laugh-out-loud humor, profound sadness, and heartwarming tenderness. While the subject matter can be heavy, there's an undeniable undercurrent of resilience and hope that carries you through.
"The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" isn't just a story about overcoming addiction; it's a deep, human exploration of who we are, where we come from, and what truly gives life meaning. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, making you reflect on your own journey and the connections that shape us all. If you appreciate a genuine, no-holds-barred look at the messy, beautiful reality of life, you really need to pick this one up.
User avatar
Maria Cristina Boniel
Posts: 10
Joined: 06 Jun 2025, 09:14
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 0
2025 Reading Goal: 10
2025 Goal Completion: 30%

Post by Maria Cristina Boniel »

I’m really amazed by people who have these skills. Even though it’s not a natural, God-given gift that comes effortlessly, they gained it through hard work, patience, and suffering—and through that, they learned.
Though I feel afraid, especially when watching a performer do these acts, even if I know it won’t harm them, I still can’t keep my eyes from looking away when someone swallows a sword or eats fire.
This book somehow helped me realize why people choose those kinds of jobs.
User avatar
Amarachi Stephanie Ejike
In It Together VIP
Posts: 438
Joined: 09 May 2024, 08:40
Currently Reading: Sock Lobsters
Bookshelf Size: 57
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amarachi-stephanie-ejike.html
Latest Review: Columbus, Slave Trader by Marcus Wilson

Post by Amarachi Stephanie Ejike »

"The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson is a character-driven story with a major focus on the interaction between Duke Reynolds, the sword swallower, and Gary Robinson. The storyline spotlights the challenges, struggle, friendship, and growth these two experienced together. Readers should beware that the story contains issues on alcoholism, drugs and nudity.
User avatar
Magdalyne chebet
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 569
Joined: 10 Apr 2024, 13:44
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 68
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-magdalyne-chebet.html
Latest Review: EVOLVE Or Be Slaughtered: by Derrick Chevalier

Post by Magdalyne chebet »

This book sounds really interesting! I’m drawn to stories that focus on deep character development and real-life struggles. The way Duke and Gary’s lives intertwine, especially through addiction and redemption, makes me want to read it and see how their journey unfolds. Congrats BOTD!
User avatar
Kibet Hillary
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 4130
Joined: 26 Jul 2017, 01:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3518
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kibet-hillary.html
Latest Review: Sooner Secrets by Shelley L. Levisay

Post by Kibet Hillary »

I really liked how the author organized the book, particularly introducing Duke and Gary in distinct parts and then their paths crossing in the third part of the book. The plot of the book seems simple, but Gary Robinson's execution is so exceptional that I could not put the book down when I was reading it. Thank you for the captivating review, @Azeline Arcenal.
:tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat:
“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
- Dr. Larry Crabb
User avatar
Stephanie Gail Stephen
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 75
Joined: 30 Dec 2023, 11:03
Currently Reading: In It Together
Bookshelf Size: 33
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-stephanie-gail-stephen.html
Latest Review: Listening without Agenda by Andrew McMasters
2025 Reading Goal: 10
2025 Goal Completion: 40%

Post by Stephanie Gail Stephen »

While I haven't read the book yet, your description clearly highlights its unflinching portrayal of addiction and personal struggles. This story obviously delves into human flaws while still encouraging empathy. Your insights into the character development have piqued my interest, and I look forward to experiencing their journey firsthand.
User avatar
Judy Burr
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 553
Joined: 18 Aug 2023, 15:54
Favorite Book: De facto Pathfinder
Currently Reading: GOD'S PLAN FOR YOU: 21-DAY DEVOTIONAL
Bookshelf Size: 95
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-judy-burr.html
Latest Review: Doing the Right Thing: by Debbie C. Miller

Post by Judy Burr »

Thank you for the review. I read the sample. Duke left home as a teenager and joined the circus. This happened in those days. People who wanted a new life thought the circus that came to town was their chance. I want to read on to meet Chico.
Judy
User avatar
Sanju Lali
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 3804
Joined: 08 May 2018, 12:47
Currently Reading: Goodbye, Rudy Kazoody
Bookshelf Size: 459
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sanju-lali.html
Latest Review: Winning the War on Cancer by Sylvie Beljanski
Reading Device: B00I15SB16

Post by Sanju Lali »

A wonderful character driven story can be found in the book "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson. The story follows the life of the sword swallower the Chico kid.
life is only knowing the unknown, we can do this by reading books easily- Online book club is a great place for this. This is what I believe.
User avatar
Domingo Daniel
Posts: 7
Joined: 27 Mar 2023, 21:39
Currently Reading: I Can Hear Music
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by Domingo Daniel »

Although it seemed like Gary was always drinking, I found his character to be likable and humorous at times. 😀
User avatar
Amos Osinya
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 547
Joined: 13 Jun 2023, 15:35
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 81
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amos-osinya.html
Latest Review: Dying Man, Dead Mouse, and other Stories by Lazarre Seymour Simckes

Post by Amos Osinya »

This must be an interesting story. Reading this book could be an eye opener as to how to live live to the fullest and appreciating the beauty of today's life. Am eager to follow up on this story of the Chico kid and the Sword swallower
Post Reply

Return to “Other Fiction Forum”