Review of Kinker Circusing the Seventies
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Justin Christensen
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Review of Kinker Circusing the Seventies
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Kinker Circusing the Seventies" by Dave Letterfly Knoderer.]
Kinker Circusing the Seventies by Dave Letterfly Knoderer is, in spite of the heavy topics and happenings contained within its pages, a warm and moving memoir. Part autobiography and part contemplation on the nature of life, family, happiness, and success, Kinker weaves the joys and sorrows of the author’s young life into a comfortable story that was easy to get lost in.
He starts with background on his family and home life. His family’s frequent moves and a growing tension in their home are both attributed to Knoderer’s father, a man who, at the start of the book, is going through struggles of his own that are bleeding into his home life. Knoderer, seeking an escape from the pressures of his life both at home and at school, turns first to music and then to the circus. He inherited his love of the circus from his father; it was a shared joy that bound them together, but which has been pushed aside in his father’s mind in place of the struggle to succeed and to push his children to achieve success. Knoderer begins his circus life with a letter (well, with twenty six letters) seeking employment over the summer. He is accepted and spends the summer working with the Clark & Walters circus. This summer sets the course of his future in stone.
At the beginning of the book, Knoderer claims it is a book about time. I understand this point of view, but for me the book was more about family. The primary catalyst for Knoderer’s circus career was, in his young eyes, his family. He thought the family he had at home was the cause of his problems and was happy enough to leave them behind in favor of a new “found family” with the Fisher Bros. circus (a circus company started by two of his mentors from Clark & Walter). Over the course of the book, however, Knoderer experiences real growth. He is hurt by people he trusts and forced to confront his own flaws and failings on more than one occasion. Throughout all of it is the theme of relationships and the power and importance they have in our lives. The book ends with another contemplation about time and the importance of living in the moment, but even that contemplation is nestled within a memory of young love and new experiences. So, in my opinion, it would be more apt to consider family and relationships as the primary theme of this book.
Whatever theme you find in its pages, there can be no denying that the book is extremely well written (not to mention flawlessly edited). I found myself growing nostalgic for a time in which I never even lived and thinking often of my relationship with my own family and close friends. It isn’t an action-packed adventure, but it is sharply honest and poignant. If you like nonfiction, then you are guaranteed to love this book. I have to rate it five stars out of five, and I sincerely hope that you will consider picking it up.
******
Kinker Circusing the Seventies
View: on Bookshelves
Kinker Circusing the Seventies by Dave Letterfly Knoderer is, in spite of the heavy topics and happenings contained within its pages, a warm and moving memoir. Part autobiography and part contemplation on the nature of life, family, happiness, and success, Kinker weaves the joys and sorrows of the author’s young life into a comfortable story that was easy to get lost in.
He starts with background on his family and home life. His family’s frequent moves and a growing tension in their home are both attributed to Knoderer’s father, a man who, at the start of the book, is going through struggles of his own that are bleeding into his home life. Knoderer, seeking an escape from the pressures of his life both at home and at school, turns first to music and then to the circus. He inherited his love of the circus from his father; it was a shared joy that bound them together, but which has been pushed aside in his father’s mind in place of the struggle to succeed and to push his children to achieve success. Knoderer begins his circus life with a letter (well, with twenty six letters) seeking employment over the summer. He is accepted and spends the summer working with the Clark & Walters circus. This summer sets the course of his future in stone.
At the beginning of the book, Knoderer claims it is a book about time. I understand this point of view, but for me the book was more about family. The primary catalyst for Knoderer’s circus career was, in his young eyes, his family. He thought the family he had at home was the cause of his problems and was happy enough to leave them behind in favor of a new “found family” with the Fisher Bros. circus (a circus company started by two of his mentors from Clark & Walter). Over the course of the book, however, Knoderer experiences real growth. He is hurt by people he trusts and forced to confront his own flaws and failings on more than one occasion. Throughout all of it is the theme of relationships and the power and importance they have in our lives. The book ends with another contemplation about time and the importance of living in the moment, but even that contemplation is nestled within a memory of young love and new experiences. So, in my opinion, it would be more apt to consider family and relationships as the primary theme of this book.
Whatever theme you find in its pages, there can be no denying that the book is extremely well written (not to mention flawlessly edited). I found myself growing nostalgic for a time in which I never even lived and thinking often of my relationship with my own family and close friends. It isn’t an action-packed adventure, but it is sharply honest and poignant. If you like nonfiction, then you are guaranteed to love this book. I have to rate it five stars out of five, and I sincerely hope that you will consider picking it up.
******
Kinker Circusing the Seventies
View: on Bookshelves
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Mary John 10
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A heartfelt memoir, Kinker Circusing the Seventies captures the joys and struggles of a young life shaped by family, music, and the circus.
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Yin Jiang
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I really liked your review. I thought that your writing style was compelling, and you were able to succinctly explain what you thought about the book. Thank you for your review!
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Naimah Agboluaje
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This review of "Kinker Circusing the Seventies" by Dave Letterfly Knoderer is captivating and beautifully written. The reviewer highlights how the memoir combines elements of autobiography and contemplation on life, family, and success. The book explores the protagonist's journey, beginning with his troubled family life and leading to his escape into the circus. The reviewer praises the memoir's exploration of themes such as time, family, and relationships. The writing style is described as nostalgic and thought-provoking. The review concludes by giving the book a glowing five-star rating. Overall, this review makes "Kinker Circusing the Seventies" sound like a fantastic read for those who enjoy nonfiction and poignant storytelling. Unforgettable journey, filled with surprises and discoveries.
