Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson

Use this forum to discuss the May 2018 Book of the Month, "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
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ea_anthony
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Re: Overall rating and opinion of " The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson

Post 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.
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Post 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!
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Post 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?
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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Post 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.
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