Carny Folk

Already read a few circus books, this one is absolutely great so far ( first 125 pages), just what I was expecting, we have to remember these people are humans, they may look a little different but have feelings just like what we consider to be normal people. I have been around a few that people in the neighborhood consider outcasts because they live in a run down house. They are no different than the rest of us, but were pushed out of school because of their conditions and none got past grade three, they were looked down by everyone, no education, no job. A better family you could not find, they took care for each other and managed to survive until last year when the last one passed on. Its not what is on the outside that is important, but what is in the heart.

Book was delivered quickly and the condition of the book is perfect.

This book was factual and well researched. It showed great respect for the individuals profiled. It was campy and funny but also sweet and touching at times. It let me stare and not feel guilty. It made me rethink whether these carney folks were being exploited or were just doing what they could do put food on the table. Like all us "normal" people.

A fabulous look at those entertainers who were famous for their part in circus sideshows. This book was well researched, easy to read and respectful to the people it profiled. Very well done and highly recommended!

Interesting subject matter, though the author's treatment of it tends to be brief and her writing skills are nothing special. The most annoying thing about this book is that she occasionally goes on rants about "political correctness." Therefore, it should not come as a surprised that she is not physically abnormal, nor does she seem to know anyone who is, and yet she believes that she (not the freaks themselves) has to sole right to determine how human oddities should be viewed and treated. She calls anyone who opposed freak shows "do-gooders" (sarcasm explicitly intended). Oh no, being worried about the exploitation of vulnerable people for financial gain is so malevolent! The one-sided cases of this throughout the book could only be called naïve and condescending, not the callous acts of self-righteous SJWs. Their problem is that they didn't ask what the freaks themselves thought or wanted, which, of course, the author fails to do either. Good book, would be a better one if not for the inclusion of the author's biases.

I used to go to the state fair and see the displays "See the biggest steer alive!" "See the smallest woman ever!" "See the lady who had her head chopped off in a car accident and she is still alive!" I always looked down on those people. This book helped me to see them as people and I am kind of sorry that I never went in to see any of the shows.

Loved it, it reminded me of when I was a kid going to sideshows at Riverview Amusement park in Chicago.

It was a gift for a friend - went over extremely well!!

I like that the author has chosen to take quite a personal look into this area. I find the history of human side shows very interesting and it comes into my work quite often, the author is able to show both side of the sideshow and though his personal feelings are not hidden they don't sway the reader as the concept of exhibition oddities is a very personal moral debate. A great book in all if you want to have a overview of many of the more famous sideshows, he goes more in depth into the more renowned acts obviously.

perfect in every way - thank you - good communication - very helpful - thank you

1st class

Amazing

I bought as a gift - It was a little more expensive but had the best review. Arrived on time and appropriate P and P