WHAT A RIDE!

Well, it's not exactly a thrilling ride in the traditional sense. However, it serves as a fascinating and often crucial explanation. It details precisely how the exhibits were brought into existence (or if they were indeed real) and the intricate ways in which the performances were engineered. This information is an absolute must for anyone who has warm and vivid memories of the midway.

The midway holds a special place in many people's hearts, filled with excitement, wonder, and a touch of magic. Understanding the behind-the-scenes processes that went into creating those captivating exhibits and engaging performances adds an extra layer of appreciation.

Whether it's the meticulous craftsmanship that went into building a show-stopping display or the careful planning and coordination required for a seamless performance, knowing these details enriches the overall experience. It allows us to look back on those memories with a newfound respect and admiration for the creativity and hard work that went into making the midway such a memorable place.

So, for all those who cherish their memories of the midway, this explanation is truly a valuable and essential piece of the puzzle.

I have a refreshing look at the sideshow industry.

I didn't award it five stars because I believed that the references could have been placed at the back of the book. Instead of every time the author mentioned something, there could just have been a number beside it for each chapter.

However, aside from that minor drawback, it is a great guide for the sideshows. It should be in the possession of any fan or historian of this art form. The book provides valuable insights and information about the sideshow industry, covering various aspects such as its history, the different acts, and the people involved. It offers a unique perspective that is both informative and engaging. Despite the issue with the references, it remains a highly recommended read for those interested in the world of sideshows.

Read by ACRL Member of the Week Jennifer Emanuel.

Jennifer Emanuel is an important figure in the ACRL community. She has been selected as the Member of the Week, which gives us a great opportunity to learn more about her.

To find out more details about Jennifer, you can visit the ACRL Insider blog. This blog provides valuable insights into the work and experiences of ACRL members.

By reading the blog, you can discover Jennifer's achievements, her contributions to the field, and perhaps even gain some inspiration for your own work.

So, don't miss out on this chance to get to know Jennifer Emanuel better. Head over to the ACRL Insider blog today!

A Fun Read

Reading can be an incredibly enjoyable and enriching experience. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to fascinating characters, and expand our knowledge and imagination. Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an informative non-fiction piece, there is a book out there for everyone to enjoy.

One of the great things about reading is that it can be done anywhere and at any time. You can curl up with a good book on a rainy day, take it with you on a long commute, or read a few pages before going to bed at night. It's a great way to relax and unwind, and can also help to reduce stress and improve your mental health.

Another benefit of reading is that it can improve your vocabulary and language skills. By exposing yourself to different words and sentence structures, you can expand your own writing and communication abilities. This can be especially beneficial for students, who can improve their grades and academic performance by reading regularly.

In conclusion, reading is a fun and rewarding activity that offers many benefits. So why not pick up a book today and start exploring the wonderful world of literature?

The research that Joe Nickell conducted for this book is truly exhaustive and leaves a deep impression. The images within the book are also fantastic, and there are numerous of them.

However, I was really let down by the book's lack of depth. Perhaps it's because (well, not perhaps) I have a somewhat academic bent, but I found the absence of analysis in this book extremely frustrating. It was essentially a prose-like list of sideshow acts over the years, with the years often jumbled together. Mentions of acts from the late nineteenth century and the mid-twentieth century are right next to each other. There is no analysis of the meaning of these acts and how that meaning might have changed over the past 150 years or so. There is also no analysis of the dynamics of race, gender, class, ability, and otherness. I would have really loved to see such analysis because there is an incredible cast of characters who quickly parade through the book, and Nickell clearly knows a great deal about sideshows.

Instead of "Secrets of the Sideshow," I recommend "Freak Show: Presenting Human Oddities for Amusement and Profit" by Robert Bogdan if you're seeking cultural history, and "Geek Love" by Katherine Dunn if you're looking for great fiction. Both are well-written and have much more depth to them.

I read this book in a fragmented manner over the course of several months.

At certain moments, it starts to resemble a rather extensive list of sideshow attractions. And as David Letterman and many others can attest, lists tend to lose their charm and become tiresome after around ten items or so.

Nevertheless, it is still worth reading, if only for the fascinating knowledge that flea circuses are indeed REAL. This is something that I still find extremely difficult to believe.

The concept of flea circuses seems almost too outlandish to be true. How could such tiny creatures be trained to perform tricks and acts? It challenges our perception of what is possible in the animal kingdom.

Despite the drawbacks of the book's list-like nature, the revelation about flea circuses makes it a worthwhile read. It offers a glimpse into a world that is both strange and captivating.

Overall, while the book may have its flaws, it manages to pique our curiosity and expand our knowledge in unexpected ways.

This book endeavors to depict the diverse aspects of the carnival sideshow.

It ranges from the human "freaks" to magic tricks and illusions, and even includes a brief exploration of the animal exhibits that often accompany the rest.

The book is extremely well-researched. The author is closely acquainted with many of the people interviewed for it and even demonstrates several of the physical "tricks" himself, which are documented in photos.

It is richly illustrated with photos of modern-day sideshows, pictures of older acts, and vintage posters. These illustrations are highly beneficial in creating an image of the sideshow experience.

However, while the book is clearly well-researched and well-planned, the writing style is not exactly what I anticipated. The author frequently engages in theoretical musings on the "freaks" and spends less time discussing individuals and their experiences compared to exploring his own theories and opinions.

I would have preferred a more straightforward biography-style presentation, especially when it comes to the chapters on illusions and magic tricks, which were rather dry.

Nickell presents a thoroughly researched and detailed exploration of circus/carnival history.

Primarily, he focuses on the various types of acts that would have been part of a sideshow.

This exploration is truly fascinating, as it delves into the unique and often overlooked aspects of the circus and carnival world.

The different acts, such as freaks, magicians, and acrobats, each have their own stories and traditions that are brought to life through Nickell's research.

It is also interesting to learn about the evolution of these acts over time and how they have adapted to changing audiences and cultural norms.

Overall, Nickell's work is highly informative and provides a valuable contribution to the study of circus/carnival history.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in this captivating and often misunderstood world.

The analysis provided is indeed very thorough. However, I find myself in agreement with the other reviews that suggest it has a somewhat self-serving nature.

There are numerous illustrations, banners, and pictures that are referenced throughout the text. Nevertheless, the vast majority of those actually accessible to the reader are ones that have been photographed or drawn by the author himself. This gives the impression that the author is perhaps trying to showcase his own work rather than presenting a comprehensive and diverse range of visual materials.

Likewise, on many occasions, the author goes out of his way to mention how he personally met or did something. While these personal anecdotes may add a touch of authenticity, in many cases, the saying of them does not seem to contribute significantly to the overall content and purpose of the book. It makes one wonder if the author is more focused on sharing his own experiences rather than providing valuable insights and information to the reader.

Overall, while the book may have some merits, the self-serving aspects and the overemphasis on the author's personal contributions do detract from its potential impact.

A Charming Glimpse into the Rich Tapestry of Circus, Carnival, and Sideshow History

The book offers a captivating exploration of the rich history of circuses, carnivals, and sideshows. Despite its hefty 400-page count, it gracefully flits from one topic to another. It artfully intersperses quotes from performers, diagrams of tricks, and anecdotes of the author's encounters with the last remnants of modern sideshow acts.

It is a delightfully gossipy, educational, and utterly fascinating read. I have a penchant for learning those little snippets of history that make everything fall into place. And indeed, circuses and sideshows have left an indelible mark on pop culture, casting a long and enchanting shadow that continues to intrigue and inspire.

This book serves as a wonderful guide, leading readers through the colorful and often mysterious world of these beloved entertainment forms, uncovering their hidden stories and the people who brought them to life.

I have a strong desire within me.

I still want to learn fire eating.

This unique and fascinating skill has always intrigued me.

The idea of being able to handle fire in such a daring and impressive way is truly captivating.

I imagine myself standing on a stage, surrounded by a crowd, as I perform the amazing feat of fire eating.

The flames dancing around my mouth, creating a spectacle that leaves everyone in awe.

I understand that learning fire eating requires a great deal of practice and caution.

But I am determined to take on the challenge and master this art.

I believe that with dedication and the right guidance, I can achieve my goal and add this extraordinary skill to my repertoire.

So, I will continue to pursue my dream of learning fire eating, no matter how difficult it may seem.

This comprehensive and highly entertaining overview of the sideshow is truly as intriguing as its captivating subject matter.

The author, being an insider in the amusement industry, offers not only the valuable fruits of his in-depth research but also the benefit of his extensive experience.

The book masterfully reveals the secrets of the sideshow while still maintaining its alluring mystery.

Readers will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history, understand the unique jargon, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the sideshow's future.

The tone of the book is matter-of-fact, yet it is occasionally laced with a touch of tongue-in-cheek humor.

The author allows the material and its colorful characters to speak for themselves, making the reading experience both engaging and immersive.

Accompanied by lots of vivid pictures, this book is filled with fun and excitement.

I happened to come across this book while researching a project, and now I simply don't want to part with it, even though it's a library book.

It has truly become a precious find that I will cherish.