Review of The Carny Kid

Review by Beverly Forehand
www.roundtablereviews.com/kahnkenny72705.htm

You might think that a book about a neglected child growing up in a dysfunctional (and downright criminal) family would be inspirational, but extremely depressing. But, due to the wit, intelligence, and incredible humor of the writer, Kenneth Kahn's THE CARNY KID: SURVIVAL OF A YOUNG THIEF is not only a great motivational work, but a real page-turner as well. From the very beginning, Kahn captures the reader’s imagination, as well as his funny bone, with his tale of his own young self—a carny kid working hard to make do in a world full of vice and mischief. Not only does the “Kid” manage to make it in this modern Horatio Alger tale, but he does so with grace and endearing pluck.

In many ways, THE CARNY KID is a sort of modern-day Huck Finn, surrounded by obstacles, villains, and thieves, but somehow able to make shift and come out (usually) on top of the situation. Kahn’s Kid is resourceful and daring, even as he is innocent and wide-eyed. The combination makes for a mixture of bittersweet comedy that will have the reader laughing and crying at the same time.

Kahn's narrative is bright, compelling, and often heart-breaking. His dialogue is as tough and street-wise as his main character and the story is one to remember and cherish. THE CARNY KID is a book for even the most pessimistic of readers to enjoy. In a world where it is so easy to fail, it's nice to know that there can be real-life happy endings. Good work, Mr. Kahn! Its nice to know that a simple story can still simply be very well-told.