Big Top (The Astonishing Tale of the Underground Circus)

<p>Sparked by the sight of a homeless man on the day of his son's birth Paul O'Brien Sr. is inspired to form a foundation for people lacking community. When his son is born later that day with eight arms - yes eight - <em>Octopus Man</em> is destined to run and caretake the eventual <em>Underground Circus</em>.</p><p>Eight arms notwithstanding Paul O'Brien Jr. is no doubt the <em>coolest</em> dude you will ever meet. Surgery offered to him as a child to make him more like the other kids? No thank you he would politely answer. </p><p>The reader is offered a look into the lives of this group which includes <em>Titleist</em> a badass yet noble hero who just happens to have a head the size of a golf ball - not literally but in contrast to his XXL body it may as well be; Ben - or <em>Gentle Ben</em> - the sweetest 9'9 tall man you could ever meet; Giraffe Man - or <em>G</em> to his friends - a neurotic soul with high blood pressure. But then again having a 15 neck would tend to affect one's blood pressure wouldn't it? </p><p>The fly in the ointment comes when a reality TV producer weasels his way into their community. Hence we get the modern-day phenomenon of exploitation degradation and humiliation - whatever it takes to make lots of money. </p><p>The juxtaposition of our kind souls deep in the forest amidst the dubious forces that saturate our pop culture poses the essential question: <em>Who are the real freaks</em>? </p><p></p><p><strong><em>Big Top (The Astonishing Tale of the Underground Circus)</em> shows what would happen if <em>The Night Circus</em> met A <em>Confederacy of Dunces</em> and they went on a date deep into the woods for a midnight screening of the cult classic <em>Freaks</em>. </strong></p>