Although not a lengthy read, it would be fair to say that Jim Tully knows exactly how to tug at the heart strings even though you may have little in common with his characters. Set in the circus from the point of view of one of it's "lesser" workers, Circus Parade tells the tales of both the circus and it's varied characters as they wend their way through the many towns they visit. Tully is amusing, perceptive, and often heart-rending as he relays the various antics. It might not be an uplifting narrative, but it is worth reading.
What do You think about Circus Parade (Black Squirrel Books) (2009)?