“Chester ‘Bobo’ Barnett is a legend in the world of circus clowns. His performances still bring laughter and warm memories to those who were lucky enough to witness them. Bonnie takes us behind the curtain and shows us the man behind the greasepaint. With all his strengths and weaknesses as a dad, husband, and person, we still see what defines him as a human being and the impact he had on everyone from his worldwide audiences to his daughter.”

—Greg DeSanto, executive director, International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center, Inc.

“I have worked with hundreds of memoirists, and I learn something from each, but no life story has taught me more about how to heal yourself through love than Bonnie Ann Barnett’s. Her father was literally a clown, and as clumsy at fatherhood as they come. If she could do the work of making a relationship with her parent, any of us may find a way.”

—Tristine Rainer, author of Your Life As Story and The New Diary, Director of Center for Autobiographical Studies, tristine@storyhelp.com

“This magical tale takes you backstage. It is a plunge into the dark emptiness that comes when the lights fade, the cheers stop, and the makeup comes off. You can feel the long loneliness of a world aching to hear the gentle whisper, “You are loved.” These pages are filled with the awesome and anguishing hope, just like a trapeze artist flying through the air, with outstretched arms.”

—Shane Claiborne, best-selling author of Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers and Follow Me to Freedom. Activist and Circus-Lover. www.thesimpleway.org

“I was fascinated by the book and couldn’t put it down. Having worked in modern day circuses, I understood and could relate to the irony of smiling in the center ring when, backstage, things were quite different. Constantly moving from town to town, the circus promotes [the] unfinished business of relationships left behind… It is a heartwarming read [that] seeks to understand the inner layers of a very talented clown.”

—Lynn Polke, trapeze artist, elephant empress, and animal trainer, Ringling Bros. Circus

“This is a heart-griping story of one woman’s search for her roots simply begun, yet unfolding through twists and turns in the exciting circus world. You will laugh and cry as you walk thorough this heart-rending, yet thrilling journey with the author. You rejoice as you discover that the real purpose of the odyssey was ordained by God to bring the writer to the real meaning and purpose of life.”

—Pastor Jim Nelson, Associate Pastor, The Church on the Way, Van Nuys, CA

“This very personal and inspirational account of a young girl, deprived of her father’s presence and love, and the journey to find him and understand, will pull you in as the reader. I have never known anyone who has worked so hard at overcoming the emotional deprivation received as a child as Bonnie Barnett. She continually battled her insecurities and mistakes, transforming herself, while positively influencing many troubled teenagers at our high school as a volunteer therapist. This book achieves the same purpose: to ultimately help others. Set in the fascinating world of the circus, it is also a story of love and growth.”

—Pat Van Atta, School Nurse, Reseda High School, Van Nuys, CA

” Years ago I had the pleasure of reading your book.  It’s truly inspirational.  I suffered along with you in many of the passages, but the last pages were so beautiful; like in a fairytale, the ending is perfect and full of love.  I want to thank you sencerely for sharing your story with the world.  May God keep blessing you.”

Marcelo Melison, Ventriloquist, www.miotravoz.com

“Spent the last five hours reading your book cover to cover.  On so many levels

. . .Thank you.”

Toto Johnson, Clown   www.TotoJohnson.com