Circle of Sawdust

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Circle of Sawdust
ISBN: 978-1-57869-156-2

~ Founder of Circus Smirkus Publishes Memoir ~
Circle of Sawdust chronicles life under the Big Top

Montpelier, Vt – Rootstock Publishing announces the release of Circle of Sawdust: A Circus Memoir of Mud, Myth, Mirth, Mayhem and Magic by Rob Mermin of Montpelier.

Circle of Sawdust is a personal story of the wild characters, remarkable histories, and behind-the-scenes world of traditional traveling circuses. It’s the true-life tale of a boy’s impulse to run off and join the circus and then – through doubt, failure, loss, and tragedy – pursue the implausible vision of starting his own circus.

Rob Mermin, the founder of Circus Smirkus, writes about his life as a creative artist and the idealistic struggle to hold onto a dream. “Circus Smirkus has existed for 35 years and, even though it was my dream for decades, it  almost didn’t happen,” says Mermin.

“I was confronted with naysayers who resisted taking creative risks. I hope readers are inspired by my story to hang on to idealism and pursue their own improbable dreams with determination, passion, and above all, a sense of humor.”

Kirkus Reviews, the nation’s leading source of book reviews, gave the book a starred review, calling it “a fascinating tour de force that displays the enduring, unique appeal of the circus.”

Rob Mermin ran off to join the circus in 1969 and studied the art of mime with famed French mime Marcel  Marceau. An accomplished performer, entrepreneur, author, lecturer, playwright, and director, Mermin founded the award-winning international touring company Circus Smirkus in Greensboro, Vermont.

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