A true story/social Chicago history of a baby boomer’s struggle with death phobia filtered through a child’s perspective

The title refers to an imaginary world created by the young protagonist, Pudgie, to pacify his younger friend’s curiosity about the real world of school. Pudgie’s real world, however, is a horrific world of indignity, humiliation, anger, and fear. Clown Town is a utopian world of fantasy for young boys growing up in a Chicago suburb during the 1950s.

The Prologue establishes the adult first-person narrator in the present tense. He is forced to reminisce about his youth when the eminent death of his mother rekindles old fears and personality quirks that had haunted his life.

His journey backward leads the reader to the death of a neighborhood man, the death of Pudgie’s grandfather, and the death of a schoolmate in a historic Chicago school fire of 1958.

Pudgie also struggles with a volatile temper when teased about his crossed left eye. The temper threatens his existence in a “normal” school.

Along the way, the narrative treats the reader to a nostalgic look at the 1950s (the music, the cars, the TV shows, the movies, the mores), a naïve child’s interpretation of sex, and an adult perspective of childhood adventures such as smoking, competing in sports, and participating in petty crime.

“First of all, the text is chock full of authentic childhood moments well told. I really love the way the theme of anger/the wild animal gradually emerges, and what you do with it, how it drives you for a while, how you sublimate and deflect it with humor, and now the radical influence that your eye operation is going to have (I can’t wait to find out). Well handled, Lou. As is so much, such as the characterizations of your father and mother, and your friendship with Mike. I could go on and on. Excellent writing.”
     -----Christopher Noel, award-winning memoir writer
(In the Unlikely Event of a Water Landing) and writing instructor at Vermont College

“This moving work chronicles the adventures of a true Chicago native. Chicago history, social issues, and children’s rites of passage are growing fields of interest, and your insight is a refreshing personal perspective.”
     ----Hadley Ruggets Chicago Review Press

“Late in the book you talk about the optimism that is an inheritance you have from the 50s. That spirit and the pleasure and good heart you’ve put into the pages really come through and made the read enjoyable. Also, it was a treat to revisit experiences familiar with my youth – so many of our experiences were identical. Throughout the book the writing is clear, clean, polished, and strong.”
     -----Tom Jenks, editor of Narrative Magazine, former editor of Esquire and The Paris Review and creative writing instructor at Iowa Writer's Workshop.

“The pieces that you’ve sent are evocative and smoothly written.”
     -----Laurie Seidler, editor of Verbsap Magazine. Her statement refers to three short
stories (The Good Humor Man, That Filthy Habit, and Sex Ed.) adapted from chapters in Clown Town.

“Love the story. (That Filthy Habit) Many will identify with this story.”
     -----Deborah Marsh, editor of Ragged Edge Publishing

“Your story (The Good Humor Man) will be in the June issue. The editors really loved your submission!”
     ----Chris Bartholomew, editor of Static Movement

Clown Town is now available at bookstores, online bookstores,
and through this websit.

See CONTACT US for pre-orders.