First and foremost, I want to express my strong dislike for clowns—I truly loathe them. Well, while Arnett didn't manage to convince me to like clowns, she convinced me of her storytelling abilities.

The story revolves around Cherry, an almost 30-year-old who is trying to segue her part-time hustle as a clown into a full-time success. Cherry is struggling; she has a side job at a pet store, a best friend, a deceased brother, and a mother who doesn’t understand her. Cherry also has a mommy fetish, which might explain somethings…

Clowning seems to embody a certain "otherness" and is often reviled, much like myths and comic book superheroes—it feels queercoded, challenging societal norms while also bringing joy and resilience. It seems to be rooted in a need to people please/have control over how people feel. It highlights themes of self-worth, family dynamics, and the discomfort of being unaccepted by both the state of Florida and the broader country.

I believe that fans of queer, absurd literature—like those written by Samantha Allen—as well as readers who enjoy messy protagonists like those created by Emily Austin or Jen Beagin—will appreciate this peculiar, dark tale of one person’s journey toward self-discovery. A special thanks to Penguin Group Riverhead and NetGalley for providing the ARC.

This book opens with lesbian clown sex which was a new one for me lol. I have to give it to the author, this book is highly original! I didn’t realize how much this book would focus on the profession of clowning but it was a main theme.

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style! I found it very engaging despite not really enjoying the plot or the main character that much. The MC was a hot mess and I kinda struggle with this type of character, it is hard to watch someone self destruct.

I didn’t find the ending very satisfying but maybe that’s just me. I would have liked a little more from it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

A late coming-of-age story featuring a 28-year-old lesbian clown with mommy issues, this was both hilarious and surprisingly moving. Cherry is a loveable mess and even when she was making some questionable choices, I really was rooting for her. There were moments that had me genuinely laughing aloud and others that made me very emotional.

My only major complaint would be that at some points, Cherry seemed almost TOO self-aware of her failings or in a way that felt overly summarized - I definitely know people who are like this in real life, but sometimes she was explaining her psyche in a bit too much detail.

Still, I was very invested in Cherry as a queer woman in Florida, as well as her pursuit to clown and find her path in life. I also felt a lot more appreciative of clowning after this!

I think Emily Austin fans might enjoy this one, though I'd say the overall tone was a bit lighter. I definitely am going to backtrack and read Arnett's backlist.

I'm a sucker for dark humor and got more than a handful of chuckles out of this one. The writing style is perfect with a flare for literary genius, mixed with sour sarcasm and blunt honesty. The characters felt alive and a little bit of that hometown depression was easy to feel from the reader's perspective. For readers who loved Big Swiss and Severance.

I mean, there was no way I wasn't going to love this one. Kristen Arnett's twisted sense of humor and deeply flawed characters, but make it clowns? But from the opening scene, it was clear Kristen Arnett had out-Kristen-Arnetted herself. Yes, this is a story about a broke, horny, grieving, Floridian lesbian clown. But it's also a story about the healing power of laughter, about high art in low places, about committing to the bit and being changed by it. It's deeply silly but also full of meaning. I loved it immensely.

But also, that retractable magic wand! lolololol

I've enjoyed Arnett's previous work so I scanned the summary and immediately requested it. I evidently forgot what it was about, because I was surprised when the story opened with a sex scene involving a birthday party clown. So yes, this book is heavy on clowning, though the cover seems designed to minimize that particular plot point.

The Central Florida Arnett paints is always vivid and entertaining, whether the story revolves around taxidermy or clowning (with some magic and ventriloquism thrown in). This is a perfect book to pick up if you're in a reading rut and need something that's heartfelt and funny, but not in a frivolous way. Don't let the clowns fool you--the story is also about mother/daughter relationship dynamics, grieving, being LGBTQIA+ in a world that's not always so welcoming, and chosen family.

In her latest offering, Kristen Arnett weaves an unexpected tapestry of humor, heartache, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ narrative, all set against the backdrop of a whimsical circus. While clowns might not be your cup of tea, the depth and charm of her storytelling will draw you in regardless. The characters, delightfully eccentric and unapologetically unique, challenge our perceptions and invite us to respect their idiosyncrasies, even if we don’t fully relate.

At its core, "Cherry's Circus" is a celebration of individuality and resilience, punctuated by moments of genuine laughter and poignant reflection. The interplay of comedy and emotional weight creates a rich reading experience, leaving readers both entertained and introspective. Here’s to hoping Cherry and her colorful crew continue to embrace their fabulous lives, reminding us of all of the beauty found in the unconventional. This novel is a delightful surprise that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC which I received in exchange for my honest review.

Y'all had me at lesbian clowns.

No but seriously I will say I laughed out loud while reading a book and not actually mean it just be saying it to get some general emotion across but I laughed my ass off reading this. Cherry is my icon, my hero, my minimum wage creative woman legend. She's real, she's funny, she's self-aware TO AN EXTENT. I love the way she analyzes her craft.

This was such an easy read and I love the setting of Florida and what it's like to be queer in Florida but also how much of a character Florida is in a sense.

Going to recommend this to every clown I know, metaphorical or not.

Thank you Kristen Arnett, you legend you.

Classic Kristen Arnett. This was heartfelt, hilarious and engrossing. Loved it. We need more queer clowns. Haha.

Kristen Arnett is a one-of-a-kind author. I had to reread the ending of "WITH TEETH" a couple of times. Her latest seems more straightforward, but her writing is still top-notch. I have no interest in clowns or clowning. but I still think this is a darn good novel. Humor, pathos, and lesbians included. She has great (and shall we say, "quirky") characters that you might have some trouble relating to but you've got to respect them!
Here's hoping Cherry and the gang keep living their best lives!
#NetGalley

As a big fan of "Mostly Dead Things", I was so excited to see the newest title from Kristen Arnett available on Net Galley! She's such a witty, talented writer and "Stop Me If You've Heard This One" did not disappoint.

I love Kristen Arnett's books. Her dark humor, snappy prose, chaotic lesbian protagonists, and detailed Florida setting are consistent but the stories she tells are unique. Cherry's struggle to create art while still making enough to keep her apartment, her relationship with her mother that is colored by her mother's distance and her brother's death, her navigation of friendship and dysfunctional romantic relationships--all feel very true even when the situations are over the top. Her deep identification with her clowning is a really interesting frame for her reactions to and feelings about these situations. I appreciate Cherry's messiness as much as her relatability.

Me if i was a central florida clown.
Perfect mix of dark humor and deep feels. The environment is so well developed, and the characters are just achingly real. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll think about it long after... Seriously, it’s a must-read.

Kristen Arnett always creates books that make me go, "this is a little too weird," in the first chapter, and then two chapters later I'm absolutely drawn in and can't stop reading. Stop Me If You've Heard This One is no different. Clowning is not something I've ever particularly understood or enjoyed viewing, but the earnestness and dedication of the main character to her craft resonates with me as a fellow lover and creator of art. The romance was dysfunctional and chock-full of chemistry, and the hijinks between all the characters made me laugh and made me cry. I truly loved this book!