Introduction To Circus Jack - Based on Jack London’s The Call of the Wild

About Circus Jack 

This book is written for seniors who enjoy a good story, but may not have the patience for a regular audiobook. It is a dementia friendly book and production.  Similar to The Call of The Wild, Circus Jack dives into the renowned archetype of the hero's journey, plunging its listeners into suspense, action, transformation, and eventual triumph. 

Our narrative revolves around Peppy, the protagonist whose journey you will live through, from his humble beginnings on a Pennsylvania farm during the 1800s. This engaging story for seniors also explores the dark world of the era's flourishing business in dog-napping. 

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Music.

(00:10):
Introduction to Circus Jack. This story is what we call the hero's journey.
Many stories we read, listen to, and movies we watch take a similar form to
the story you're about to hear.
In the hero's journey, a pattern is followed.
There is a call to adventure for the tale's hero.
Along the way, a mentor is discovered and unlocks special abilities to overcome

(00:33):
difficulties along the hero's journey.
There are tests along the way, and finally the hero returns from his journey triumphant.
This story, Circus Jack, is based on Jack London's wonderful book, The Call of the Wild.
In the late 1800s, there was a need for work dogs to be put into service for a growing country.

(00:54):
This created an underground network of dog napping.
Buck, the dog in Jack London's tale, was stolen from his home for his strength
to deliver supplies to new settlements in the Yukon.
Circus Jack also takes place in the 1800s and starts on a farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
This dog also has special talents that are needed for a growing country.

(01:17):
This is Richard Carleton, London, and I hope you enjoy the story, Circus Jack.