This review is by Kimberly Watley of Chicago, Illinois…
In this great nation, several millions of dollars goes into research each year to study the minds of serial killers. Psychologists, biologists and Joe Public get off on what makes them tick. “Monkey in the Middle,” examines the gray matter, pokes the psyche, and delves into the cognizance of serial comic, Dobie Maxwell.
If it weren’t for bad luck, Maxwell wouldn’t have any at all. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a misfit in his own life, he dug deeply, examining himself and the world around him. Coping with the desertion by his mother at five months old, and his abusive, gang member, absentee father, it wasn’t long before he looked for a high to balance the lows.
Thanks in part to his grandfather’s guidance, his grandmother’s iron fist, and his genuine kindheartedness, turning to a life of alcoholism, drugs or crime, though may have been easier, wasn’t in the cards for Maxwell.
Still, walking the walk, and laughing off the inequitableness experienced, he nearly lost his life in a freak accident. If that weren’t enough, he then found himself turned up-side-down again, surrounded by agents, investigators, wiretaps, secret meetings and the crushing blows that come with betrayal.
A neck-deep metaphor of his place in this world, Maxwell lands in the middle, caught between right and wrong, truth and lies, legal and illegal, life and death, loyalty and deceit — even flanked by Grandma and Gramps, he is the epitome of the monkey.
The finish line met the punchline when his childhood friend dragged him into his own rat race of illicit activities and monkey business.
While Maxwell sought high-profile attention on the comedy circuit stage, he refused to allow that desire to take a backseat to a notorious bank robbery spotlight and a courtroom of the Grand Jury.
His infectious humor draws you in; his humble life story captivates and intrigues you enough to cheer on this underdog, even when he isn’t onstage. Dobie Maxwell’s, “Monkey in the Middle” is looking directly into the eyes of adversity and laughing in spite of it all.
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