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The Road Show (2010)

by Braden Bell(Favorite Author)

4.32 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1599553562 (ISBN13: 9781599553566)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Bonneville

review 1: THE ROAD SHOWby Braden BellI’m a visual learner, so tell me a story that leaves an image in my mind, and I’ll remember it forever. Braden Bell is as much a story-painter as he is a novelist, and the images created in “The Road Show,” of troubled people famished for relief and salvation, are vivid and all too familiar. We know such people. We are the hope of such people. At times, we may be such people.Stephen E. Robinson’s simple but profound book, “Believing Christ,” has long been my favorite doctrinal book on the Atonement. Braden Bell’s treatment of the healing power of Christ in his novel, “the Road Show,” touched me with equal power.From the back cover:Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows, especially the cheap costumes, silly son... moregs, and bad acting. So when he finds himself agreeing to be the road show specialist, he wonders how he can do it without becoming the biggest fool in the ward. From miscues to missed practices, Scott directs his crew of amateur actors all while hoping that no one finds out about his secret.Is there any way that this trivial road show could have a healing effect on those who participate? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older sister, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder’s quorum president are about to find out.The Road Show is Bell’s debut novel, but this actor and music/theater teacher weaves his tender story around a world he knows well, intuitively crafting the character of Scott Jensen as a gifted but floundering theatrical student who is pressed to direct what many consider to be the lowest level production on the theatrical food chain—a church drama contest called a “road show.” Bell’s setting provides a brilliant vehicle to assemble a mismatched group of characters in a situation most readers can relate to. And though Bell’s book doesn’t dismiss the stereotypical elements that characterize an amateur production, the theme of the road show competition, “Our Savior’s Love,” drives the story, elevating this tale far beyond a parody to an introspective parable about the power of the Atonement of Christ.Braden Bell’s characterizations deftly illuminate the struggles of the five primary players with power and sensitivity, endearing them to the reader, many of whom will no doubt see themselves in at least one of Bell’s spiritually-hungry cast members in need of succor. Each seems to be stalled at the cusp of hope and hopelessness, and we want to cry out, “Try! Please, just try!” Ultimately, the show’s theme proves to be providential, and therein lies the beauty of The Road Show, which serves as a reminder that the Savior’s love can be found in the most unlikely places.The Road Show is a healing story, a book that elevates and awakens the desire to reach out to others. At 119 pages, it’s a quick read, making it a perfect gift book. Published by Cedarfort, this splendid must-read is available at Amazon and at your local LDS book store.
review 2: The Road Show by Braden Bell Posted by Forever FriendsThe Road Show by Braden BellThis superlative debut novel from Braden really puts Road Shows to a new level. We all in The Church have seen many Road Shows and know how absolutely corny they can be with the tawdry costumes and pitiful funny songs, but this puts Road Shows where they should be.Scott Jenson, a theater teacher, who is close to losing his position due to ineffective work, is called as the new Road Show Director. He feels not worthy of directing the Ward Road Show, feeling the participants will find out his secret. He is surprised at how well the creative juices inspire him to come up with the perfect script. With the assistance of Ed, the ward outcast, they collaborate on some original music and serious scriptural passages into the script.Stephanie, a young wife and mother of two, has been feeling such a failure as of late and needs this part in the Road Show to begin feeling alive again. Sister McDougal, an older lady, who is sick and has ward members talking about her behind her back and shunning her because of the way she dresses and the way her home looks, is enthralled by being in the Road Show.Curtis, the Elder's Quorum President, is feeling too good for his ward. He feels that everyone else should be doing what needs to be done, that he'd much rather stay at home, rather than take his Priesthood Responsibilities seriously. He feels that the reason so many of the ward cause their own problems, he has to humble himself and really see them and their situations from a different perspective, before he can do his part convincingly.When a cast member cannot go on at the last minute, Scott has to fill in and it's not until he steps on stage that he truly understands the Atonement and what it can do for him that he comes to really love his Road Show cast members and know that he can be healed. The cast come together at the end to bond.Sister Cartwright, former Road Show Director, leads the cast in a very comical exercise in learning stage directions. One male member recites his part in Shakespearean English, another male member thinks he's a great actor just because he's done a few local bits. This little gem of a novel deserves a sequel. The Road Show is a very uplifting, very spiritual feast. I was totally moved, crying, as it touched my soul.Forever Friends Rating 5 HUGE Stars by TeriUntil Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook.Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.Date Published: June 2010ISBN: 978-1-59955-356-6120ppI received my review copy from Braden less

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