Sue's Reviews: Braden Bell's "The Road Show"

["S" is for Sue's Summer Reading a la Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday.]

I have to admit that I was a bit reluctant when Braden Bell first asked me if I would review his book, The Road Show, on Sue's News, Views 'n Muse. Being rather underwhelmed by LDS fiction in general, I was worried (to be frank) that my "views" after reading it might not be positive enough to warrant a wholehearted recommendation. Any negative reaction on my part inevitably would have been awkward, because I enjoy Braden's blog and comments very much and wouldn't want to jeopardize our blossoming blog pal status.

Having said that, I'd already read and enjoyed a preview of the book, so I e-mailed him and expressed both my willingness and my concerns. His open, unassuming, and even humorous answer assuaged my fears, and I began to look forward to reading the pdf file that accompanied his response. Having promised myself a long rest today before embarking upon yet another trip this evening (Palm Desert for a mini-family reunion), I clicked on the attachment immediately and began to read.

Not one dull moment and a kleenex or two later, here I am––an extremely satisfied customer. My interest was fully engaged from start to finish, and the characters and their stories ring true: familiar, but not cliched. Somehow, these people manage to struggle mightily without turning into caricatures of themselves––to evoke empathy without becoming (or even verging upon) maudlin. This is no small feat, especially compared with LDS books of similar intent that expose themselves in the first chapter as ponderous, prosaic attempts to teach, preach, and reach the supposedly one-size-fits-all "mainstream Mormon." Braden's themes, deftly handled, emerge as universal rather than formulaic.

I recognize and/or identify with each person who walks the pages of The Road Show, for I have either known them or been them. The context into which they are placed is clear and well-executed; the format is intuitive and easy to follow. In short, the structure of this book is simple, but the feelings and principles are complex. And that's the beauty of it.

When the ending comes, and it comes sooner than later, there is plenty of open space left for the reader's emotions. Braden's light touch allowed me to find my own tears as the denouement unfolded, with Christ's life and the scriptures providing a perfect backdrop against which the players' pain unravels and healing begins.

By the time I finished the book, I felt healed as well. And hopeful. And considerably more inclined to seek small miracles in my own life.

"...By small and simple means are great things come to pass" (Alma 37:6).

The Road Show qualifies.

Thanks, Braden.

(Release date is June 8th.)