Debut author Braden Bell has put together a richly-woven story that highlights how people can change for the better.  Each character in his cast struggles with a personal Goliath – from chronic illness, to depression, to being socially backward, to a crippling addition to pornography.  All of these things overshadow these people’s lives, until a “road show” brings them together.  For the uninitiated, a “road show” is a 10-15 minute theatrical production put on members of an LDS congregation.  Through putting together show, each of the characters are given experiences that allow them to start changing their lives for the better and allow the wounds of the past to heal.

That author did a wonderful job of drawing together a number of stories into a cohesive story.  I was also impressed at the kind of issues he decided to tackle.  It is interesting that he selected problems that I am sure many people struggle with, but are too embarrassed to get help about, or don’t know how.  I’m sure I’ve known people with these types of problems, but I was oblivious to their pain.  The book awoke in me a great sense of empathy for my fellow men and women and uplifted me greatly.  Any book that can do that is worth a read. 

Please support this budding talent and pick up a copy of “The Road Show.”  You’ll be glad you did.