The Road Show

Jun 01, 2010 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I first heard the title “The Road Show”, I was expecting said book to be a comedy, because, let’s face it, what is there about a road show that isn’t a laugh a minute? It wasn’t until I saw the cover of the book that I got a good picture of what could be going on backstage and that it wasn’t going to be one of those “How the Ward Turns” kind of books (which I enjoy, by the way). I knew this was the author’s freshman publication and wasn’t exactly sure what I would be facing but wanted to ha...more When I first heard the title “The Road Show”, I was expecting said book to be a comedy, because, let’s face it, what is there about a road show that isn’t a laugh a minute? It wasn’t until I saw the cover of the book that I got a good picture of what could be going on backstage and that it wasn’t going to be one of those “How the Ward Turns” kind of books (which I enjoy, by the way). I knew this was the author’s freshman publication and wasn’t exactly sure what I would be facing but wanted to have an open mind since it wasn’t so long ago that my freshman effort was published and I could really relate to what this author might be feeling.

My first reaction was one of relief. This guy knows how to hook the reader from paragraph one, how to paint a picture in the mind with deft strokes and how to write about LDS people without sounding as if it was written by someone with no other perspective than that of an LDS person (though, I had to kind of chuckle to myself that there was absolutely no swearing in this book even though a character in particular is involved in much deeper sin than the occasional expletive). (What can I say?--I wasn’t raised in Utah. That being said, I don’t swear, either.) Sensing that I was about to experience a highly enjoyable ride, I hunkered down and read the book from beginning to end in one sitting.

I don’t want to give away too much of this book b/c, in my opinion, discovery of who the characters are experiencing is what this book is all about. Therefore I will limit my comments to saying that:
1. this book is full of characters at least one of which every LDS person will be able to relate to in one way or another (and a story in which all believers of Christ and his mission here on earth will be drawn to, regardless of denomination)
2. if the characters were not drawn as specifically LDS, it would be the next “The Christmas Box”, Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, and all
3. the characters are so lifelike and relatable, they seem to jump from the page
4. it’s a not to be missed must read book that is full of hope for one and all and that I am particularly excited to read what Mr. Bell has in store for his next book.
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Apr 24, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is decidedly LDS Fiction. This little book (120 pages)
has been a long time resident on my library "to read" list.
I am so glad I finally got around to reading this. It was a
thought provoking and touching piece of fiction.

I have memories of my participation in road shows. For those
of you not familiar with this concept, allow me to explain.
Some years back it was an annual event throughout the church.
All the wards in a given stake would be asked to prepare a
15-20 minute production complete...more

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Sep 20, 2010 Debra Erfert rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay, let’s get real. Most people who pick up and read an LDS book are Mormon. That’s almost a given. And authors who publish through a LDS publisher are targeting Mormons. That’s also a given. So, when I began reading Braden Bell’s “the Road Show” I fully expected it to be spiritual. And I wasn’t disappointed.

Right from the beginning I felt right at home amongst the misfits of Mormon society he created. I can relate to most of the problems Braden Bell set forth for his characters, with the exc...more

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Sep 07, 2010 Michael Young rated it 5 of 5 stars

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. Throug...more

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Sep 07, 2010 Jonathan Langford rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mormon-literature

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Note: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the author, in trade for a free electronic copy of my book, No Going Back. This is a shortened version of a review that was posted at A Motley Vision: Mormon Arts and Culture blog.

Road shows are a familiar icon of Mormon life. The following passage from Braden Bell’s debut novel provides a horrible — and hilarious — illustration of the depths to which they can descend:

“Our last road show was a Sister Cartwright extravaganza about the Wor...more

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Jul 24, 2010 Susan Dayley rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Road Show surprised me and I found that I enjoyed it more than I had anticipated. The story focuses on the people within a ward that come together for the annual road show. Each of the five main characters has a need to be healed, whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically. In Scott, Bell bravely addressed an addiction to pornography. Scott is wrapped up in the consequences of a life devastated by his addiction when he receives the call to direct and write the ward’s road show.

With the...more The Road Show surprised me and I found that I enjoyed it more than I had anticipated. The story focuses on the people within a ward that come together for the annual road show. Each of the five main characters has a need to be healed, whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically. In Scott, Bell bravely addressed an addiction to pornography. Scott is wrapped up in the consequences of a life devastated by his addiction when he receives the call to direct and write the ward’s road show.

With the aid of a talented musician, Scott writes a show where the life of the Savior is portrayed in scenes inspired by well-known paintings from the Savior’s life. The Savior moves from one scene, to the next, each scene coming to life. The story of the book mirrors this as the reader is taken from the life of one person to the next, experiencing the Savior’s healing power in each. I came to care about these people, and found myself hoping that they would receive the courage, strength, humility, or love they needed.

In the ward’s production, the Savior is played by Curtis, a businessman with previous theater experience, whose life seems perfect, yet is somehow empty. As the ward Elder’s Quorum President, he struggles with his pride and impatience for the members who make demands upon him. Not a moral sin, or physical challenge, his pride nevertheless leaves him separated from his Savior. As with the other characters, in the Road Show, Curtis finds himself being healed.

“In that instant, it all came together. The kaleidoscope finished turning and resolved with perfect clarity. As he stood on the stage dressed as the Savior, saying the Savior’s words, [Curtis:] felt that he stood on holy ground.”

My favorite character would probably be the musician, Ed. I liked his dedication to his faith yet his intelligent questioning of its traditions. However, because he remained true to himself as a person, he did not seem to fit the “Mormon Mold;” dressing casually in sandals, with long hair, and never a tie. Ed grappled with loneliness. As the final performance ended and the cast members in their period costumes congregated backstage, “Curtis looked up and saw Ed. Ed’s long hair and sandals fit right in.

“He looks like he belongs here.

“Belongs.

“Another rush of understanding illuminated Curtis’s mind. He comprehended with painful clarity the years of loneliness, alienation, and exclusion. At that moment Curtis knew that Ed did belong.”

Because of its enjoyableness, and the pace of moving from one character to the next, The Road Show reads quickly. I would recommend it to everyone.

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May 26, 2010 Sherrie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was honored when I received a phone call informing me that Braden was interested in having me write a song to go along with his book. Little did I know what an amazing journey accepting that request would be for me.
In order to capture the feeling (and the lyric) for the song, Braden sent me a copy of the manuscript. At first, I skipped right to the end, and read through nothing but the song lyrics.
Thankfully, in a fit of inspiration, I stepped away from the piano, put down my pencil and just...more

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Jul 20, 2010 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone.

Shelves: christian, contemporary, lds-interests, religion, parabal, first-reads

I was absolutely floored by this book. I admit I went in to reading The Road Show with low expectations - LDS fiction usually reads very formulaic and without depth or daring, since it's written for a very specific and set audience. But this book by Braden Bell was different.

I saw myself in one of the characters, and I saw those I knew in the cast as well. I cried, because I was touched by the sadness and despair described, and then I felt moved and humbled when the words of the Scriptures and...more

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May 08, 2010 Lara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: lds

Not many books hit as close to home for me as this one did. But of course, our universal struggles with weakness & sin and our universal need for the Savior will probably hit every reader just as closely to home as it did me.

The book centers around 5 characters who are each dealing with their own individual struggles: Sin, addiction, depression, health problems, loneliness, and pride are all represented. I related so well to these characters, because I know them. They are my family. They are...more

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May 23, 2010 Serene Heiner rated it 5 of 5 stars

I already knew Braden was an amazing writer, but I wasn’t prepared for how true and real his book is.

I believe strongly that there is something for everyone in this book and that everyone can relate in one way or another to his characters on a very deep level, even if it’s only on a small scale.

I actually cried at one point and laughed at another. And while I don’t think it’s a “funny” book, it was still fun and some parts were indeed funny.

What I loved about this book, aside from the fantastic...more

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Oct 25, 2010 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Giving away on our blog http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/2...
Ends 11/25/10

This is one of those books I never would have picked up off of the shelves based on the title alone because I have to admit I'm not a big fan of roadshows. However, it is a far cry from corny or poorly written. The Roadshow introduces us to the lives of five contemporary LDS people and the trials they are dealing with: physical, emotional, and spiritual crosses that feel too heavy to bear.

I was impressed to see how Bra...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Kylie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I had conflicting feelings on this book.

1. the ending was good. i felt like by the end of the book I was able to apply the lesson to it in my own life. (The lesson was a bit heavy handed though.)

2. The beginning of this book is so painful to read I almost didn't make it to the good ending. The main characters were cardboard cutouts. Every nonmember in the book had issues with Mormonism and was directly rude about it, which in my experience is very rare, questions and misunderstandings, yes. Disp...more

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Jun 19, 2010 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved The Road Show. I was drawn into each person's experience and I related to all the main characters. The thing I enjoyed most about this book is the spirit that Braden brings into his writing. In fact, although the book is a shorter read, I took a long time to finish because I savored the last 20 pages. I didn't want to stop reading and feeling that spirit.

This book is a powerful reminder that even though we can feel so inadequate, the Savior loves us as we are, and his atonement is enoug...more

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Jul 02, 2010 Jaime rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, religion-spirituality

I received The Road Show by Braden Bell in a Goodreads Giveaway, and I'm very glad, as I wouldn't have been likely to pick it up on my own.

Although it's written directly to the Mormon audience, I believe The Road Show could have wider appeal. Anyone with a curiosity about LDS traditions or an interest in Mormon theology should enjoy this book, and for people who don't necessarily seek--but are not averse to--a Christian message, there is an extremely moving story here. I think it also says somet...more

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Sep 20, 2010 Teri rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Road Show by Braden Bell

Posted by Forever Friends

The Road Show by Braden Bell

This 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 worth...more

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May 13, 2010 Jenny P rated it 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderfully inspiring read. This book bears a simple, touching testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in a way that any reader - man, woman, young or old can relate to. It's a compelling, heartwarming and completely memorable story.

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Oct 24, 2010 Laurie rated it 5 of 5 stars

THE ROAD SHOW
by
Braden Bell

I’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 d...more THE ROAD SHOW
by
Braden Bell

I’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 songs, 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. (less)

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Jun 15, 2010 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars

This has already become one of my comfort books. You know, the type you seek out when you have had a bad day or a day when you just need to relax and read something you know you'll enjoy. The characters are not only believable, but people that I both hated and loved at the same time--a compliment to the author.

As I was introduced to each character, I could vividly picture each character. I had an image because I had met these people in so many different wards. I had been these people in my own...more

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Sep 27, 2010 John rated it 5 of 5 stars

A disgruntled member of the LDS church is asked to direct a road show, with the theme being "The Love of Christ". Members of his ward volunteer to be in the production, with most of these people suffering from something that is keeping them from feeling Christ's presence in their lives more abundantly. This is a story of how this play comes together in a short time and changes lives forever. This is a story of applying the atonement of Christ to our lives, whatever trials we are going through. T...more

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May 29, 2010 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the interest of full disclosure let me just proudly state that the author of this book is my very own dear brother. So perhaps it won't surprise you that I LOVE this book, but I think I love it for so many more reasons than that my brother wrote it. It's a short and powerful read about the power of the atonement. We see through the lives of five characters who are each very unique and yet so familiar and relatable, how completely each one of them (and us) need our Savior and His love. He hand...more

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Sep 08, 2010 Gerald rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: slice-of

Scott is struggling at school, with personal demons and in the midst of these struggles he accepts the privilege of putting together and pulling off a road show with "The Savior" as the theme of the show. In this brief, yet enjoyable book, the author gives Scott a cast composed of others also struggling with demons or their own, much like life. "The Road Show" in my opinion resembles but is better than most Mormon fiction. When I completed the book I didn't feel as though I had just experienced...more

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Jul 05, 2010 Alanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

My sister passed this book along to me and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It's a short book-- I read it in about three hours-- but it was nice. It's hard to read Church books sometimes because they tend to either be overly cheesy or just too Mormony feeling (if that makes any sense), but I thought the author here did a really good job of having several characters with REAL problems who found help through helping out with the ward road show. And he did it without anything feeling too o...more

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Apr 19, 2011 Mary Lewis rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading "The Road Show" by Braden Bell. I enjoyed this book so much more than I ever expected to. When I was finished, I missed the characters. The people in this book were very real to me. I saw people that I know in each one of them. The stories of their lives are similar to people that I know in my life experiences. I found myself thinking about the story and the people days later. I wanted to know what happened "down the road" for them. I would love to know!! It is probably a...more

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Jul 15, 2010 Virginia rated it 5 of 5 stars

The book is written from an LDS perspective, and includes several quotes from the Book of Mormon. The characters in the story are Mormon, which lends to the use of Mormon idioms. However, although the book is about Mormons, it not strictly for Mormons. It is easy enough to understand the vernacular and follow the story without being confused. While I wouldn’t suggest the book as Christian doctrine, I do think it is a well written work of fiction that is worthy of a pleasure read.

Read my full rev...more

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Jul 02, 2010 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: firstreads, fiction, christian-religion

I won this on goodreads. I'm so excited. I can't wait to get it. Thanks, goodreads!

I received this in the mail yesterday and am going to start reading it tonight! (June 18)

I really enjoyed this book. It was a light, easy read. It was somewhat predictable, but still nice to see the positive impact on the characters. I knew it was going to be a 'God' thing and all of the characters would benefit from the experience of being in the road show. I also liked how the author used different font to show...more

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Nov 14, 2012 LizzieB rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: lds, paper, christianity, inspirational, no-ebook, cedar-fort, mormon, molit, theology, religion, postpartum-depression, pornography, chronic-pain, mormon-culture, morality-tale

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 2.5/5 stars Goodreads defines 2 stars as "It was okay." This is where I must put all my caveats because it was MORE than okay; it was actually pretty good, but:

1. This was written by a playwright, and you can tell. If it were a screenplay, at 120 pages, it's almost *exactly* the length a full-length script needs to be.

2. The issues presented, and in the manner they were presented, would have done well on stage (natch) because the director and actors would have filled in the blank spots in the no...more 2.5/5 stars Goodreads defines 2 stars as "It was okay." This is where I must put all my caveats because it was MORE than okay; it was actually pretty good, but:

1. This was written by a playwright, and you can tell. If it were a screenplay, at 120 pages, it's almost *exactly* the length a full-length script needs to be.

2. The issues presented, and in the manner they were presented, would have done well on stage (natch) because the director and actors would have filled in the blank spots in the novel.

3. It suffers from being episodic and without depth, which, again, actors would have given it.

4. If I hadn't known the author was a playwright, I would have said it reads like a really super-awesome outline for a novel. I know novelists who write outlines longer than this.

5. There are way too many serious issues here to be dealt with in 118 pages. Pornography, chronic pain, exhaustion, postpartum depression, and alienation...in 118 pages. Any one of those would have taken twice the page count anywhere else, much less all of them together.

So basically all of my complaints have to do with the fact that it was too short to do the premise justice.

Spoiler: I didn't have a problem with the miracle that occurs for the disabled sister. I DID have a problem with the "miracle" that occurs for the main protagonist, which is to say, that he is cleansed. Again, any one of these issues could be its own novel, much less all of them. The "curing" of the pornography problem was simply not believable to me (the way the curing of the sister with chronic pain was) because there is no followup to see him struggle with it or if his urges miraculously disappeared. I would have also liked to see how he dealt with that if he began to date and natural sexual urges are triggered without hope of satisfaction. Sex is a human drive, pornography is sometimes an addiction, but chronic pain is undesirable and can be mitigated by various means.

Good stuff: It was well written for what it was. The author has a good running start at learning how to write a novel, which I think he should exploit. Writing a novel is an entirely different skillset from writing a script. The author writes very well, but needs to develop a novelist's mindset. I hope he does so.(less)

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May 07, 2011 Gina Denny rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: LDS readers

Shelves: lds-authors

Nearly perfect.

I say nearly, because I just really wanted there to be more, though I can certainly appreciate the simplicity and brevity as being more conducive to the overall spirit of the story.

Bell's characters are all struggling with things that so many of us have struggled with; either personally or vicariously through loved ones. Their internal struggles are so heart-wrenching, I found myself mentally pleading with them "Please, just say it! Say it! Say it!" or "No no no no no! Don't do...more

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Dec 05, 2010 John rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Just...Wow!

I'm not really sure what I expected when I started this book, but it wasn't the spiritually and emotionally powerful impact that it had. The author takes a story of 5 people, each with his or her own hidden struggle, and presents that struggle in a very real and powerful way. He then tells the story of how participating in a road show becomes exactly what each of them needs, in spite of their doubts about being a part of it.

I definitely recommend this book!!!

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Oct 04, 2010 Charlotte rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: recent-fiction, religious

I am not a huge fan of LDS fiction, but I still loved this book. It read to me as an extended parable. Each character represented a way we feel separated from the Savior's love and atonement: sin, loneliness, not fitting into the culture of the ward, busyness and pride, and mental illness (or depression). By participating in a Roadshow centered on the life of Christ they all realize they individually deserve Christ's love and sacrifice; they aren't as separated from it as they supposed. They do...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Inspired Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

The Road Show Book Giveaway on my blog (ends 3/5):
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

This book was not at all what I expected. When I think "Road Show" I have fond memories of cheesy preformances we did at church as a teenager. I was expecting a light-hearted, cheesy book. There was nothing cheesy about The Road Show.

The Road Show is a short book, just 120 pages, but author Braden Bell packed a powerful message into those pages. The characters in this book were well developed and each face...more

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