Welcome to Fred - Giveaway and Review

I don't know about you guys but I just love a book that makes me laugh. There was not one page of Brad Whittington's 'Welcome to Fred' that did not make me at least smile hard. The best part is that the laughs are smart and innocent and just plain fun.

/5      

Character Development      5

Editing                                5

Sex                                      0

Violence                              0

Romance                             0

Readability/Flow                 5

So, what's it all about? Well, this is what goodreads has to say:

Mark Cloud has his doubts. He's not sure if he'll ever feel at home in Fred, Texas. He's not sure that he can work up the nerve to declare his love to the girl of his dreams. He's not sure he will survive another ride with Darnell Ray, Terror of the Back Roads. And he's not really sure he buys the whole God thing. Which is an uncomfortable position for the son of a Baptist preacher.

The story is told from Mark's point of view and is beautifully related. It's the 1960's so Mark rides the streets on his bike and finds fun (although his parents sometimes call it trouble) wherever he goes. It's rough being the PK (we find out that PK = preacher's kid); confusing sometimes as he tries to reconcile the world around him with his family's beliefs. Don't worry - there is very, very little discussion about Christianity and no push to try and convert the reader. It is more of a coming of age story as Mark experiences his life and ponders the meaning of what he sees happening around him. 

There are some poignant scenes which make the reader love Mark just a little more each time. Who wouldn't find a place in their heart for a kid that sneaks food to a homeless woman? Or helps a friend play practical jokes that few people think are funny? Mark is also a serious bibliophile and the scenes with the witchy librarian are not to be missed! This is a character that will always have a place in my heart.  

Mark's dad is also a favorite of mine from this novel. He is so steady and calm. His compassion comes through loud and clear as he helps his congregants overcome tragic circumstances. I love his eccentric way of talking. There is a scene near the end of the book that involved a Dad interacting with a pastor in another town that had me in stitches. So funny!

Seriously, there was nothing I didn't like about this book. And, Brad Whittington, the generous author, is offering a hardback copy for a giveaway!! Enter by commenting with your e-mail address. If you win, I'll also include a fancy, crafty, homemade bookmark. 

A Taste from page 93: 

I was constantly amazed by her creativity. One particularly obnoxious suitor came by her house, intent on landing a date and refusing to take no for an answer. Somehow she managed to spill bacon grease in his boots, which may have been sufficient to cool the ardor of a less-determined cowboy but not this one. She finally told him if he would go hide in her father's deer stand, she would come meet him after supper. He left, convinced his persistence had won. However, Jolene knew her father had plans to fill the deer feeder that evening, and he always took a dog or two in the back of his truck. As she had anticipated, the bacon grease drew the dogs, and their barking drew Mr. Culpepper.

OK. Now COMMENT and ENTER the international giveaway. You will love this book - I promise. Winner will be announced October 31. Happy Halloween!