Review: The Road Show By Braden Bell

25 Oct, 2010 by in road show, utah authors 20 comments

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc
Released : June 8, 2010
ISBN-10: 1599553562
5 stars

Scott Jenson hates everything he knows about road shows: cheap costumes, silly songs, and bad acting. Being asked to create a road show is his worst nightmare come true. Can flawed but talented artist create a piece of art that testifies of Jesus Christ? And is there any way that something so trivial can have a healing effect on the lives of five troubled souls? A pornography addict, a depressed young mother, a sick older woman, a lonely outcast, and a spiritually numb elder s quorum president are about to find out. Braden Bell gives a five-star performance with Road Show: Beauty for Ashes. With true-to-life characters, humorous situations, and tender realizations, this book is guaranteed to make you smile and applaud for more. The Road Show is the powerful story of five broken souls, contemporary Mormons struggling with familiar challenges–and their unlikely journey to ultimate healing and hope through the Savior’s Atonement.

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 Braden Bells tackles issues that many modern day Mormon people face but won’t publicly admit. Each character reveals their honest feelings through thoughts written in differing fonts through the book’s dialogue. Readers feel they are getting to know the true individuals behind the outer masks they wear.

As the plot progresses each character starts to change and more hopeful loving thoughts are whispered into their hearts. They experience a modern day miracle through their own works, after acting in a simple play portraying scenes from the Savior’s life.

I found myself in tears by the end of the book as a glimmer of absolute hope and peace was offered to those who sought answers. The Road Show teaches that miracles exist today and the atonement is accessible to any who reaches out and prays for help. It is beautifully written, short and concise with universal truths and artistic creativity. Thank you so much to Braden Bell and Cedar Fort Books for sending me a copy for review. To learn more about the author and view a trailer for the Road Show visit his website at http://www.bradenbell.com/

Comment below for your chance to win The Roadshow. Giveaway ends November 25, 2010.

20 Responses to “Review: The Road Show By Braden Bell”

  1. Christine Jensen

    I would love to win. Like you, I am not sure I would have picked up the book based on the title, but I certainly will be looking at my local library to see if they carry it!

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

    Reply
  2. FireandIce

    Thanks Braden! It means so much to me when authors stop by to comment. And Rachael I am right there with you 🙂

    Reply
  3. Mundie Moms

    What a great review! I never would have picked it up either, but based on your review I’d definitely read it.

    Reply
  4. Kirsti

    Heather, the book sounds fabulous. I love reading your reviews! Please enter me in the contest for winning a copy of the book:)

    Reply
  5. Vivien

    You guys really know how to find books I haven’t heard of yet. Another great interview. I really enjoyed this one!

    Reply
  6. Amy

    I haven’t read any books about Mormons and this will be an interesting read. Please enter me into the giveaway, thanks!

    angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  7. Brooke

    I found this on Goodreads a few weeks ago and was unsure about reading it, but now I think I’ll give it a try. Great review!

    Thanks so much!
    texas_gal45(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  8. dor

    I wouldn’t have picked this up either…for your same reason. After reading your post…I would enjoy this read. Thanks.

    dorcontest at gmail dot com

    Reply

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