Rating: 
Summary: Thanks, Fred! Welcome to Brad Whittington -
Review: Thanks, Fred! If you hadn't been the kind of small Texas town you were, we would never have had the chance to read about Mark Cloud. His struggle to master the footwork of a Texas two-step while staying connected to his rock-and-roll soul is classic! Although every state has its small towns, most non-Texans don't realize just how much the small-town attitude is intensified by the extreme distance between any two locations on the Texas map. Mark Cloud falls face-first into that enormous empty space and manages to survive growing up there with most of his own special view of life intact (but not unchanged). Everyone who's ever been required to sit in the "misfit seat" will feel right at home with Mark's struggles. Which were certainly Brad's struggles, too - he's obviously "writing what he knows." Can't wait to see what Mr. Whittington has on his computer for the next book. Until then, take a trip to Fred - it's worth your time to visit!
Rating: 
Summary: 4 1/2 Stars...More Than Welcome
Review: The quirky cover and title of this book grabbed me. The subject matter, and the witty writing, had me by the throat. I grew up as a PK (preacher's kid), so naturally I was curious to sneak a peek into another man's perspective on that awkward coming of age. With wry humor and intelligence, Brad Whittington peels back the curtain into a young man's mind, revealing friendship and female frustrations, loneliness, geekiness, and spiritual wrestlings.Young Mark Cloud is a likeable and comedic conduit for lessons of mercy and grace. The story never preaches; it lets us see life and learn lessons through Mark's observant gaze. Sure, certain points become wordy, and yes, there are serendipitous moments that might stretch some readers credulity, but I couldn't stop reading. Some true gems of writing and life pop up through the pages of "Welcome to Fred." With this book and "Flabbergasted," we are watching Christian fiction mature, particularly in regards to male perspective. What fresh and fun stories. What wonderful truths. Keep these books coming...They are more than welcome.
Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 Stars...More Than Welcome
Review: The quirky cover and title of this book grabbed me. The subject matter, and the witty writing, had me by the throat. I grew up as a PK (preacher's kid), so naturally I was curious to sneak a peek into another man's perspective on that awkward coming of age. With wry humor and intelligence, Brad Whittington peels back the curtain into a young man's mind, revealing friendship and female frustrations, loneliness, geekiness, and spiritual wrestlings. Young Mark Cloud is a likeable and comedic conduit for lessons of mercy and grace. The story never preaches; it lets us see life and learn lessons through Mark's observant gaze. Sure, certain points become wordy, and yes, there are serendipitous moments that might stretch some readers credulity, but I couldn't stop reading. Some true gems of writing and life pop up through the pages of "Welcome to Fred." With this book and "Flabbergasted," we are watching Christian fiction mature, particularly in regards to male perspective. What fresh and fun stories. What wonderful truths. Keep these books coming...They are more than welcome.
Rating:
Summary: Out of curiosity
Review: Yes, I began the book out of curiosity. Having once been a "Fredite," I was interested in Brad's story, and why Broadman & Holman was interested in Fred. But once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Anyone who has been rejected can relate to characters in the story. The Pauline character and how Mark's life was affected by her was the most captivating part to me. I'm sure many 'smalltown' folks (those that have been, or those that want to be) will enjoy this as much as I did.
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