Anne Bradshaw has written countless articles for the New Era about phenomenal youth all over Great Britain and the United States. She is also the author of two fiction novels, “Terracotta Summer” and “Chamomile Winter,” set in England. She has just released a collection of short stories aimed at LDS youth entitled, “Please, No Zits!” There are sixteen stories in this volume, and I’d like to share some of the highlights from my favorite inclusions.
First was “Rock Bottom in a Jail Cell.” Alex has made some bad decisions in his life, decisions that resulted in a drug addiction and a jail sentence. He doesn’t want his bishop to come visit him at the prison, but he comes just the same, with alarming regularity. Alex usually spaces out during the visits, not interested in any religious preaching, but the bishop convinces him that it’s not too late to change.
I also particularly enjoyed “Santa’s Helper on a Skateboard.” Dan didn’t get what he wanted for Christmas, which was a really cool mountain bike. Instead, he got a skateboard and a newspaper route. How exciting. He goes out on deliveries, feeling sorry for himself, but at one of the houses, he finds a little boy sitting on the porch, in tears. The little boy’s father usually took him Christmas shopping to find something for his mommy, but the father left, and now he didn’t have anything to give his mom. Dan goes to the store and buys a box of chocolates, bringing it back for the boy to give his mom, and Dan realizes the power of giving.
Another favorite was “Darkness at Noonday.” Bryce really wants a boyfriend, but all the guys she knows just aren’t boyfriend material. Her good friend, Asher, tells her that she’s walking in darkness at noonday, meaning, she can’t see what’s right in front of her face. He then ties bananas all over the tree in her front yard, each with a cute note attached. Sure enough, a great guy was right under her nose and she never knew it.
I really liked the wide range of stories in this book. There’s a story that speaks to those who suffer with weight problems and skin problems, those who are tempted to break the law of chastity, those who are just returning from missions and need help adjusting. There’s something in here for everyone, regardless of the circumstances they personally face.
(This book was published in 2007 by Golden Wings.)
Related Blogs:
Author Interview: Anne Bradshaw
Author Interview: Anne Bradshaw, part two
Author Interview: Anne Bradshaw, part three