Saint Ben

I have read this book at least a dozen times. Each time I get even more from it. I am now reading it to my children. While they enjoy the "funny parts", I continue to learn to question my faith to make it stronger. This is a must read for everyone!!

This is one book that becomes a tradition. When the anniversary of the first time you read it comes around, you'll find yourself going to the bookcase, digging it out, and reading it again. It will give you a kind of sad, joyful feeling everytime. The book also gives you different perspective on the 1958 Ford Edsel. As for my daughter and I we bought a 1958 metal cast model of a 1958 Edsel convertible. Everytime we see it sitting on the shelf that joyful sad feeling sweeps through our hearts again. If you ever wondered what it was like being a preachers kid, "St. Ben" will dispell all the myths. So be prepared to make it a tradition the first time you read it.

While a subscriber to "Campus Life" magazine, I agreed to read one of the many books the magazine had chosen to be reviewed. The book they sent me was Saint Ben. Since I'm a fan of action/adventure stories, I don't read a lot of "sentimental" fiction. This book, however, captivated me from the very beginning. The character of Ben (from his friend Jonathan's POV) is complex yet simple, charming yet troublesome. His story, in several ways, is our story: he says what so many believers think but don't dare say. Set in the backdrop of 1950's Pasadena, CA, Saint Ben warms the heart, giving the reader several chances to both laugh at the antics of Ben and Jonathan and cry at their misfortunes. Rarely have I read a book with characters, settings, and situations as rich and as real as they are in this one. (Of course, I might be a bit partial since I used to live in Pasadena and can therefore relate to the book that much more than the "average" reader.) If you liked "My Girl," you'll love Saint Ben.

When I stumbled across Saint Ben, I had just finished Frank Perreti's last 4 books -- I needed something a little lighter. Saint Ben appeared to fit the bill. Boy was I right -- and wrong! This book moves so fast, and is so light-hearted in comparison to the spiritual warfare books of Perretti, that I initially believed I wouldn't have to use any emotional energy on this one at all. However, it speaks a message that is just as "on traget" as Perretti's, and tugs on you every step of the way. You will laugh out loud at the antics of a preacher's kid and a music director's son who become best friends. If you grew up in the late 50's, you will take a trip down memory lane that will make you feel like you were there again (Remember the Edsel?). If you have a heart at all, you will shed more tears than you ever expected out of a novel of this kind. I loved it -- and would recommend it to EVERYONE! Have fun with it. And don't miss the sequel -- The Saints and Angels Song.

Saint Ben came to the breakfast table with our family as we not only nourished our bodies with food, but our souls with this great book as well. The antics of this pastor's son made us laugh and cry over and over. Mr. Fischer portrays Ben's relationships with his family, his church, and his God in a way that makes you feel part of the family from page one. This was a great 'read aloud' book that our children couldn't get enough of. A must read.