Welcome to Fred: A Novel

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.
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 show more 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! show less

What a refreshing, inspirational book with many amusing situations that anyone will be able to relate to. Welcome to Fred, which is a town in Texas, allows the reader to follow Mark Cloud through the years, the different towns his family lived in, the pain of being the new kid in town, the “mark” of being a PK…Preacher’s Kid, and his need as every teenager of trying to fit in.

The main focus of the book is on Mark and his escapades with Mark as the narrator.

Mark is a precocious character full of life and energy. He meets a friend named M on their first move, and they share adventures together....he lamented that he never found a friend like M ever again. They share their knowledge of the Bible, secret visits to a homeless show more woman, and their love of reading. The adventures he and M shared were described in detail, and the character descriptions are wonderful. The book is filled with great stories and adventures that pertain to everyday life. It is a quick read and keeps your interest.

Mr. Whittington did a very nice job of developing the story, and he will make you think about everyday things while giving them a new meaning for you.

If you need a book that will lift your spirits, make you think, appreciate everyday occurrences and life itself, and also make you laugh, please take the time to read Welcome to Fred. show less

Mark has a hard lot as a PK (preacher's kid), he especially hates all the moving around his family does. So when he is forced to move to Fred, Texas and leave behind his best friend he doesn't take it particularly well. Especially since his new classmates don't jive with his adoration hippie style clothes and music. Nope to fit in in Fred you need blue jeans, a short haircut, and a Texas twang. As Mark struggles to fit in he also struggles to make sense of his world, where he is helped by the story of a homeless woman and the wisdom of his Dad.
This is a great story, full of wry humor and situations that are easy to identify with (like the story of the family car breaking down repeatedly on their trip to CA). The main characters show more spiritual journey is realistic and not forced on the reader. I had this book on my to be read list for a long time and I'm glad I finally did! show less

Mark always wondered what life was like in a one-blink town . . . and in 1968 he finds out. When his family moves from urban Ohio to tiny Fred, Texas, the precocious 12-year-old preacher's kid must discover himself---and his faith---in a place with two city-limit signs and little in between.