Making Paul Schneider

De: Greg Eilers

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Having just turned 50, Paul Schneider is sifting through a pile of notes—slips of papers containing memories of his life. The note writing began when Paul was fourteen, following his brother’s suicide and the day Paul learned a difficult secret. At first, jotting down thoughts was necessary to make room in his head for the secret. Later, the notes became a habit.
Now, wonders Paul, what to do with this jumbled array of notes.
“Write your story.” The directive comes from Paul’s wife. And so, Paul’s life-story project begins.
Paul’s youth was the opposite of the sentiment imparted by Port Serene’s name. A father prone to angry outbursts, a mother retreating to her bedroom with a bottle of vodka, and an older sister following in their mom’s alcoholic footsteps. Only in younger sister Nancy and best friend Shorty Peterson can Paul find solace.
In high school, Paul falls for Patty Koehn, her requited love becoming his beacon of hope. Patty’s parents insist their daughter only date someone in her faith, so Paul eagerly sets out to attend church. Paul's joy is dashed when his father forbids him from going, leaving Paul identifying with Romeo to Patty’s Juliet.
Heartbroken and frustrated, Paul seems headed for the destructive path well worn by his family, but not before two caring adults—neighbor lady Mrs. Lucas and grocery-store owner Ike Mueller—step in to take him under their wing.
Through the care and guidance of Mrs. Lucas and Ike, through the steadfastness of Nancy and Shorty, and through the patience and tenderness of Patty and her parents, Paul is awash in unconditional love, forgiveness, and the Golden Rule. This, Paul learns, is what family is supposed to be.
Yet, too many family mysteries remain. Just when Paul believes he will be left in the dark, he receives the phone call that sets into motion bringing everything into the light.

The dialogue felt real.

I enjoyed this book and the real life relatability. The bonds between characters felt sincere and Paul Schneider now lives in my head as if I really knew him!
Worth the read.