Walk - Don't Run

Walk - Don't Run, a popular record by The Ventures, was Scott Paulson's favorite song when he was 10 years old in 1960. This story is a memoir of that time in his life. It is a wholesome and historically correct account of being raised in the Midwest. Paulson's encounters, which exemplify this momentous period in his life, involve his supportive father who is always sensitive to his needs, his mother who has noticeably changed since Grandpa's recent passing, his older sister who he idolizes and adores, and his little brother who he lovingly tolerates and sometimes resents. His closest friends also play major roles. At the beginning of the story, his best friend is Charley, the only person who is able to bring out the playful child in the otherwise constantly serious boy. Junior appears to be a friend only because he is similar to Paulson in some ways. They live close to one another, don't have many friends, and are both considered to be good kids at school. Paulson gradually loses touch with Charley and Junior as he moves toward young adulthood. His bold progression without them makes him feel guilty about leaving them behind. Consequently, he doesn't completely end his relationships with them. Yet, passing beyond childhood remains his greatest need and desire. In the midst of his ascent to young adulthood, he meets Murph, who has a bad boy image as well as the look and mannerisms of Elvis Presley. He is maturing beyond his years as is Paulson. Murph and Paulson immediately connect and become close friends. In an effort to meet his parents' expectations, the main character is involved with most every activity in and out of school. If he did as he pleased, though, he'd only be involved with the school band and the youth group at his church. He likes band because he loves music and loves creating his own original music. He uses his music to escape from his daily pressures. His church is a place where he escapes, as well, as he is less shy and more likeable around his friends at church than he is with his schoolmates. Quite often, Paulson worries about being different. He thinks he is different when his upbringing and his reactions to life's happenings don't agree. He was greatly disturbed about his inability to stand up to his mother when the two of them differed on their presidential preferences prior to the national election in November of 1960. There are numerous episodes which demonstrate values he acquired through his parents' efforts. By the end of the memoir, he is finally becoming the little man of whom he had waited a long time to become. Many episodes make timely references to the last half of the year in 1960. Some of his encounters are filled with adversity. During these times, he discovers that life does not always seem fair. Near the end of the story, there is a list of his New Year's resolutions for the coming year, 1961. The list is introspectively revealing. The novel Walk - Don't Run is appropriate for all ages.…