Scoop

Scoop by Rene Gutteridge was on my to read list as soon as I heard about it. Rene is a terrific writer as evidenced by her Boo series. Her books are filled with quirky characters who you want to know or already know. Scoop is no exception to the rule. Hayden Hazard has left the family clown business and is trying to make it on her own in the high-pressure business of TV journalism. She's working at Channel 7, the perpetual loser in the ratings game. During sweeps week, the anchorwoman disappears, the sewage plant explodes, and a reporter is injured while investigating a pig farm. All Hayden can do is cling to her faith and try to help others find theirs. Hayden is a terrific character; she's who we all want our daughters to grow up to be. Gutteridge never writes stereotypes. The aging anchorwoman has dignity and intelligence. The harried director loves his family and is trying to do his best for everyone. Hayden touches everyone with her simple faith and sweetness. Gutteridge manages to insert clever humor throughout the book, not quite in the over-the-top manner of the Boo books, but in a more realistic, true to life way. This is the first book in the Occupational Hazards series, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading about the rest of the family.

Check out Lisa Samson's blog today; she liked mine from yesterday. :)