As Always, Dave

Meridian Magazine
…..by Michelle Ashman Bell

“By the time Dave Beckstrom gets home from his mission, Abbie Tucker, his high school sweetheart and the girl he assumed would wait for him, has moved on. She’s been living in New York, working as a nanny, and is dating a new boyfriend. And when Dave shows up to see if he can win her back, he finds quite a different young woman than he had known in the small town of Ririe, Idaho.

“Set in a singles branch on Long Island, As Always, Dave is a contemporary novel that explores the pitfalls and challenges of the LDS young adult dating scene. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps a young man from seriously courting, you’ll find your answer here. At the same time, you’ll learn what some young women do to make the search for a marriage partner harder than it should be.

“Filled with humor, a first-hand look at the excitement of life near the Big Apple, and a realistic portrayal of how you fall in love and actually pursue the goal of getting married. As Always, Dave is not only an entertaining novel but an important book on a puzzling current phenomenon.”

I’ve sung Jack Weyland’s praises before and I’m not changing my tune for this book. Brother Weyland is the king of writing about what’s pertinent and crucial to Young Adults in today’s world. He dares to go there when tackling a subject and doesn’t hold back any punches. As Always, Dave gives us insight on the challenges that youth face today, but true to his nature, Brother Weyland serves it up with great humor on the side. I appreciate how well Brother Weyland keeps his finger on the pulse of today’s youth and what a the gifted storyteller he is. If you haven’t read it yet, pick up a copy of As Always, Dave— an important book for an important time.