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George Beckman
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Members of the Cast Kindle Edition

by George Beckman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 63 ratings
There is the family you are born into and the family that grows around you.

In 1959, Margo's parents break their promise, leaving her behind for another archaeological dig. She is sent to California to spend her junior year with a great uncle she's only met once. Her parent's interests remain buried in ancient ruins, but Margo begins to discover herself beneath a lifetime of family secrets. For the first time, she has a close circle of friends, a budding romance, and an academic future. But a struggle between herself, the past, and her parents tests all she has learned.

In this found family novel, enter into Margo's world and experience the "California Dream" feel of 1950s Southern California. This is a wholesome book for all ages—a book you can give to your granddaughter or grandmother.
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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Print length
    242 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 3, 2021
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1736648506
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

As an educator, George spent his life stamping out illiteracy in sixth-grade classrooms. He and the kids had a great time, and George learned a great deal.

George and Ruth live in an old stone house that was named Graestone long before they came.

George doesn't always wear a tux.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08XP5FT6B
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Books from Graestone (March 3, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 3, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 242 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 63 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
George Beckman

George Beckman

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George writes wholesome books. He grew up in Southern California and lives in Northern California, in an old stone house. He spent his life teaching elementary school and loved to teach kids to write. 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑡 was started in 1975, but was put aside for years. George's creativity didn't stop, and for almost 30 years, he programmed, marketed, and supported grade book software for elementary teachers. 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑊𝑜𝑙𝑓𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙 is a chapbook of poems about the canyon in which the novel, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑊𝑜𝑙𝑓𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙, takes place. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑊𝑜𝑙𝑓𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙 is the first book of the Wolfskill Trilogy. Book 2, 𝐴𝑖𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ, available now. You can learn more about George and a Family of Writers here: HTTP://graestonewriter.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
63 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book a memorable read with well-developed characters and a wonderful coming-of-age story. They appreciate its charm, humor, and sweetness, with one customer noting it takes readers back to the late 1950s.

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20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, with one customer noting it's a wholesome, nostalgic read suitable for all ages.

"...It is so refreshing to read a 100% wholesome book that doesn't feel the need to rely on inappropriate language or behaviors to sell...." Read more

"...Many of the secondary characters are warm and funny. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns the author put in as well...." Read more

"A sweet and wholesome historical coming of age novel set in the 1950s. It centers on Margo, a quiet and shy 17 year old girl...." Read more

"The story was so easy to relate to and loved the character development...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer noting the excellent portrayal of high school life.

"...Many of the secondary characters are warm and funny. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns the author put in as well...." Read more

"...to name a few. George does a wonderful job crafting the characters, setting, and taking you back to a different time period...." Read more

"The story was so easy to relate to and loved the character development...." Read more

"...This is such a well written story, with wonderful characters who are totally relatable. Uncle is most definitely my hero!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Age range"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's age range, describing it as a wonderful coming of age story.

"...My husband found the book equally enjoyable. A book for all ages." Read more

"Members of the cast is a wonderful coming of age story. The characters were well-developed and very likable...." Read more

"Beautiful and engaging story that left me wanting more! Appropriate for many age groups." Read more

"Sweet coming-of-age story - very clean!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Nostalgia"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the nostalgic elements of the book, with one mentioning it is set in the late 1950s and takes readers back to a different time period.

"This story is set in the late 1950s and I really felt like I was stepping into the past!..." Read more

"...wonderful job crafting the characters, setting, and taking you back to a different time period. I highly recommend this novel!..." Read more

"...The story is full of rich characters and nostalgia that make it a pleasant world to fall into...." Read more

"High School 1960, a sweet time...." Read more

4 customers mention "Sweetness"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one mentioning it has heart and another noting it has a right touch of romance.

"...And there's just the right touch of romance. A very enjoyable nostalgia read for all ages!" Read more

"...more about her family's history and past, makes new friends, and finds a crush, as well as comes into her own as a confident young lady...." Read more

"...might be decades from where I am now, but this book brought back all the sweetness, all the angst and the importance of having just one friend, or..." Read more

"This nostalgia-filled take is sweet with innocence and gentle fun for all...." Read more

3 customers mention "Charm"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming and beautiful.

"...I highly recommend this novel! It has humor, great fashion, but most importantly, it has heart." Read more

"Beautiful and engaging story that left me wanting more! Appropriate for many age groups." Read more

"Charming!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one describing it as gentle fun for all.

"...Many of the secondary characters are warm and funny. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns the author put in as well...." Read more

"...I highly recommend this novel! It has humor, great fashion, but most importantly, it has heart." Read more

"This nostalgia-filled take is sweet with innocence and gentle fun for all...." Read more

Sweet coming-of-age story - very clean!
5 out of 5 stars
Sweet coming-of-age story - very clean!
This story is set in the late 1950s and I really felt like I was stepping into the past! It gave me a taste of what it was like when my parents were teenagers. The story is set around a girl who comes to Pasadena to live with her uncle during her junior year in high school. She learns to come out of her shell, speak for herself, and make friends. I really enjoyed how much the main character grew up and got to know herself as the story went on. Throughout her life, her parents moved her around a lot and she never had a lot of support or love from them. With her uncle, she finds a wonderful father figure and finally starts to feel at home. Many of the secondary characters are warm and funny. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns the author put in as well. There are a lot of neat details from Southern California during that era - the clothes, the cars, the houses, and the music. And there's just the right touch of romance. A very enjoyable nostalgia read for all ages!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Janet
    5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT BOOK
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I rarely leave a review after reading a book.
    But, this book is one of the best I have ever read, and I am an avid reader.

    The relationship of each character (cast members) is so very realistic it could be a true story of many, many high schools and families in America.

    It is so refreshing to read a 100% wholesome book that doesn't feel the need to rely on inappropriate language or behaviors to sell.

    I will be looking for more of Mr. Beckman's writings.

    ~Janet Ashley
    Wichita, KS
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  • Kindred Spirit Books
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet coming-of-age story - very clean!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This story is set in the late 1950s and I really felt like I was stepping into the past! It gave me a taste of what it was like when my parents were teenagers. The story is set around a girl who comes to Pasadena to live with her uncle during her junior year in high school. She learns to come out of her shell, speak for herself, and make friends.

    I really enjoyed how much the main character grew up and got to know herself as the story went on. Throughout her life, her parents moved her around a lot and she never had a lot of support or love from them. With her uncle, she finds a wonderful father figure and finally starts to feel at home. Many of the secondary characters are warm and funny. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns the author put in as well.

    There are a lot of neat details from Southern California during that era - the clothes, the cars, the houses, and the music. And there's just the right touch of romance. A very enjoyable nostalgia read for all ages!
    Customer image
    Kindred Spirit Books
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Sweet coming-of-age story - very clean!

    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2021
    This story is set in the late 1950s and I really felt like I was stepping into the past! It gave me a taste of what it was like when my parents were teenagers. The story is set around a girl who comes to Pasadena to live with her uncle during her junior year in high school. She learns to come out of her shell, speak for herself, and make friends.

    I really enjoyed how much the main character grew up and got to know herself as the story went on. Throughout her life, her parents moved her around a lot and she never had a lot of support or love from them. With her uncle, she finds a wonderful father figure and finally starts to feel at home. Many of the secondary characters are warm and funny. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns the author put in as well.

    There are a lot of neat details from Southern California during that era - the clothes, the cars, the houses, and the music. And there's just the right touch of romance. A very enjoyable nostalgia read for all ages!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Rebecca Amiss
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely and heartwarming coming of age story
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A sweet and wholesome historical coming of age novel set in the 1950s. It centers on Margo, a quiet and shy 17 year old girl. She is sent to live with her Uncle T. Charles after her parents leave to go on yet another archeological dig. There, she learns more about her family's history and past, makes new friends, and finds a crush, as well as comes into her own as a confident young lady.

    This is the perfect book for anyone who loves nostalgia and a sweet, wholesome story. Margo is a relatable protagonist who I believe a lot of girls and women will see themselves in. There is a great supporting cast of characters including T. Charles, Sharon (my favorite!), and Chris ( the crush!) to name a few.

    George does a wonderful job crafting the characters, setting, and taking you back to a different time period. I highly recommend this novel! It has humor, great fashion, but most importantly, it has heart.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Rich Castro
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read about simpler times
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The story was so easy to relate to and loved the character development. The big twist at the end I did not see coming and I can usually figure out where a story is headed. Going to high school in the 60's and growing up in Southern California in my grade school years brought back to vivid memories. Definitely recommend it too friends.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Judy S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Members of the Cast
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    On the heels of a couple of 'heavy reads' I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my high school classmate, George Beckman, had published a book - "Members of the Cast"! I quickly pre-ordered its download to my kindle. Finishing the book today, I have to say it has been a real delight to travel back to 1950's high school days and follow Margo's journey during her junior year of high school. This is such a well written story, with wonderful characters who are totally relatable. Uncle is most definitely my hero! Loved the references to the 'sights and sounds' of our very own high school experience and the happy ending was most heart warming. Good on you George! I also ordered a hard copy to share with some other classmates. Can't wait for your next endeavor! Keep on writing!
    One person found this helpful
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  • CarolM
    5.0 out of 5 stars A True Delight
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    What a delightful read! The story had me interested the whole time. It got off to a good start and never lost it's way. It was so well developed and the characters felt like people I would have been friends with in high school. I loved the setting (Los Angeles in the late 50's), the clothes, the cars, and all of the characters. It was a wholesome story that made me nostalgic for the innocence of my high school days. I was really rooting for the main character, Margo ("Maggie") as she found her place in the world and learned how it felt to belong and to be loved. I'd love a sequel so I could find out what comes next for this nice group of folks.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • EJF
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Lovely Tale of Families
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    'Members of the Cast' is a lovely story about the family you are born into and the family that grows around you. Margo, the lead in this 'cast', finds herself living with another relative, this time in California, while her parents pursue their projects in Peru. The influence of her Uncle T and friends like Sharon and Chris, change the way she sees herself and the world.

    The story is full of rich characters and nostalgia that make it a pleasant world to fall into. George's attention to detail of the time period reminds us of a slower pace that life seemed to have once. The perfect book to relax with.
    Helpful
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  • seadog
    5.0 out of 5 stars High School 1960, a sweet time.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Mr. Beckman does an excellent job of portraying high school the way it once was. The students are the way they once were. Margo, the protagonist, has a lot to overcome; she is a junior and this is her fourth high school, because her parents are always on the move. This time it all clicks, the teachers, the students, her wonderful uncle all make her feel at home, warm and comfortable for the first time in her life. Unfortunately, her parents have other plans involving her move to Peru for her senior year. Margo is torn between obeying her parents, or following her heart. Good read; a page turner. Dave Case, review.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • joanne paulson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story that touched me deeply
    Reviewed in Canada on June 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I wondered, as I read Members of the Cast, how George Beckman had become so insightful about, particularly, teenagers.
    It turns out he was a teacher, so that more than likely helped; but I suspect the author of being intrinsically empathetic as well.
    Margo is a youngster born to parents who are constantly travelling to do her father's archeological work. She seems to always come second . . . or perhaps last. This situation has sent her, not for the first time, to live with a relative in California: her great-uncle, T. Charles Blackwater.
    He calls her Maggie. She loves it.
    At first, the new school is daunting and making friends, of course, is fraught with uncertainty. But gradually, Margo finds herself fitting in, and creating a wee movie with her high school buddies (including the "most handsome boy," Chris). Hence, Members of the Cast.
    All of this occurs with the tremendous and kind support of her widowed uncle, who becomes rather a favourite of her group of friends.
    Many other touching things happen, particularly around Margo's grandfather (upon whom the movie is based), but I am determined to avoid spoilers.
    What I feel moved to say is this.
    I had a godmother once. I am not sure I have ever felt such a pure, kind, enveloping love from anyone else in my life. From her hugs to her delicious baking, I was always surrounded by emotional peace and stability in her presence. I have missed her so much since her untimely death.
    Parental love and support does not always come, at least not solely, from those biologically connected creatures many of us call mother and father. I know this in my bones.
    And so, apparently, does George Beckman. I found this book extremely personally moving, and enjoyed the plot and characters immensely. It takes place in a very different, more innocent, time. And I found that both instructive and refreshing.
    Thank you for this book, Mr. Beckman.
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  • Kerri Davidson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on June 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I'm on a professional review-writing hiatus but felt the need to say a few things about Members of the Cast.
    It's the best book I've read in forever. It's so... nonviolent and heartwarming and interesting and refreshing and IT MADE ME FEEL GOOD FEELINGS.
    Get the book.
    Report

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