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Farley Calford’s The
Complete Disaster: Rhonda’s Birthday Party is a delightfully
funny novel set in Milwaukee, WI circa 1949.
Although it’s Rhonda’s
birthday party, it becomes nine-year-old Nevin’s problem right
from the start.
Nevin receives an invitation
to a birthday celebration from a neighborhood girl named Rhonda.
He was invited so that Rhonda would receive more presents.
He doesn’t want to go!
Rhonda is the perfect brat and Nevin’s archenemy. His mother
insists he must attend, and sends him off to purchase a gift
with fifty cents. After almost being arrested and buying a gift
that doesn’t have his mother’s approval, the day of the party
arrives. His pathway to the party takes him past the “Porch”
where Old One Eye is sitting with the big boys waiting to tease
Nevin and make him cry.
Finally reaching the party,
Nevin feels very uncomfortable surrounded by the girl’s only
group of guests. The guests are Rhonda’s friends and they take
her side against Nevin. The party game is “fixed” by Rhonda for
a Rhonda win. The opening of gifts is a nightmare of discomfort
for Nevin when Rhonda breaks his gift trying to open it. Trying
to make her birthday wishes come true causes Rhonda to throw
tantrums, and the cake and ice cream portion of the party
results in pandemonium with an ending that’s a “Complete
Disaster”.
The author’s authentic
characters and exciting narrative are based upon his childhood
experiences growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Complete
Disaster is a fast-paced page-turner that young readers and
their parents won’t be able to put down.
About the Author
Farley Calford,
an educator and author, lives with his family in Wisconsin. He
is currently preparing his second novel for release.
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