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Members of the Cast
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.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.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2021
14 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
George Beckman
8 books13 followersGeorge 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. George's latest project is a steampunk trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 6, 2021
Engaging story
I enjoyed this story! The characters were great and the story was interesting all the way through! I liked the way the characters grew and interacted with each other. I appreciated that the story was told without foul language or violence. I would definitely like to see a continuation of this story!
I enjoyed this story! The characters were great and the story was interesting all the way through! I liked the way the characters grew and interacted with each other. I appreciated that the story was told without foul language or violence. I would definitely like to see a continuation of this story!
March 4, 2021
Review: Members of the Cast by George Beckman
“Members of the Cast” by George Beckman is a trip back in time that will leave you with a renewed faith in humanity. In an era where jaded cynicism is the norm, Beckman’s wholesome coming of age narrative is a breath of fresh air. His well rounded characters beg to be fallen in love with – from awkward teenage Margo unfolding like the timid butterfly she is, to her Uncle T. Charles, the quintessential gentleman whose quiet grief-filled world comes back to vibrant life with the entrance of his niece, to Margo’s new best friend Sharon with her all-too-insightful comments on life. You’ll have a hard time picking your favorite!
When Margo’s parents choose her father’s career in archaeology over her – again – she is bundled up and shipped across the country like so much unwanted cargo. Arriving in California, Margo is picked up by T. Charles in his Packard automobile. There, he ushers her into a house still full of the woman he loved – Margo’s aunt Virgina. Fearful and timid, Margo goes through the motions at her new school and at home, afraid that any moment the other shoe will drop just as it always did with her parents. Yet, as friendships are formed, handsome boys actually being to notice her, and T. Charles falls into the role of a parent as if he were born to be Margo’s Uncle, the anxious girl she was falls away and a new young woman steps in to take her place. Through surprising discoveries, family secrets, and the plain old magic of unconditional love, Margo is transformed into Maggie.
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader on this book and I have to say that I’ve rarely enjoyed a beta read as much as this one. Beckman’s deep understanding of the teenage psyche is clear in his growth arc for Maggie. The family drama is intriguing without being salacious and engaging without being breakneck paced. He paints a portrait of the family with small, loving brushstrokes that brings them to singing, dancing life right in your heart. If you are looking for a gift for someone going through the tribulations of adolescence – or someone who did at one point – this book won’t disappoint
“Members of the Cast” by George Beckman is a trip back in time that will leave you with a renewed faith in humanity. In an era where jaded cynicism is the norm, Beckman’s wholesome coming of age narrative is a breath of fresh air. His well rounded characters beg to be fallen in love with – from awkward teenage Margo unfolding like the timid butterfly she is, to her Uncle T. Charles, the quintessential gentleman whose quiet grief-filled world comes back to vibrant life with the entrance of his niece, to Margo’s new best friend Sharon with her all-too-insightful comments on life. You’ll have a hard time picking your favorite!
When Margo’s parents choose her father’s career in archaeology over her – again – she is bundled up and shipped across the country like so much unwanted cargo. Arriving in California, Margo is picked up by T. Charles in his Packard automobile. There, he ushers her into a house still full of the woman he loved – Margo’s aunt Virgina. Fearful and timid, Margo goes through the motions at her new school and at home, afraid that any moment the other shoe will drop just as it always did with her parents. Yet, as friendships are formed, handsome boys actually being to notice her, and T. Charles falls into the role of a parent as if he were born to be Margo’s Uncle, the anxious girl she was falls away and a new young woman steps in to take her place. Through surprising discoveries, family secrets, and the plain old magic of unconditional love, Margo is transformed into Maggie.
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader on this book and I have to say that I’ve rarely enjoyed a beta read as much as this one. Beckman’s deep understanding of the teenage psyche is clear in his growth arc for Maggie. The family drama is intriguing without being salacious and engaging without being breakneck paced. He paints a portrait of the family with small, loving brushstrokes that brings them to singing, dancing life right in your heart. If you are looking for a gift for someone going through the tribulations of adolescence – or someone who did at one point – this book won’t disappoint
June 6, 2024
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.
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.
December 1, 2024
Members of the Cast by George Beckman offers a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in the vibrant backdrop of 1950s Southern California. The narrative follows Margo, a young girl who is uprooted from her familiar world when her parents, engrossed in their archaeological pursuits, send her to live with a great uncle she's barely met. What begins as an unwelcome change evolves into a transformative journey of self-discovery.
In California, Margo encounters a close-knit group of friends, experiences her first taste of romance, and contemplates an academic future—all of which contrast sharply with the isolation and uncertainty of her earlier life. However, the novel delves deeper, exploring the tension between her emerging independence, the weight of her family’s secrets, and the challenge of reconciling her dreams with her parents' neglect.
The book’s setting beautifully captures the optimism and charm of the "California Dream," immersing readers in the cultural and social dynamics of the era. Its wholesome tone and universal themes make it suitable for all ages, creating a multigenerational appeal.
Members of the Cast is a poignant exploration of family, identity, and resilience—a story that resonates across generations.
In California, Margo encounters a close-knit group of friends, experiences her first taste of romance, and contemplates an academic future—all of which contrast sharply with the isolation and uncertainty of her earlier life. However, the novel delves deeper, exploring the tension between her emerging independence, the weight of her family’s secrets, and the challenge of reconciling her dreams with her parents' neglect.
The book’s setting beautifully captures the optimism and charm of the "California Dream," immersing readers in the cultural and social dynamics of the era. Its wholesome tone and universal themes make it suitable for all ages, creating a multigenerational appeal.
Members of the Cast is a poignant exploration of family, identity, and resilience—a story that resonates across generations.
March 13, 2021
On the heels of a couple of 'heavy reads'-(murder & psychological dramas) 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. This was a refreshing and nostalgic read for me, and it is an appropriate read for all age groups. Good on you George! Can't wait for your next endeavor! Keep on writing!
November 21, 2022
What I Did Like:
-The changes in Maggie as she progresses through the book are obvious and relatable. The author doesn’t have to beat us over the head with phrases like “she’s a different person” because we already see it. Excellent example of showing vs telling.
-All the teenage characters are well written, believable, and realistic. I enjoyed watching them make mistakes and learn from them.
-Really despite the time period (this one takes place during the 1950s) this felt like a contemporary coming-of-age novel. It had a good feel to it and was overall enjoyable!
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of coming-of-age stories with realistic characters they can love and root for.
My Rating: 3 Stars
Good book for the right audience! I enjoyed this one.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
-The changes in Maggie as she progresses through the book are obvious and relatable. The author doesn’t have to beat us over the head with phrases like “she’s a different person” because we already see it. Excellent example of showing vs telling.
-All the teenage characters are well written, believable, and realistic. I enjoyed watching them make mistakes and learn from them.
-Really despite the time period (this one takes place during the 1950s) this felt like a contemporary coming-of-age novel. It had a good feel to it and was overall enjoyable!
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of coming-of-age stories with realistic characters they can love and root for.
My Rating: 3 Stars
Good book for the right audience! I enjoyed this one.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
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March 24, 2023There are so many things to enjoy about this book. This book is set in the late 1950s and follows a FMC who is in her senior year of high school. She doesn't have a strong relationship with her parents who frequently travel long periods of time for work. The FMC has been adrift for much of her life but finally comes into her own with the support of new friends and a great uncle.
The character development in this book is very well done. The teenagers face real problems and work hard to address them. There's a little bit of teenage drama that is well navigated and not taken over the top. The FMC does have internal conflict but it's written is such a way as to not cripple her.
This is a fantastic coming of age story where the FMC finds and defends her space. There's a romance arc, a support-your-best-friend-arc and a mystery with a twist arc all expertly woven in this story.
The character development in this book is very well done. The teenagers face real problems and work hard to address them. There's a little bit of teenage drama that is well navigated and not taken over the top. The FMC does have internal conflict but it's written is such a way as to not cripple her.
This is a fantastic coming of age story where the FMC finds and defends her space. There's a romance arc, a support-your-best-friend-arc and a mystery with a twist arc all expertly woven in this story.
March 3, 2021
I enjoyed this book! I was born in the year this book takes place, so it was fun to think of what kind of world my parents lived in. The setting, Los Angeles, is a character in the book as it is beautifully described. The human characters are strong and well-drawn as well. The author took time to make this sweet "coming of age" story feel very real. The uncle was my favorite character, of course. Who wouldn't want such a loving uncle? If you enjoy historical fiction, clean romance, and a great setting, you'll love this story. And it has a satisfying surprise near the end!
May 27, 2021
Mr. Beckman's debut novel is an excellent coming of age novel set in the middle of the 20th century. When Margo's parents leave for another archeology dig, Margo is left behind. She ends up in the care of her great uncle where she faces challenges of being in yet another high school and mysteries about her family's past.
Having had to go to several different high schools because of my dad's service, I instantly identified with the MC.
This is a delightful read. Highly recommended for young and old alike.
Having had to go to several different high schools because of my dad's service, I instantly identified with the MC.
This is a delightful read. Highly recommended for young and old alike.
May 2, 2025
EXCELLENT BOOK
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
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
January 2, 2022
Reading George Beckman's Members of the Cast recalled for me the pleasure of watching a movie of days gone past. Margo won me over from the start. Her journey through both a major shift in her unstable life and the anxieties of another new high school had me rooting for her all the way. I particularly enjoyed the gradual emergence of information about her family, their secrets, and how happenstance can change everything.
April 20, 2023
This was a delightful read. The main character, Margo, was very reminiscent of a typical teenage girl in high school with her insecurities, crushes, and finding friends while trying to fit in and stand out at the same time.
I loved watching Margo grow in confidence and find herself and her place in both her family and high school.
If you like coming of age novels with sweet romance, this is the book for you.
I loved watching Margo grow in confidence and find herself and her place in both her family and high school.
If you like coming of age novels with sweet romance, this is the book for you.
June 29, 2021
What a trip down memory lane this book was! I didn't think anything could rouse my memories of high school so much. I could almost smell the hallways and touch the lockers. Margo is a character you can root for from beginning to end and you can't help but be happy when she scores a win. Easy to read and highly recommended.
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October 28, 2021The story returned me to my junior year in high school. The car, music, clothes, playing in the school band to best friend's secret, girls playing sports or not and the uncle loved by everyone. My husband found the book equally enjoyable. A book for all ages.
June 26, 2021
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.
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.
September 19, 2021
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews