An Overview
of
Ben's Magic Gemstone


Ben's Magic Gemstone, by Walter E. Wood, is a refreshing book, recommended for young adults, teen-agers, and pre-teens. It focuses on Ben George, a 35-year-old high school teacher, who meets an Old Philosopher and is given a gemstone which has magical properties. It is to be used only for good, not for evil. Before he disappears, the Old Philosopher teaches Ben the intricate ways to use the gemstone to predict the outcome of events.

Ben, a thoughtful and considerate man, is respected by his friends and neighbors. His possession of the magic gemstone must be kept secret. None of his friends or neighbors, not even his wife, knows he has it.

As in most small towns, problems and difficult situations arise. Ben's secret use of the magic gemstone is brought to bear on these. He helps to solve them or at least to bring about a positive, good-sense resolution, except for a few occasions involving personal drives for wealth.

The local shoemaker's arm is shrinking, affecting his work. Ben, after consulting the magic gemstone and with the help of others, develops a special folk-remedy treatment for it. Will the treatment succeed or fail? Ben's son suffers the crippling effects of polio. The magic gemstone foretells success. Will he be cured? How?

Other people need help. Will a special investment plan succeed? Is it too greedy to search for gold? Did Lila steal the diamond ring? Should the magic gemstone be asked to help in every case? Ben tries to follow the directions given by the Old Philosopher, but it is easy to stray, and it is tempting to use it for personal gain.

After many adventures, the Old Man shows up to reclaim the magic gemstone. Will Ben give it up? Does the Old Philosopher reveal his identity? Is he from another planet? From an ancient time?


*****************************************************

Ben's Magic Gemstone is a story for all age groups. While each adventure is exciting, all are refreshingly clear of violence, of murders, rapes, and robberies, of terrible misdeeds. It gently teaches life's lessons to young and old, in a very real setting of small-town America. It is a story full of goodness, cooperation, community spirit and help-your-neighbor involvement, all of which continue to be present, and part of daily life, in today's America.