Dancing Carl

Author: Gary Paulsen

Main Characters: Carl (the vet that works at the rink), Marsh (the boy who's point of view is written from), and Willie (the best friend of Marsh).

The story takes place in a small town in the Midwest. It is cold much of the year and the locals all get into hockey as a pastime. The boys notice a man at the rink named Carl. He has some issues stemming from a stint in the war (not sure if it is Vietnam or another one). He drinks to numb himself, but not so much to consider him a drunk. He doesn't talk much, but he dances. Marsh and Willie find themselves enthralled by Carl and his dances. They are fluid and colorful and just darn right beautiful. For boys to say that about a man dancing says something...

This story is well-written and poignant. Not a long read, but a good one. I am very glad that I read it.