Just Benny

Can he ever be something more?

About Just Benny by Alex Banwell

All too often, our lives are shaped by the ways in which other people view and handle us. This is especially true during our formative years. For young Benny Wellander, who already suffers from severe epilepsy and moderate learning difficulties, this means he focuses on all the things he can’t do and the ways in which he is a disappointment.

This story follows Benny as he goes through the arduous process of finding out who he is and why he is worth loving. It also shows that God will go to unimaginable lengths to reach us. His methods may not be “conventional”, in this case, involving both Christians and non-Christians alike.

Questions of identity and self-worth are huge grey areas in our modern world, and I wanted to address some of that through Benny’s story.

Who is Just Benny written for?

Just Benny is Contemporary Christian fiction. It was written for those who feel they aren’t worth loving and they have nothing to contribute to the world around them.

It’s suitable for all audiences, but is especially aimed at young people and those who enjoy women’s contemporary fiction.

Here’s what some reviewers have said…

‘With well-drawn, believable characters, Just Benny is a gentle, nuanced story of life and love, but it’s also a tale of struggle, with themes of disability, bullying and redemption. Well written and warmly inviting, this is a story you will remember.’

Liz Carter, author, poet & editor

‘A family divided by silence and sadness, and a little boy who yearns to be like everyone else but who was born to be different. How will Benny’s family find the peace they yearn for? A tender story of fear and faith written with a deep and touching knowledge of a different kind of life, with a young hero I fell in love with (and you will too).’

Ruth Leigh, author and speaker

There are so many books out there. Why do I need this one?

Just Benny is a gentle story and easy to read, giving a clear message of hope and encouragement.

You will likely find characters with whom you can identify.

My prayer is that by the time you finish the book, you will realise you are loved and valued!

I’m interested, but can I read a sample first?

Of course! Here you go:

Prologue

The muffled whispers of excited voices ebbed away as Benny Wellander lay still and silent, his blond head poking out from the top of his sleeping bag. Now all he could hear was the rustling of the tent in the night breeze. Benny breathed a sigh of relief. He had made it through the first day of camp, and the others were too excited about their big adventure to think about taunting him like they usually did. He would be the last one chosen for team games. No one wanted Benny on their side. He didn’t really care because he hated games. He was only joining in because his older sister said that was the right thing to do.

Benny tried not to think about how this was his first night away from home, or of how much he missed his mum tucking him in and lying beside him holding his hand. If he could sleep, it would soon be morning. There would be loads to do, even if he was unlikely to enjoy any of it. He just had to get through one more day. Then it would be Sunday. His mum and dad would pick him up, and he could go home pleased at having completed the camp with his classmates.

Maybe Emma was right, and the other kids would stop bullying him before they started secondary school in September. For now, he was doing okay. He even felt a bit proud of himself.

Time passed, and Benny woke up with a jolt. At first, he couldn’t figure out where he was. Then he remembered. Dizziness and confusion overwhelmed him, and there was a sharp pain in his head. Knowing the signals all too well, Benny’s heart began to race as he anticipated what was about to happen. He possibly had a few minutes left before his world started spinning and his body took on a life of its own. Emma had warned him he would likely have a seizure while he was away, because stress or change often brought them on. Barely a week went by without him having at least one, although they varied in severity. Perhaps tonight it wouldn’t be so bad, and he’d be able to use some of the coping strategies his sister had taught him.

One thing was certain. Benny couldn’t stay in the tent. He rose shakily, edging his way towards the entrance while hoping none of his three companions would wake. The boys in this tent had drawn the short straw, but someone had to share with him, despite their loud moans.

‘He throws up all the time! And he’s a cry-baby! And…’ The list went on and on, and Benny had tried to close his ears to it. He had to sleep somewhere, and he was grateful he wasn’t in the same tent as Henry Keith.

The night air hit Benny as he slipped outside and released the breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. Now he could lie on the grass and wait. If the seizure didn’t come, he’d be able to go back to bed. Maybe the fresh air would make him feel better. Was he just stressed because he’d woken up in a strange place? If the worst happened and he threw up, at least no one would know about it.

After a lifetime of epilepsy and some coaching from his elder sister, Benny knew enough to keep himself relatively safe. However, he had never faced a seizure alone. Normally he woke his mum. She looked after him, cradling his head, muttering soothing words, and attempting to contain the vomit. He couldn’t have a fit without being sick to his stomach.

‘Mum?’ had he whimpered the call aloud, or was it only in his mind? It was coming. Tears fell as he lay on the grass and surrendered to the inevitable. His last coherent thought was that Dale Moss was right. He was Weedy Wellander. He was stupid, rubbish at everything, and he missed his mum. She was the only one who loved him for being just Benny.

Where can I get the book?

You can buy paperbacks & Limited edition hardbacks directly from our shop page here https://broadplacepublishing.co.uk/product/just-benny/

Special Offer: Pre-order now and receive a free Just Benny related Short Story, The end of the world? with your purchase! (Valid until February 20th 2025)

The ebook available exclusively from Amazon. To order or rent on Kindle Unlimited visit here.

Extra Special Offer! Order Just Benny and Receive a 10% discount code for Book 2 in the series, More than Benny’s Mother, coming August 2025!

If you’d love this book but you cannot afford it, Broad Place Publishing run a bursary program. Please contact us to request a book.