Walkin' Matilda Author:Clayton R. Graham Orphaned Paul comes to Nebraska from Australia as an exchange student to live with childless Dick and Cathy Giles for one year, but with the possible hope of adoption. Paul, an accomplished all-round athlete has lost a leg and manages extremely well with an artificial replacement he affectionately calls Matilda. But can he survive the Giles fami... more »ly?
Dick, an accountant, is a pedantic computer-dependant bore, Cathy, dumb and scatty, dotes on her overly friendly cat Kitty. Dick's good looking antagonistic brother Carson is a flamboyant extrovert and seemingly a shallow womanizer, a self proclaimed comedian who cannot speak without joking, he owns the local and very successful pet cemetery. Marcie, Dick's sister appears to be the only stable member of the family.
Paul himself, open and sensitive (but secretly gay, for even he has a few harbors a few mysteries), is a very fine looking Australian hunk and is an instant success with everyone he meet; his devotion to running despite his handicap impress all. When he and Carson are first introduced it is clear there is a special connection, and Carson (Uncle Carse) becomes a special attraction for Paul, in turn Carson's interest in Paul proves he is not as self-centered and insensitive as he makes out.« less