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Occupational Hazards #1
Scoop (Occupational Hazards, Book 1) by Rene Gutteridge
From Book 1: And now back to our regularly scheduled insanity.Channel 7 news producer Hugo Talley dreams of working with first-class professionals. Instead he’s saddled with a weatherman who can’t admit when he’s wrong, an aging anchorwoman who refuses to release her clawlike grip on the newsdesk, a conscience-stricken reporter who’s reluctant to focus on sensationalism, and a new assistant–former homeschool student Hayden Hazard–who can’t just seem to leave her faith outside the newsroom.When the Channel News 7 team inadvertently stumbles on a hot news story, Hugo is frantic to exploit this rare opportunity. But a series of crises–including a Botox disaster and the disappearance of a colleague–threatens to destroy his chance for ratings success and send him completely over the edge.Meanwhile Hayden’s presence is distracting at least two coworkers. Softspoken reporter Ray Duffey isn’t sure whether he’s attracted or frightened by her outspoken faith, while ego-driven Sam Leege is certain her naïve spiritual convictions will fall victim to his persuasive attentions.With their oddball antics and all-too-real foibles, this lovable cast of characters offers a hilarious look at the sometimes-unexpected effects of taking one’s faith boldly into the workplace.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Paperback
Published January 1, 1824
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About the author
Rene Gutteridge
44 books264 followersRene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 24, 2015
While the mystery was good and light-hearted, I didn't find the story to be very funny; the plot details seemed to be very serious. It was great for what it was, but, it wasn't quite what it was advertised as being.
June 16, 2018
Well, this book started off in an unusual way. The setting is the funeral of two clowns. I know, not funny, but it kind of was. You see, Percy and Lucy Hazard went on vacation and while there, they…died. It was an unfortunate accident involving a heart shaped hot tub and possibly a guitar player and an electrical cord involving mood lighting. Probably best not to know.
Now, to the clown part. Percy and Lucy Hazard formed a successful family business as performing clowns and each of their 5 children was involved in its success. They performed for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions…any event that was in need of clowns. But upon the death of Percy and Lucy, Mitch, the eldest child announces that the business is now dissolved—Mitch has sold the ownership and his best explanation is that the business put food on the table out of necessity when both parents lost their jobs. They home schooled their children and perhaps sheltered them, but they also gave them lessons to be able to not just survive, but to thrive on their own. It is time for each child to move forward and see what they could accomplish out on their own.
Fast forward to 5 years later and Hayden Hazard is working as an assistant at a television news station. She is easy going, competent, cool and calm, and efficient. The trouble is, she believes in God and the faith in which she was raised is not something she can contain. She has no qualms about praying for her coworkers or suggesting that they trust more in God and stop worrying about the “what ifs”. This makes people uncomfortable, especially her boss. The news business is extremely stressful and there is always something to worry about it and his little blue pills don’t seem to be helping. He doesn’t need prayer. He needs a stronger medication! Look! Just look at all the things going wrong!
I wasn’t really attached to this story at the beginning, but I wanted to see where it was going to go. Once things started happening, I didn’t want to stop reading.
There is mystery, romance, danger, animosity, loyalty…and of course, prayer and faith. It had it all. From news stories about neighborhood pigs, to pressure on a news anchor to have some “work done” to take off the years, to failed weather reports, to problems within a marriage…and Hayden, calm, sweet Hayden is always in the middle of the chaos.
I noticed that this was published in 2007, but it was such a timely read. Dealing with “sweeps week” in television ratings, distorted facts given to present news in the way the reporter wants it to be interpreted, the desire to create scandalous headline stories, and the desperation to be the first to report a story, true or not, just smacks of today’s news. There came a time in this story when following one’s own instincts, morals and consciences would become the pivotal decision. What will the station director decide? Maybe, just maybe, taking Hayden’s advice is the way to go.
Needless to say, I became attached to the story and the key characters, and of course, Hayden. I noticed that this is #1 of Occupational Hazards books, so I am guessing that the other siblings will be highlighted in the books following this one. I think I’d like to read more!
Now, to the clown part. Percy and Lucy Hazard formed a successful family business as performing clowns and each of their 5 children was involved in its success. They performed for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions…any event that was in need of clowns. But upon the death of Percy and Lucy, Mitch, the eldest child announces that the business is now dissolved—Mitch has sold the ownership and his best explanation is that the business put food on the table out of necessity when both parents lost their jobs. They home schooled their children and perhaps sheltered them, but they also gave them lessons to be able to not just survive, but to thrive on their own. It is time for each child to move forward and see what they could accomplish out on their own.
Fast forward to 5 years later and Hayden Hazard is working as an assistant at a television news station. She is easy going, competent, cool and calm, and efficient. The trouble is, she believes in God and the faith in which she was raised is not something she can contain. She has no qualms about praying for her coworkers or suggesting that they trust more in God and stop worrying about the “what ifs”. This makes people uncomfortable, especially her boss. The news business is extremely stressful and there is always something to worry about it and his little blue pills don’t seem to be helping. He doesn’t need prayer. He needs a stronger medication! Look! Just look at all the things going wrong!
I wasn’t really attached to this story at the beginning, but I wanted to see where it was going to go. Once things started happening, I didn’t want to stop reading.
There is mystery, romance, danger, animosity, loyalty…and of course, prayer and faith. It had it all. From news stories about neighborhood pigs, to pressure on a news anchor to have some “work done” to take off the years, to failed weather reports, to problems within a marriage…and Hayden, calm, sweet Hayden is always in the middle of the chaos.
I noticed that this was published in 2007, but it was such a timely read. Dealing with “sweeps week” in television ratings, distorted facts given to present news in the way the reporter wants it to be interpreted, the desire to create scandalous headline stories, and the desperation to be the first to report a story, true or not, just smacks of today’s news. There came a time in this story when following one’s own instincts, morals and consciences would become the pivotal decision. What will the station director decide? Maybe, just maybe, taking Hayden’s advice is the way to go.
Needless to say, I became attached to the story and the key characters, and of course, Hayden. I noticed that this is #1 of Occupational Hazards books, so I am guessing that the other siblings will be highlighted in the books following this one. I think I’d like to read more!
February 6, 2009
The Occupational Hazards series gets its name from the seven Hazard siblings, all homeschool students and veterans of their parents' family clown business. After their parents' untimely deaths, the family business is sold and the sheltered Hazards are each forced to make their own way in the world, sans the clown masks. Scoop picks up five years after the deaths of the Hazard parents and centers on daughter Hayden and her job as an assistant to Channel 7 News producer Hugo Talley. In a station filled with a stressed producer worried over sagging ratings and the state of his marriage, a control freak anchorwoman experimenting with Botox, and a weatherman focused more on his image than actual weather fronts, Hayden stands out as an island of calm in a sea of chaos. When the local sewage plant explodes, Ray - a reporter who struggles to balance his desire to report news that matters with the constant demand for sensationalism and "fluff" - has to juggle his undercover investigation with an increasingly undeniable attraction to Hayden.
For someone whose name lends itself to the series title, Hayden Hazard is characterized not so much by her actions and point of view, but by how she is perceived by others. This is at once the main strength and as well as weakness of the novel. The book works well because of the engaging, funny, and very real group of characters with which Gutteridge populates her fictional news station. However, while Hayden is the supposed "center" of the book, Gutteridge chooses to reveal the bulk of her character, feelings, and emotions through the perceptions of other characters. Hayden never really grows in this book; instead, she exists as a rather flat, but nice, touchstone the rest of the characters revolve around.
I started reading Scoop expecting a novel centered on one character and their experiences, similar to Gutteridge's previous release this year, the fabulous My Life as a Doormat. Instead, what I discovered, much to my surprise, was a quirky ensemble story that made me feel like I was reading about the characters that populated the newsroom of the Mary Tyler Moore show. On that front, Scoop succeeds splendidly as a fast-paced, engaging read full of Gutteridge's trademark dry humor and lovable characters. The only drawback is that Hayden has a tendency to come across as one-dimensional and cardboard, something of a caricature of a homeschool student that doesn't ring true and can be rather annoying. The book is saved by Gutteridge's strong plotting, snappy dialogue, sense of humor, and ability to create characters (Hayden aside) that are quirky and funny and feel genuine as well as relatable.
For someone whose name lends itself to the series title, Hayden Hazard is characterized not so much by her actions and point of view, but by how she is perceived by others. This is at once the main strength and as well as weakness of the novel. The book works well because of the engaging, funny, and very real group of characters with which Gutteridge populates her fictional news station. However, while Hayden is the supposed "center" of the book, Gutteridge chooses to reveal the bulk of her character, feelings, and emotions through the perceptions of other characters. Hayden never really grows in this book; instead, she exists as a rather flat, but nice, touchstone the rest of the characters revolve around.
I started reading Scoop expecting a novel centered on one character and their experiences, similar to Gutteridge's previous release this year, the fabulous My Life as a Doormat. Instead, what I discovered, much to my surprise, was a quirky ensemble story that made me feel like I was reading about the characters that populated the newsroom of the Mary Tyler Moore show. On that front, Scoop succeeds splendidly as a fast-paced, engaging read full of Gutteridge's trademark dry humor and lovable characters. The only drawback is that Hayden has a tendency to come across as one-dimensional and cardboard, something of a caricature of a homeschool student that doesn't ring true and can be rather annoying. The book is saved by Gutteridge's strong plotting, snappy dialogue, sense of humor, and ability to create characters (Hayden aside) that are quirky and funny and feel genuine as well as relatable.
April 2, 2014
A little mystery, a little romance, and a lot of fun, Scoop is the first book in Gutteridge's Occupational Hazards series, which chronicles the lives of the Hazard brothers and sisters after the tragic death of their parents. Once a troupe of clowns, the Hazards are left to make it on their own while battling for the strong faith their parents left them. Hayden's story in Scoop will make you laugh out loud and want to read more.
February 9, 2010
I have to say this wasn't my favorite story simply because I wasn't that "into" the heroine. She seemed a little too perfect, too naive to me, and she wasn't what I would call an endearing character--at least not to me.
But, if you can beyond the heroine's lack of dimension or "realness," the rest of the story is good. The other characters seem well concocted, and the mystery is good.
But, if you can beyond the heroine's lack of dimension or "realness," the rest of the story is good. The other characters seem well concocted, and the mystery is good.
August 27, 2010
It was a fun read. You could relate to the characters and could find somebody you know in almost all of them. The quirky characters are a trademark of the Rene Gutteridge books that I've read and I like that it makes the book fun to read and not want to put down. They are quick reads as well.
July 25, 2020
Because I have a journalism degree and have been a newspaper reporter, I could absolutely identify with the various news occupations at a local TV station. While the book was an easy read and I enjoyed the story line, I felt that the writing was geared more to young adults. I laughed out loud a few times and then thought the book could be the basis for a made-for-TV movie. Each character was quirky in his or her own way and great casting would be key. This book was definitely a beach read, but there were life lessons sprinkled throughout, reminders of how we should treat one another — especially during times of crisis like the coronavirus pandemic we find ourselves in right now. I would be interested to read another in Rene Gutteridge's "Occupational Hazards" series. Interesting concept.
January 28, 2018
This has become my favorite Christian fiction book! To see Hayden actively walk out her faith was a great reminder for me on how being a Christian in these modern times should look like. Ray's aspiration and admiration of Hayden are beautiful. I also enjoyed the fact that they took their time when dating. They were both on the same page when it came to how fast they wanted to get to know each other.
All together I loved this book and it's going on my shelf as one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. I can't wait to continue this series and will be looking for more inspirational works from Rene Gutteridge in the future.
All together I loved this book and it's going on my shelf as one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. I can't wait to continue this series and will be looking for more inspirational works from Rene Gutteridge in the future.
January 8, 2022
It drags and I'm confused where the side splitting hilalrious bits are . not very funny just boring with religion/prayer mentioned every 5 minutes
I was looking for a humorous novel not some.religious ramble. This does NOT BELONG in the humor category.
It is also way too long ..1/3 Shorter maybe then it would of flowed.
Hugo is the only onde with character developed and I can't stand Hayden she's annoying and has zero personality beyond babbling about praying every page .Why ray wanted her boggles the mind .
PS its written very childish as if for a preteen nkt adults.
waste of time
I was looking for a humorous novel not some.religious ramble. This does NOT BELONG in the humor category.
It is also way too long ..1/3 Shorter maybe then it would of flowed.
Hugo is the only onde with character developed and I can't stand Hayden she's annoying and has zero personality beyond babbling about praying every page .Why ray wanted her boggles the mind .
PS its written very childish as if for a preteen nkt adults.
waste of time
January 7, 2019
I liked the news part of this book. I thought the mystery was kind of decent. As a Christian, I didn't mind the Christianity. What bugged me about this book is the perpetuation of antiquated ideas. I'm not sure if I'll read another book in the series.
December 28, 2022
I thought this book was much better than Skid. Which left a tonne unresolved. The quirkiness of the hazard family was on full display in the book. Hayden is a lovely character that you cant help but root for. The chaotic newsroom only lends to her personalilty. Thourougly enjoyable read
January 1, 2020
The strongest of the OH series, with lots of fun, laughter and good, clean reading. Great series, waiting for 4-6!
January 10, 2020
Um...this was a strange book.
October 8, 2020
Sometimes sweet sometimes sap. I wish that bad people had not tainted faith for me, for then the characters might seem have seemed so forced to me
July 7, 2024
More like 2-1/2.
Read
September 4, 2007hugo and his coworkers at a news station are in a fight for better ratings. they think the solution is to change the look of their aging evening anchor. they send her to get a botox treatment, but this backfires when her permant happy expression clashes with the tragic news she is delivering. this is just one of the things that is driving the boss, hugo, to anti-anxiety medication. but then the station seems to get a break when ray the reporter is attacked on the air. as events unfold, one person seems to keep her calm no matter how crazy things get. that person is hayden hazard, whose homeschooled christian background sometimes grates against her coworkers. but she may be able to teach them a thing or two about what's really important.
February 8, 2008
About a crazy TV newsroom with a new, homeschooled, Christian assistant. This was a fun, fast read. I did have a few problems with it: much is made of the boss being on unnecessary (for him) anti-anxiety meds, giving the impression that anxiety is always fully controllable without them, if you just trust God (ahah NO); the homeschooled assistant is a little too popular-beauty-standards Pretty (blonde hair, blue eyes, tanned); and the last chapter was fairly gratuitous Let's-Pair-These-Crazy-Kids-Up fare, a la the epilogue of Deathly Hallows. BUT it was still a blast to read, and the mystery was kind of fun to try to figure out. I like it enough to try the next book in this series, Snitch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2008
I got about 1/3 into this book and was pretty impressed. I'm not usually a fan of Christian fiction, but this seemed to be a pretty good read. I put it down for about a week and when I came back to it I had forgotten the characters and didn't feel like getting back into it. So while it didn't grab me (or at least not enough to hold on to me, obviously) it wasn't bad. I may go back to it later, but not now.
December 3, 2009
A fun read! News Channel 7 is shaken up by a disappearance and other mysterious events involving both friends and enemies. I enjoyed the ensemble cast, although the author's choice of making a series about the Hazard family but not making a Hazard a main character in the first book was puzzling. Being a homeschool graduate myself, I look forward to more adventures with this unique family!
July 12, 2010
An enjoyable read that turned out to have a little mystery at its center. After this introduction to both author Rene Gutteridge and the Hazard sibling characters, I'm looking forward to reading more. And the inside-a-newsroom story was a fun bonus -- pieces of those people reminded me of coworkers I've known!
July 2, 2011
I picked this up because the title (and cover) reminded me of some Carl Heissen books I've been reading, that could be why it reminded me so much of his. I really liked this story. Not life-changing by any means, but a really fun book to just have laying around to read when I was bored. I really liked it.
July 3, 2011
This was an easy read... finished it in one day.
There were some entertaining parts and parts that could have been great, but I didn't like the ending and that was a bummer. I believe there are more books in this series so there is potential for my mind to be changed just because I did enjoy the characters so much.
There were some entertaining parts and parts that could have been great, but I didn't like the ending and that was a bummer. I believe there are more books in this series so there is potential for my mind to be changed just because I did enjoy the characters so much.
August 8, 2019
This book is breathtaking and absolutely hilarious. Seriously, it does not disappoint. Although the book's involvement with Christianity tips me off a bit, and the heroine annoys me sometimes, it's a good read and I seriously recommend it to you all. The mystery part of the book will get you hooked, and the comedy will leave you laughing out loud (I am not kidding at all.) Kudos to the author.
August 22, 2007
I found it really hard to get interested in this book. By Chapter 14, it STILL hadn't hooked me, but I would make myself read just one chapter at a time. Finally finished it, but I don't think I'd re-read it anytime in the near future.
April 2, 2011
Really wanna give like 3.25-3.5, it was cute, real easy, non thinking kind of read.I will read the rest of the series, it wont be first on my to read list, but it is worth reading the rest. Hayden was a bit annoying, but not so much that I was not going to finish it just because of her.
July 4, 2011
I actually only got to page 101 of this book. It was decent, but I think my tastes in books have changed. This book didn't have enough action or intrigue for me. I was disappointed that I didn't want to finish it since I loved Boo so well.
July 23, 2012
This is the second book I've read by this author, and her books seem quite fun. It only got three stars because, while I did like it, there wasn't anything particularly spectacular about it. Except for one line: "She's not in a cult. She was homeschooled." Fantastic.
September 23, 2012
This book was fun. The whole series is about a group of young adults who grew up in a family of clowns. Literally. This first story was about Hayden, who is young and almost naive, but is also a really strong Christian who isn't ashamed of her faith.
March 7, 2014
Oh my.
I have no idea why this was on my to read list but it had been there since 2008!
The best I can say is that it did entertain me, but it is not my typical book at all and that my favorite part may have been moving it from that ever growing "to read" list to the "read" column.
I have no idea why this was on my to read list but it had been there since 2008!
The best I can say is that it did entertain me, but it is not my typical book at all and that my favorite part may have been moving it from that ever growing "to read" list to the "read" column.
June 4, 2014
Parts of this book were laugh out loud funny, but the "mystery" was predictable. Also the "you need God, not anti anxiety meds" bit was incredibly obnoxious. Especially for someone who takes said meds, and am a better follower of Christ for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews