The young man was raised to be a true believer in a faith community, one that did not accept the sciences of astronomy and physics, nor look kindly on secular arts. In Sally McMillan’s debut novel, “My Name Is Allen White,” readers follow that young man as he faces conflicts between his two worlds.
Allen White was born into a strict Seventh Day Adventist family. His father William White, a respected Adventist leader, was a direct descendent of church founder Ellen White. His mother Elizabeth, although also a staunch believer, awakened Allen’s interests. When he was celebrating his third birthday, Elizabeth took Allen outside and helped him trace lights from Sputnik through the night sky. Later she taught him to read music and took him to the public library where he met Miss Beverley. The helpful librarian directed Allen to books about science and music.
Allen spent after-school hours in the library and also at the Book and Bible House. He became friendly there with Brother Kovaks, the Hungarian shopkeeper, helping him stock shelves with Adventist approved foods: Cans of meat substitutes, boxes of Special K and jars of Postum, a cereal-based non-caffeinated hot drink that Adventists substitute for coffee. It was Brother Kovaks who encouraged Allen’s interest in photography and in taking pictures of the stars.
During his growing-up years, Allen followed a strict regime. His mother directed him to put pennies (later nickels) into the word jar for using inappropriate words or slang. His Adventist religion dictated dietary restrictions, observation of the Sabbath on Saturdays, nightly family worship and prayers, often ending with the words “Be Always Kind and True.”…