River Road

by Charles Martin

I'm often asked about my childhood. How I grew up. Where. What informed me as a writer, man and child of God. Starting with some of my earliest memories, these are stories of that place in me. That kid in me. In here you will find honest admission of my mistakes, failures, successes. these are not fiction and this is not a novel. These stories are as true as I can remember. In these pages, you will hear the beginnings of my voice as a writer, the things that were troubling me — things I didn’t know how to voice out my mouth so they bubbled up and out my fingers. You will also hear my unshakable and childlike faith in a sovereign and good Heavenly Father. I wrote most all of these stories between my sophomore year in high school and my senior year in college so my temptation here and now was to edit them. To make them sound like me today, the writer I’ve become after almost thirty years with this keyboard on my lap. For the record, I have not done that. What you read today, is what I wrote then. (That doesn’t mean they’re sloppy. I’ve cleaned them up a bit.) But, as a result, you hear my early voice. And while it is ripe with mistakes and a wordiness long since edited out of me, there’s also an innocence and purity that I cherish. For those of you looking for my next novel, this is not it. But, it will give you insight into the novels you have read or might read. I’ve entitled them, “River Road,” because I grew up there. Because that hallowed ground along the St. Johns River holds a tender place in my heart. Because the valiant, sweaty kid I knew back then is still running around with Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn and he holds an absolute faith that fishing is a more noble pursuit than school, that he can play in the NFL, that men don’t die of hiccups, that he can still cat-walk his Schwin Mag Scrambler over sixty nine parking spaces, that swallowing Levi Garrett chewing tobacco won’t hurt him and that girls actually think it’s cool, that throwing tangerines at cars is good training for arm strength, that being a bully to a buddy hurt his heart, that a pellet to the gonads is excruciatingly painful, that when my praying mother hit her knees next to a wrecked car and bleeding man that she towered over the men around her, that forgiveness is the toughest thing that kid will ever offer another and that God can and will kill the devil. Enjoy.

Genres: Nonfiction

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2015

About the author

Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin

Reviews

[Bob Stouffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin is my favorite author!

It is amazing that most of this book was written by Charles Martin when he was in high school and college. At such a young age, he already had the gift of crafting narratives which enthrall an audience. I will read anything and everything that Charles Martin writes. You should, too.

[Dr. Steve Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Wise

Charles Martin has the rare ability to combine fun and wisdom in his writing. I was touched a great deal by the story of his grandfather, and the letter to his sons made me smile, as I reflected on similar advice about i-devices to our five girls.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVE Charles Martin novels!
This book is a compilation of his very early writings, about his life before and during his exploration of being an author. To be honest, it’s very readable but not the engaging narrative of his amazing novels.

[Judy Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved all of Charles Martin's books, so it was especially gratifying to learn more about his childhood and early writings. A good read indeed!

[Terry Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was when I started reading his book.

[Jim Scherl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Charles Martin ! I know this sounds weird since I’m only a reader of his books. I have read all his books a couple of times, Unwritten, being my favorite, but , I love them all. River Road really made me feel so close to Charles and his stories, because I can see where he got inspiration. He really makes living by the river in Jacksonville, sound like the perfect place to grow up and live. I can’t wait until his new book comes out. I definitely recommend all his stories. 👍

[William Keyser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonder trip down memory lane

I really like the stories but could have lived without the last two chapters. You should have taken your advice and cut cut cut!

The honest about a less than perfect life was refreshing. Taking responsibility for shortcomings and really important lessons learned.

Well worth the read except the last two chapters.

[Jerry B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin at his best

I genuinely loved how personal the author made the contents of this book. He shared his experiences growing up with loving parents. Near the end of this book he shared his rules relating to iPhones, iPads, and other personal devices, wish more parents could adopt the rules for their children.

[Hariot R. Lippmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book brought to light the story behind the scenes that make Charles Martin's books such great reading. He is a wonderful writer and tells amazing tales of everyday people. I have read every book he has written and recommend them to all my friends.

[Linda C SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where he comes from

This is an amazing collection of short stories.. I insisted my husband read several of the chapters thinking I was as blue to imagine how he was as a youngster. Another great publication by Mr. Martin.

[David N · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Heart

I loved and admired the author's honesty. I believe I know Charles Martin more as a friend rather than just a writer (a good one!) now after reading this memoir. His principles shine through his writing.

[Sheryl Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Backstory

I’ve read all or almost all of Charles Martin’s books. It’s great to read his beginning stories before he became an author. They were fun, interesting, and most of all tell so much about Charles as a youngster growing into adulthood and parenthood.

[Bonnie Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read nearly all of Charles Martin books. I love the way he pulls me into the story. I have a hard time putting down any of his books once I start reading. I love his characters, his values and how he tells each story. I enjoyed reading about his years growing up and his love of his family.

[RICHARD YAHN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it !

Especially, at the end...speaking to his sons...I wanted to shout Amen ! He is real and his books are real. Plan to read all his books.

[Stacey Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multiple short stories

Entertaining and simple lessons in life. It’s a nice picture of one of my authors and times experienced. Simple enjoyment

[Billie Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors. I loved this book about Jacksonville during his childhood.