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Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope

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In 2008, Kevin Matthews, a well-known ABC and CBS radio personality in Chicago, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As the drive-time radio host for seventeen years and also the voice of his sports commentator, Jim Shorts, and other characters, Matthews entertained ten million listeners weekly, sold out every appearance in the Midwest, and performed in front of 65,000 fans at Grant Park. He traveled around the world, met the famous, had babies named after him, and helped countless charities. He entertained hundreds of thousands of people inside prisons, army bases, and backyards. His promotions included comedy jams, a band, barbeque throw downs, and golf outings.

Broken Mary is Matthews' story of his early years in radio and stand-up comedy, his successful career, his struggle with MS, his awakening to the dignity of women, and, importantly, his chance encounter with a broken statue of Mary left next to a dumpster and all that happened as a result. Told with Matthews' signature good humor, this confession of the brokenness of mankind is touchingly honest, personally inspiring, and full of hope.

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2016

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About the author

Kevin Matthews

38 books6 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

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5 stars
186 (41%)
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148 (32%)
3 stars
93 (20%)
2 stars
22 (4%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Jeanette.
4,091 reviews838 followers
September 20, 2016
Liking to listen to this author for years when he was a DJ on WLS AM 89- I was interested in reading his book.

His alter ego character, Jim Shorts, was MUCH funnier in comments and in voice style on air back then than the character who writes that he is Jim Shorts within this memoir.

It's not an autobiography, although it tries to be. It's far too scattered and hasn't the detail of depth- it's more like a life outline by dates. His childhood especially in MI- within Pontiac or Grand Rapids! All of those years sound like it was always and continually within hard and changing neighborhoods during which he sounded endlessly scared. Always talking to himself as "the alien" for some security while he did the "school walk". I know how that feels, but this was NOT written in a thorough logical, chronological, or context sense for those facts of "security" to really connect for all the possible readers who have lived in cozy or more secure environments. His childhood house sold for $2500 eventually, and not that long ago. Mine was GIVEN away. And that poor man who took it -tried three times (fixing the burnt out front doors and the entire ground level from the studs out) before it was burnt down entirely and he gave up and left, as well.

The trouble with this book, is that the entire Broken Mary statue dumpster find occurrence, his illness progressions and changes, and the ultimate Rosary practice for the Pilgrim Mary will not be understood for most wide audiences, IMHO, from the way it is written. Not for those who are not Roman Catholic. And if they do understand it, they will find it extremely difficult to follow. It's jumpy, emotional. And yet at the same time poorly worded.

Yes, we had a traveling Madonna Mary that established which house held the Rosary prayer session of that weekday night. Our night was always Thursday. His seems to travel on a wider stage than in just a neighborhood or two.

Good subject matter intent, terrible disease- MS. Lot's of grief and also strength in faith. But very poorly structured language in this book. Not a good non-fiction account for the history of this man's DJ years at all.

His radio programs were much better than this book suggests, but on occasion I also thought Jim Shorts obnoxious on line too. Some of his copy here jumps to corniness and insult humor. Of the type more immortalized by the Three Stooges. I detest that silliness mixed with stupidity passing as humor. Others don't seem to agree.

He should have gotten a better editor than the Sister.

1 review
March 6, 2018
It takes me a long time to get through a book. I read this in one morning. I've been a Kev Head since the 80's. I saw Kevin Mathews at St. Juliana Parish Sunday. It was the best time I've had in a Church. Bought the book. It gives hope to a country that politics cannot fix. I have always viewed religious epiphanies with skepticism. I don't know Kevin, but having heard the great radio he has done, I know how much talent and intelligence he has. I believe every word in the book. Kevin Mathews never worked at WLS-AM89. He points that out in the book. I can also vouch for that with my memory as a Kev Head which is still largely in-tact.
Profile Image for Carole.
281 reviews10 followers
August 23, 2016
You don't have to be or have been a listener and fan of broadcasting legend Kevin Matthews to appreciate this book. This is more than an autobiography about his many years as a radio personality. As a matter of fact he skims over most of those details, though I wouldn't mind hearing more stories about his life on the radio. (You have another book in you Kevin.) It's not really even a story about his life, although he does let you into a bit of his life explaining some things I never knew about him that shaped the man he is today. This is a story about having Faith in something bigger than you are. This is a story about allowing Faith into your life and giving yourself to It. This is a story about finding a broken statue of Mary, making a promise to Her, honoring that promise to Her, and watching that promise perform miracles of Peace, Comfort, and Faith for you and others who just have to ask Mary for intercession. I was deeply moved by this book and I can only pray I will be a better person because of it.
Profile Image for Helen.
337 reviews18 followers
September 26, 2025
I listened to this in the author’s own voice, since I had never heard of him. Apparently he was a renown drive-time radio personality in the Chicago and Midwest area. He’d had a pretty colorful personal life. This is the story of his reconciliation to his faith life and his spiritual awakening. I had to wipe away tears. It’s a beautiful story. I recommend the audio version as he has a great voice, being his career was in radio.
Profile Image for Rana.
43 reviews
March 9, 2021
4.3...
Makes me want to plan a trip to Queen of Heaven cemetery in Chicago and St. Anthony church in Grand Rapids 🙏🙏🙏
14 reviews
June 6, 2019
If you’re down and out feeling sorry for yourself or if you just want to be lifted up you must read this book. Kevin Matthews was one of my favorite radio personalities in Chicago in the late 80s and early early 90s this book marks his struggles with MS but it is a journey of faith strong faith. This is one of my favorite books I’ll probably read it again.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
Author 8 books83 followers
July 26, 2024
As a long time Kevhead, I was excited to read this book. I honestly do not like talk radio, because when I'm in my car I need to listen to music. The only time I ever listened to talk radio was when Kevin Matthews was on the air; I would spend my entire drive to work crying because I was laughing so hard. Between Kevin, Duji with her shopping cart, Jim Shorts and the long list of memorable characters, it was the best entertainment on public radio. It was truly a sad time in Chicago when we lost the ability to turn to Kevin for that morning boost to start our day. Matthews writes a book about love and brokenness, but mostly about faith. The story of Broken Mary is inspiring and moving, and has the ability to renew your faith in miracles and in God. Whether you're a fan of Kevin Matthews or need a lesson in humility and keeping the faith, this is definitely the book for you. It can easily be read in one sitting and you will come away with renewed hope and a feeling of peace in your own life.

Side note: It is Kevin Matthews who started the "FREE BIRD" concert shouting movement as a dare on his radio show. I don't know that a lot of people know or remember that, but it's worth mentioning.

Some of my favorite passages from the book:

"I turned my head, looking at her from the big rear window. She just stared, and my dad sped up, covering the child in a cloud of dust, gravel spraying her like buckshot from a shotgun."

"My faith in Jesus is what kept me alive, and my wife and children. Suicide is not a solution. I kept thinking of my Navy SEAL friends: 'Ring the bell. Pain is temporary; quitting is forever.'"

"The sense of duty did not scare me, but rather directed me as I stood above the broken statue of the blessed mother of Jesus littered with trash, tired and helpless."

"That is your circle of life. Anything you bring into that circle is your responsibility. It is better to say no than to say yes to everything."
Profile Image for Walter.
339 reviews29 followers
March 23, 2020
Broken Mary is a quasi-autobiographical work by Kevin Matthews, a radio personality in the Midwest for about 25 years between the mid-1980s and around 2010. The interesting thing about this book is that, despite its being written by a famous radio personality, the book is not about the radio business, although Matthews discusses his radio career for much of the first half of the book. In fact, the book is largely about Matthews relationship with Christ, and this is fascinating because Kevin Matthews is not at all known as a religious man. It would be as if Howard Stern wrote a book about his practice of Orthodox Judaism.

This book is really not all that bad, although the writing is not professional. The focus of the writing wanders and there are places where Matthews cuts in and out with his radio characters' conversations, which works well in radio but not so well in literature. The quality of the book got noticeably better toward the end, I believe because Matthew was much more passionate in discussing Broken Mary than he is in discussing his career. Matthews is not a professional writer and it is a shame that he didn't get more help from professional writers in preparing his manuscript, because with some refinement this book could be great. Unfortunately, the quality of the writing is around the level of a high school essay rather than a professional work of literature.

Still, the discussion of "Broken Mary" is very moving. This is a wonderful discussion of redemption and love. For those of us who like a good story of conversion and redemption, this one is definitely worth reading. It is not very long and won't take you very long to finish it. It's definitely worth an evening's reading time.
Profile Image for Coleen.
1,022 reviews53 followers
May 31, 2021
One thing to understand about this book is that it is really two books - in my opinion, of course. The first one is the author, Kevin Matthews, as a radio announcer, and his various gigs on the side, as well as his changes of radio contracts and employment. The second is the story of a broken statue. Not just any statue but one of the Blessed Virgin Mary that Kevin found in weeds next to a dumpster. Hence the name of the book. The two 'books' fit together -- but don't blink your eyes while you are reading or you might miss something important.

If there was one complaint that I had about the book, it was that there was not enough of it. Either the first half or the second. I wanted MORE. I had questions and I wanted them answered. By the author. Kevin is lucky that I have not written to him with a list of questions that I wanted answered.
But as with most authors and most books, he had the privilege of writing what he wanted to write and left it for the reader to fill in the rest.

And I am sure that almost all of the readers of this book will be able to figure it out.
603 reviews
April 5, 2021
An inspirational story of man's faith journey. I was familiar with Kevin Matthews from his time in Chicago as a rock DJ, but never knew he was a practicing Catholic or how important his faith life is to him. As he recounts his childhood, days as a DJ along with the many of the trials he has faced, he explains how his religion has been a part of his life. He encourages readers to remember that to be human is to be broken, and we are all broken in some way, but the Blessed Mother is always there for you.

Since I have lived in the Chicago area all my life, and also have relatives in the Grand Rapids area (the two main settings for his story), it was also interesting to read a book taking place in places I am familiar with. A friend lent me this book a while back, but it took me a long time to sit down to read it. I set a goal to finish it during Lent, and almost made it, finished on Easter Sunday.
Profile Image for Susan.
897 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2020
Vicki Fuller gifted this book to me when I was going through chemo. It is a story of hope and faith. I had heard of Kevin Matthews, but did not remember exactly who he was. He is actually from West Michigan, and for many years was a superstar in the field of radio. He achieved many awards and accolades from colleagues and others in the world. I found the parts he wrote about his friends in the Native American community to be most interesting and reassuring. Kevin had a wide variety of friends. He is married with two children whom he loves dearly. Clearly, he made many sacrifices for his career, but the biggest point he makes is how important his faith is to him. Kevin was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and is challenged completely. He tells the story of Broken Mary, and it is an inspirational one. Since she is just over in Grand Rapids, I would love to go seeher sometime.
9 reviews
September 10, 2025
Growing up in the Chicagoland area I listened to Kevin Matthews religiously throughout high school and beyond, something about his humility and humor drew me in. I was saddened when he was no longer a local staple. I stumbled upon this book via a fellow Catholic. She said it’s the first time she’s read a book in a single day, that’s how captivating of a read it was. I decided to bring it to adoration with me, spending an hour once a week learning about how Mary transformed Kevin’s life in unexpected ways. I was blown away by his eagerness and willingness to let Mary take over his life. While Kevin is a master story teller, the heart of this is Mary, and how broken we all presume ourselves to be but with faith and love, we too can be fixed, almost.
Profile Image for Derek Emerson.
384 reviews23 followers
October 21, 2018
Kevin Matthews is a good soul who made an effort to reach out to us and our youngest son as he battled cancer. He and Father Mark visited in the hospital, attended a fundraising event with us for DeVos Children's Hospital, and he often spoke with us on the phone. Ultimately, my son ended up in his niece's Broken Mary project for ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. His little hands, complete with hospital wristband, wrapping around Mary. My son eventually passed away just weeks shy of his 7th birthday, but we always appreciated Kevin's support.

This is a book written with a strong heart and a love of God. You can hear Kevin's pain and hope. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Beth Turello.
113 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2022
3.5 stars — Kevin’s story is one I think should be shared and can be truly beneficial to people! His conversion is nothing short of miraculous. However, I don’t think I’m necessarily the intended audience for this, which I recognize. While I could relate to his faith and found his journey beautiful (particularly his experience at the foot of the Cross), I’m too young to be a “kevhead” plus, even if I was old enough, I don’t think the humor is my taste. My main issue with this book was the formatting — I found the narrative structure to be jumbled and therefore confusing at times. Overall, I’d definitely give this book a read though as Kevin’s story is one of importance!
Profile Image for BreeAdoresReading.
77 reviews28 followers
September 7, 2025
Hope, Faith & Laughter!

This is a book filled with faith, hope and knee slapping laughter. It's written by a man that will cause you to laugh out loud as he recounts some of the funniest stories in his radio career and it will inspire you to pray and guide you to the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary during some of the darkest moments in his life. One thing Kevin Matthews says in his book is that “there are no coincidences” and for me, that's definitely true. It was meant for me to read this book and I'm so glad I did because it's made me fall more in love with Mary and her son, Jesus! Thank you Kevin for telling your story. It truly blessed me. Ave Maria! 🙂
2 reviews
November 4, 2025
This book is an interesting story; especially if you listened to Kevin Matthews, when he really was on top, #1 in Chicago radio. Creative guy that Kevin. All that aside, Kevin is human, like all of us, with all of life’s attendant problems and fragilities. Kevin tells his life story here.

We live in a messed-up world today. Much of it is due to lack of faith, traditional values and broken families. Broken Mary is a solid analogy about how much we are all broken. And it suggests a path we can take to fixing our lives, and putting the broken parts solidly back together.

A simple book about a not-so-simple problem. Very easy read.
5 reviews
June 5, 2019
Great Book Great Read Heart Felt

I listened to Kevin Matthews when he was on WLS. Some of the best radio was the change order conversations between Jim Shorts and Cliff, (a character Gary created). This book is a picture into the life of Kevin Matthew. It is a look at a man of great faith who has over come by the Grace of God great physical issues of MS. If you are suffering read this! If you doubt read this! I am not a Catholic but have been blessed by reading Kevin’s journey.
1 review
November 7, 2020
Kevheads and Catholics should all read this!

I was a Kevhead (Kevin Matthews listener) for most of the 90's. For those not from Chicago, he was the funniest and most creative guy I've ever heard on the radio. I spent thousands of hours listening and laughing with him!

I came across a podcast with him and Corey Mann and it showed a side of Kevin I never knew. As a Catholic and Kevhead, this book covered both parts. His spiritual side came as a pleasant surprise to me. I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Laura Antonelli.
97 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2020
Having autoimmune disorders, I completely understand where Kevin Matthews struggles began. I also found many areas of the book which rang true for me. Both in the losses of a parent, in laws, etc., as well as changing careers from a secretary at a company I was at for several years, to where God apparently needed me more. Sitting at an organ and playing and singing for many Masses, Funerals, and Weddings, and spreading his word throughout our community.
Profile Image for Joan Aubele.
Author 2 books69 followers
November 10, 2020
What can I say, other than the fact that Mr. Matthews is a very talented man. This story is well written, and "Broken Mary" truly speaks to your heart. I love the message that there is hope for the broken, so much so that I'm recommending it to all my readers in my upcoming publication "Hearts Ablaze - The Ripples We Create."

Joan Aubele
Author of "The Dance - A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival"
191 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2025
Yes, we are all broken, and I appreciate Matthews sharing his own spiritual journey with such candor. I wanted to read even more! Perhaps more details of his radio career, family life, and the amazing people he has encountered will result in another book.
I know several people who have MS, and I am sure that Matthews will continue to increase awareness, and inspire those fighting this disease and the medical world seeking a cure.
1 review
March 28, 2018
Good read by my favorite radio personality

I always enjoyed listening to kev on the radio and looked forward to listening to him as I returned home from medical school and residency. He was wild and crazy, but I always had a feeling he was a Christian. So pleased to hear his story
863 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2018
My interest in this book was piqued by the author, a well known Chicagoland DJ. But it evolved into much more than his radio days...his upbringing, failures, accomplishments, faith, and journey with God. Kevin finds a purpose in life with a broken statue of Mary and we learn how faith influenced his life and his work to inspire others. A quick read which leaves you lots to think about.
Profile Image for Joey Preston.
38 reviews55 followers
April 14, 2020
What a wonderful read and a look into a person’s personal relationship with God. It is is a brief overview of Kevin Matthews’ life and a touching faith encounter. I appreciated his vulnerability and openness very much and his courage to learn more about his faith! God Bless him and thank you Mary for always guiding and comforting us!
Profile Image for Jane Trucksis.
30 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2020
I used to enjoy Kevin Matthews' radio show on the LOOP (WLUP) when they had that killer lineup of Jonathan Brandmeier in the morning, Kevin on at midday, and Steve and Garry at drive time. Kevin was very funny, but I always had the feeling that he had a few screws loose. Now I know my suspicion was correct. I sure am glad he kept all the Jesus talk to himself back then! Steve lost his edge after he quit drinking, but at least Brandmeier is still funny. As another reviewer said, you would never know how funny Kevin was on the radio from reading this book, wherein he comes off as nothing more than a half wit.
Profile Image for Dan B.
14 reviews
March 30, 2021
This was a quick read, it only took me a few hours to knock out. As a Catholic with MS, it was very helpful to read about someone who went through an extremely similar diagnosis experience as I did, and how faith carried him through. I only give it four stars because I felt like some of the native American spirituality didn't quite mesh with a Catholic outlook but that's a very minor issue.
6 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2021
This is a great book for two groups of people...Catholics and Kev Heads. Yes, this is THAT Kevin Matthews of Chicago radio fame. I lost "touch" with Kevin once he left the air in Chicago and had no ideas of the struggles he went through shortly thereafter. His Catholic faith has gotten him through his struggles with MS as well as unemployment. This is a fast and inspirational read.
Profile Image for Maureen Neylon.
980 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2022
3.5 stars. I never followed Kevin Mathews although he was a big radio personality in Chicago. My image of him is a big party frat guy. This book brings a different side of him in to focus. Interesting, he is passionate about his faith and the role of faith and spirituality in his life. I like the visual and story of the broken statue - relating to all of us who are broken in some way.
Profile Image for Bookchick.
70 reviews18 followers
October 7, 2025
I liked when the author talked about Broken Mary, but the rest of the book (the vast majority of it) was scattered and filled with the author bragging about himself. Maybe the movie - coming out today - will be better edited...?
Regardless, I wish Kevin Matthews well in his journey with MS, and I hope Broken Mary brings comfort and healing to many people.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
9 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. It was so interesting to see the personal side of a familiar celebrity and how his faith influences his life and how he has been able to inspire so many others.
Very uplifting. Quick read too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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