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A Million Doorways
Thirteen-year-old Ethan Brook is new to Rocky Creek, Kentucky, the town first introduced in the Southern Gothic novel Chips of Red Paint. Separated from his friends and mourning the tragic loss of his father, he feels isolated from all the things he has ever known and loved. But his outlook on life begins to change to one day when he takes a summer job working for the mysterious and eccentric Zelma Green. With nearly a century between them, he finds in her an unlikely kindred spirit. His new friend loves to tell stories about her life, taking him on a journey spanning over eighty years, from the happy days of her youth, a time of horse-drawn carriages, to the darkest moments of her life. But just as Ethan starts to settle and make peace with his new circumstances, he becomes shockingly aware of a soul-crushing deception in his life, a deception hidden away for years like the mummified body down in Zelma Green's cellar. As terrible secrets unfold, Ethan faces a decision: does he run, or does he stand and face the truth and his fears head on?
- GenresMysteryContemporary
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2016
271 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
K. Martin Beckner
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Biography
K. Martin Beckner is an Army veteran and a graduate of Western Kentucky University. He is a registered nurse who also has a degree in psychology with a minor in writing. He lives in Southern Kentucky, not far from Nashville, Tennessee. His family has lived in Kentucky longer than Kentucky has been a state. As a child he loved to listen to stories his grandparents told, and he now incorporates those stories into his writing. He is currently working on his next novel.
"Growing up, I loved to listen to stories my grandparents and great grandparents told. Though some of these stories seemed supernatural in nature, they were always told with the conviction of truth. Through their reflections of yesteryear, I learned that there is a lot more to life than what we can see and touch. There is an element of the unexplained, where the past is intertwined with the present and cannot be separated. In today’s world, with so many technological distractions, the mysteries of life often go unnoticed. Through my writing, I seek to preserve a vanishing way of life, a time when people sat under the stars at night, shared their life experiences, and really got to know one another."
Biography
K. Martin Beckner is an Army veteran and a graduate of Western Kentucky University. He is a registered nurse who also has a degree in psychology with a minor in writing. He lives in Southern Kentucky, not far from Nashville, Tennessee. His family has lived in Kentucky longer than Kentucky has been a state. As a child he loved to listen to stories his grandparents told, and he now incorporates those stories into his writing. He is currently working on his next novel.
"Growing up, I loved to listen to stories my grandparents and great grandparents told. Though some of these stories seemed supernatural in nature, they were always told with the conviction of truth. Through their reflections of yesteryear, I learned that there is a lot more to life than what we can see and touch. There is an element of the unexplained, where the past is intertwined with the present and cannot be separated. In today’s world, with so many technological distractions, the mysteries of life often go unnoticed. Through my writing, I seek to preserve a vanishing way of life, a time when people sat under the stars at night, shared their life experiences, and really got to know one another."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 25, 2016
This was one of the best books I have ever read. It kept me spell bound until the very end and left me wanting more. There are many lessons of life in this book. It is very entertaining as well as enlightening. I would recommend it for all ages.
May 12, 2017
A Little Strange
Interesting story but it's difficult to believe a 13 year old boy from Eastern Kentucky would be able to speak so perfectly or be able to express himself so well. Pretty unrealistic conversations.
Interesting story but it's difficult to believe a 13 year old boy from Eastern Kentucky would be able to speak so perfectly or be able to express himself so well. Pretty unrealistic conversations.
September 5, 2017
I liked the idea that the young boy became friends with the "eccentric old lady". The story had a good base. The dialogue, however, made it difficult for me to read as the teenagers conversational style wasn't natural, and most of the book consisted of conversations.
June 21, 2017
Just a little better than "Chips of Red Paint" but not much....guess he is off my reading list
Want to read
August 25, 2019EReaders
June 18, 2017
A story of life
Great well written read. Author brought the story alive! Must read if you are a fan of southern life and tales that span the decades.
Great well written read. Author brought the story alive! Must read if you are a fan of southern life and tales that span the decades.
May 8, 2017
Beautifully written wonderful suspense.
This is the best book I've read in a while. I could hardly out it down as I just had to know what happened next.
This is the best book I've read in a while. I could hardly out it down as I just had to know what happened next.
December 7, 2017
The grammar in this book is horrific. Was there no editor?
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May 4, 2020A Million Doorways
Captivating story about a thirteen year old boy named Ethan who moves to another town after the death of his father in the coal mines in Tennessee. He hates the town at first, away from his friends and his father's family. His mom gets him a job working for an elderly yet spry woman, Zelma, doing chores around the house, yard work, and washing her car. They develop a friendship as she tells him the story of her life, which he finds fascinating. He seems to be a bit of an old soul, comfortable talking to older adults and soaking up their knowledge and history. The one person he doesn't care for is Clara, Zelma's live in secretary/maid. Clara is a cold, uncaring woman who treats Ethan with disdain. Ethan and Zelma create a bond, sharing some mild paranormal gifts. Ethan also makes friends with Cynthia and Daniel, kids his own age and decides he actually likes the town. He soon gets some devastating news that makes him question everything, including his will to live, and runs away to Zelma's childhood home outside of town and nearly dies. Secrets are eventually unearthed and he finds a new, surprising friend. This is a warm yet thrilling story about how people's perceptions of things can change and wisdom shared. A boy's journey through hard times, good times, and friendships with young and old, as well as his relationship with his mom. The conversations are a little off, especially between the kids (they sound too adult at times, stiff and formal) but it's a good read and well worth the time. Good world building and characters it's easy to care about. A good page turner with a story inside a story.
Captivating story about a thirteen year old boy named Ethan who moves to another town after the death of his father in the coal mines in Tennessee. He hates the town at first, away from his friends and his father's family. His mom gets him a job working for an elderly yet spry woman, Zelma, doing chores around the house, yard work, and washing her car. They develop a friendship as she tells him the story of her life, which he finds fascinating. He seems to be a bit of an old soul, comfortable talking to older adults and soaking up their knowledge and history. The one person he doesn't care for is Clara, Zelma's live in secretary/maid. Clara is a cold, uncaring woman who treats Ethan with disdain. Ethan and Zelma create a bond, sharing some mild paranormal gifts. Ethan also makes friends with Cynthia and Daniel, kids his own age and decides he actually likes the town. He soon gets some devastating news that makes him question everything, including his will to live, and runs away to Zelma's childhood home outside of town and nearly dies. Secrets are eventually unearthed and he finds a new, surprising friend. This is a warm yet thrilling story about how people's perceptions of things can change and wisdom shared. A boy's journey through hard times, good times, and friendships with young and old, as well as his relationship with his mom. The conversations are a little off, especially between the kids (they sound too adult at times, stiff and formal) but it's a good read and well worth the time. Good world building and characters it's easy to care about. A good page turner with a story inside a story.
May 8, 2019
Editing or Intent?
The voice of the author seems to take on the vernacular of a southern tween. The story centers on Zelma Green and the young helper she hires to aid her in maintaining her rather large house. Of course there was a mystery within. But this either needed a fair amount of editing or it was the authors intent to tell the story in the voice of a10 year old, though the young man in question was on the cusp on his 14th birthday.
His last book. Red Chips of Paint had a similar voice so I'm leaning toward intent and writing style. But it is that bit of confusion that earned it 4 stars instead of 5.
The voice of the author seems to take on the vernacular of a southern tween. The story centers on Zelma Green and the young helper she hires to aid her in maintaining her rather large house. Of course there was a mystery within. But this either needed a fair amount of editing or it was the authors intent to tell the story in the voice of a10 year old, though the young man in question was on the cusp on his 14th birthday.
His last book. Red Chips of Paint had a similar voice so I'm leaning toward intent and writing style. But it is that bit of confusion that earned it 4 stars instead of 5.
February 1, 2018
I love K. Martin Beckner's style!
This is the second stand alone book in this series. You can read the books in any order, though since they don't depend on one another and take place at the same time. I love feeling like a kid again by reading about these boys growing up in the 70s. While there are mature topics addressed, it is done with a lot of sensitivity. The writing style is very down home. This is a very feel good book that you will think about long after it's done. I recommend both books!
This is the second stand alone book in this series. You can read the books in any order, though since they don't depend on one another and take place at the same time. I love feeling like a kid again by reading about these boys growing up in the 70s. While there are mature topics addressed, it is done with a lot of sensitivity. The writing style is very down home. This is a very feel good book that you will think about long after it's done. I recommend both books!
August 27, 2020
This was a delightful book about a thirteen year old boy who lost his Dad and had to move to a new town leaving all his good friends behind. He meets an elderly lady who takes a shine to him. Each day she tells him a little about her past but she tires very easily leaving Ethan hungry to hear more. And that is where the mystery comes in for the reader also. The suspense kept me turning the pages. This is my first book by this author, hopefully not my last, and I would recommend this book to my friends and family and anyone else for that matter!
January 14, 2021
What a refreshing book
This one was a pleasant read. I can surely relate to Ethan and Daniels lives. Having moved when I was a senior. Took me a long time to forgive my folks, but like Ethan I soon realized the move was for the best. I'm glad he found a friend in, Zelma. That sort of friendship is unheard of today and the stories can be almost as great as living them yourself. Sad it ended for her the way it did, but knowing the friendship she had with Clair and Ethan was priceless. I do look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you for a refreshing book.
This one was a pleasant read. I can surely relate to Ethan and Daniels lives. Having moved when I was a senior. Took me a long time to forgive my folks, but like Ethan I soon realized the move was for the best. I'm glad he found a friend in, Zelma. That sort of friendship is unheard of today and the stories can be almost as great as living them yourself. Sad it ended for her the way it did, but knowing the friendship she had with Clair and Ethan was priceless. I do look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you for a refreshing book.
April 6, 2019
This is such a wonderful coming of age book!
I found this book absolutely captivating. The story line held my complete attention from beginning to end. It is a book that I recommend for readers of any age (my age being 70). It has a few mysteries that are solved, a great many secrets that are brought to life, and any number of wonderful characters. I gave the book five stars only because I couldn,
I found this book absolutely captivating. The story line held my complete attention from beginning to end. It is a book that I recommend for readers of any age (my age being 70). It has a few mysteries that are solved, a great many secrets that are brought to life, and any number of wonderful characters. I gave the book five stars only because I couldn,
September 1, 2019
Unique plot and characters
I liked the intrigue initially and the characters, but slow pacing a third of the way in made the storyline drag. Ethan listens to someone's life story mostly. He does have some growth and a positive ending for himself. He is supposedly psychic but it doesn't play out much in the story. Also, Some grammar issues; cars instead of car's, the word of is used several times instead of have. I could have run, not could of run.
I liked the intrigue initially and the characters, but slow pacing a third of the way in made the storyline drag. Ethan listens to someone's life story mostly. He does have some growth and a positive ending for himself. He is supposedly psychic but it doesn't play out much in the story. Also, Some grammar issues; cars instead of car's, the word of is used several times instead of have. I could have run, not could of run.
May 18, 2020
I enjoyed this book as Zelma this old rich woman always liked to tell stories of past years and when she was younger. She recently hired a young boy named Ethan to do yard work and things around the house She showed Ethan old mansions from back in the days and describes lots of the furniture and things about the houses from 1800's or so. Everyone said she was weird and a strange woman. Ethan liked her and never seemed to thing she was crazy. They got along well together.
November 20, 2020
Not a simple coming of age
I usually don’t read coming of age stories - it was difficult enough getting through my own many years ago. Watching the interaction between Ethan and the various characters, especially with Miss Green and later with her secretary, it is hard to believe this is supposed to be a 13 year old boy. Miss Green has so much wisdom that we can all learn from
I recommend this book.
I usually don’t read coming of age stories - it was difficult enough getting through my own many years ago. Watching the interaction between Ethan and the various characters, especially with Miss Green and later with her secretary, it is hard to believe this is supposed to be a 13 year old boy. Miss Green has so much wisdom that we can all learn from
I recommend this book.
July 1, 2021
This book has such a promising start but halfway through, just went off the rails with nonsense. It is like the author ran out of steam so just wrapped it all up. Could have been SO much better with a good edit and rewriting some parts. Dialog was definitely not that of 13 yr olds. Unrealistic. Spoiler
Shouldn't Zelma have inherited all that was Grandville's so Mittie's house should have been hers...
Shouldn't Zelma have inherited all that was Grandville's so Mittie's house should have been hers...
September 2, 2019
AMD
Two five star ratings in two weeks; I must be slipping! Eventhough, this story is written about a 13 year old boy, I have never been so caught up in a story. Parts of: psychic abilities, murder, antiques, old homesteads, classical music and bee keeping! That is all that I will tell you.
Two five star ratings in two weeks; I must be slipping! Eventhough, this story is written about a 13 year old boy, I have never been so caught up in a story. Parts of: psychic abilities, murder, antiques, old homesteads, classical music and bee keeping! That is all that I will tell you.
September 21, 2019
Wonderful!
I absolutely loved this book! The sadness when Miss Green died, the joy she brought to Ethan's life and all the different types of stories from the characters. I didn't understand the meaning of the title for a bit into the story, but it was well suited to the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great read.
I absolutely loved this book! The sadness when Miss Green died, the joy she brought to Ethan's life and all the different types of stories from the characters. I didn't understand the meaning of the title for a bit into the story, but it was well suited to the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great read.
March 7, 2020
Great simple but deep read
This story is about a 13 year old who deals with a lot of life changes and gleans wisdom from an elderly woman whom he becomes friends with. Just enough eeriness to make it interesting instead of scary . Good storyline, wished the word doesn't had replaced the word don't several places in the story.
This story is about a 13 year old who deals with a lot of life changes and gleans wisdom from an elderly woman whom he becomes friends with. Just enough eeriness to make it interesting instead of scary . Good storyline, wished the word doesn't had replaced the word don't several places in the story.
March 31, 2020
Hard to put down
Excellent follow-up to Chips of Red Paint. The story really pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. However, it needed better proof-reading, not just spellchecker. And the constant use of the word OF instead of HAVE (or 've) about drive me nuts! If you can overlook those, I highly recommend this book.
Excellent follow-up to Chips of Red Paint. The story really pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. However, it needed better proof-reading, not just spellchecker. And the constant use of the word OF instead of HAVE (or 've) about drive me nuts! If you can overlook those, I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2020
I loved it!!
One of the best books I've read in a while. I couldn't put it down. Being a Kentucky girl myself, it was very interesting to me. I, like the characters in this book, love history and oral stories passed from one generation to the next. It made me nostalgic for my grandparents and their old farm.
One of the best books I've read in a while. I couldn't put it down. Being a Kentucky girl myself, it was very interesting to me. I, like the characters in this book, love history and oral stories passed from one generation to the next. It made me nostalgic for my grandparents and their old farm.
June 27, 2017
Perfect summer book
I can think of nothing in this book that I would change. The wonderful Ms Green, the sincere and polite boy, Simon, and every other character are delightful. Read it!
I can think of nothing in this book that I would change. The wonderful Ms Green, the sincere and polite boy, Simon, and every other character are delightful. Read it!
September 1, 2017
Amazing Read!
I cold not put this down til I finished it. The plot built all through the book. It had more than one plot but each one was built and completed perfectly. I loved Miss Green and you will too. Well worth the price of admission.
I cold not put this down til I finished it. The plot built all through the book. It had more than one plot but each one was built and completed perfectly. I loved Miss Green and you will too. Well worth the price of admission.
September 27, 2017
The young and the old
An enjoyable read about a young boy and friendships made with an older rich widow with an alluring past and another young boy and a girl. Secrets revealed with unexpected outcomes.
An enjoyable read about a young boy and friendships made with an older rich widow with an alluring past and another young boy and a girl. Secrets revealed with unexpected outcomes.
August 28, 2019
A Million Doorways
I am having trouble coming up with words to describe this book but here goes, stunning, thought provoking, needs to be adapted for the big screen. A true modern masterpiece of literature. I loved it!!!!!!!!
I am having trouble coming up with words to describe this book but here goes, stunning, thought provoking, needs to be adapted for the big screen. A true modern masterpiece of literature. I loved it!!!!!!!!
September 2, 2019
A million thanks!
I enjoyed this book so much! It had a little of everything for everyone. I adored miss green and her story's. All the characters were perfect.. I couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed this book so much! It had a little of everything for everyone. I adored miss green and her story's. All the characters were perfect.. I couldn't put it down.
September 2, 2019
Great story
Great story about living in Kentucky as a kid. The characters, their experiences, and ultimate learning the hard way are excellently portrayed. I loved the generational interactions.
Great story about living in Kentucky as a kid. The characters, their experiences, and ultimate learning the hard way are excellently portrayed. I loved the generational interactions.
January 11, 2020
Witty weirdness
Sweet story of unlikely friendships made by chance or fate!The characters meld well together and the story is layered with many aspects that make you want to keep turning the page.
Sweet story of unlikely friendships made by chance or fate!The characters meld well together and the story is layered with many aspects that make you want to keep turning the page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews