What do you think?
Rate this book
Across The Marsh #1
Forever Across the Marsh
Moms love it, but Dads love it more. Featured by Savannah Morning News, Live 5 WCSC Charleston, and many others, this #1 Amazon Best Seller delivers a NEW & DIFFERENT book for the OPEN and CURIOUS mind. Loved by those who enjoy the works of Mark Twain, Erma Bombeck, and Bill Bryson.
"WOW! What a book! I read about 10 books a month and this one was by far one of the best I have read. I laughed, I cried and even got mad. This is a great read!"
GOOGLE "Best Southern Fiction" and you'll likely find this near the top of Amazon's latest list, often before Oprah's Book Club books.
The two award-winning narrators couldn’t get through it without breaking down. “I was sobbing and ugly crying by the end. It was an incredibly beautiful story,” - Joe Hempel (Winner of 2018 Listeners Choice Award). “I had to stop and walk away. I couldn’t finish ONE page.”
FROM THE AUTHOR: Readers often ask, "Why did you write this book?" First, I wanted to contribute something very different to literature, combining wit and depth as part of a powerful story. I chose to intertwine short stories in a way that converges at the end as part of a single story. I know of no books that have done this (and I get both criticism and praise for trying this approach). For sure, the book is like no others. Second, I wrote it at a time when my family was experiencing tragedy. We were also adjusting from military life and trying to raise three young children. In short, it was chaos. It took that experience for me to realize just how many parents live, at times, in total chaos. I was not alone. Humor (sometimes the only medicine) helped us get through our trials—that and treating others with respect and kindness, which is almost always returned. Anyway, that's the short version. I hope you take a chance on this new and different type of story. Best, Jeff
THE STORY: It's a tale about the power of hope and the importance of knowing what matters most. But that’s not all. There are dark forces about the marsh. Melvin Scott (a family man) and others can feel their presence. Scott doesn’t realize he’s on a collision course with a long dormant fear. After an unexpected encounter with a bully from his childhood, Scott senses that he must once again face that enemy from his past. But this time, they’re not children anymore.
Connect Savannah News & Opinion: "The magic of the marsh is on full display in Forever Across The Marsh. Truly, the book is unique in that it deftly weaves seemingly separate stories together into one story. Humor is a major part of Forever Across The Marsh, but that’s just one factor. . . .The book also rolls in some deeper meanings. . . ."
While Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil shines on the city of Savannah, Forever Across The Marsh turns its gaze on the vast, alluring marsh. Simply put, there is nothing like this genre-defying novel. Forever Across The Marsh is an experience.
What People Are Saying
"I’ve been a reader my entire life. Couldn't put it down. Bet you can't either. The author has successfully woven an inspiring, relatable, serious and funny tale that makes you NEED to know the outcome. And probably the most successful part of this book is the humor." - Mike
"I haven't laughed that much in years and I read this until 5:00 in the morning for I just couldn't stop reading and I am a 87 year OLD woman." - Nan
"I was given this book as a Christmas gift... She said it 'spoke' to her and after reading a few lines she knew she had found my gift. This author has done an amazing job weaving a story that I couldn't put down. He took me on an emotional roller coaster from laughing out loud to someone must have been cutting onions nearby. I LOVED it, incredible fun, and I'm truly grateful to my daughter-in-law and Mr. Pearson for a 5 star gift!" - Dave
"WOW! What a book! I read about 10 books a month and this one was by far one of the best I have read. I laughed, I cried and even got mad. This is a great read!"
GOOGLE "Best Southern Fiction" and you'll likely find this near the top of Amazon's latest list, often before Oprah's Book Club books.
The two award-winning narrators couldn’t get through it without breaking down. “I was sobbing and ugly crying by the end. It was an incredibly beautiful story,” - Joe Hempel (Winner of 2018 Listeners Choice Award). “I had to stop and walk away. I couldn’t finish ONE page.”
FROM THE AUTHOR: Readers often ask, "Why did you write this book?" First, I wanted to contribute something very different to literature, combining wit and depth as part of a powerful story. I chose to intertwine short stories in a way that converges at the end as part of a single story. I know of no books that have done this (and I get both criticism and praise for trying this approach). For sure, the book is like no others. Second, I wrote it at a time when my family was experiencing tragedy. We were also adjusting from military life and trying to raise three young children. In short, it was chaos. It took that experience for me to realize just how many parents live, at times, in total chaos. I was not alone. Humor (sometimes the only medicine) helped us get through our trials—that and treating others with respect and kindness, which is almost always returned. Anyway, that's the short version. I hope you take a chance on this new and different type of story. Best, Jeff
THE STORY: It's a tale about the power of hope and the importance of knowing what matters most. But that’s not all. There are dark forces about the marsh. Melvin Scott (a family man) and others can feel their presence. Scott doesn’t realize he’s on a collision course with a long dormant fear. After an unexpected encounter with a bully from his childhood, Scott senses that he must once again face that enemy from his past. But this time, they’re not children anymore.
Connect Savannah News & Opinion: "The magic of the marsh is on full display in Forever Across The Marsh. Truly, the book is unique in that it deftly weaves seemingly separate stories together into one story. Humor is a major part of Forever Across The Marsh, but that’s just one factor. . . .The book also rolls in some deeper meanings. . . ."
While Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil shines on the city of Savannah, Forever Across The Marsh turns its gaze on the vast, alluring marsh. Simply put, there is nothing like this genre-defying novel. Forever Across The Marsh is an experience.
What People Are Saying
"I’ve been a reader my entire life. Couldn't put it down. Bet you can't either. The author has successfully woven an inspiring, relatable, serious and funny tale that makes you NEED to know the outcome. And probably the most successful part of this book is the humor." - Mike
"I haven't laughed that much in years and I read this until 5:00 in the morning for I just couldn't stop reading and I am a 87 year OLD woman." - Nan
"I was given this book as a Christmas gift... She said it 'spoke' to her and after reading a few lines she knew she had found my gift. This author has done an amazing job weaving a story that I couldn't put down. He took me on an emotional roller coaster from laughing out loud to someone must have been cutting onions nearby. I LOVED it, incredible fun, and I'm truly grateful to my daughter-in-law and Mr. Pearson for a 5 star gift!" - Dave
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2018
2738 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Pearson
2 books27 followersJeff Pearson, a newspaper columnist and military veteran, is the author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller FOREVER ACROSS THE MARSH. He now practices law focused on helping entrepreneurs and inventors. Read his latest series at www.acrossthemarsh.com
Jeff lives near Savannah, Georgia. He grew up in Camden, South Carolina. Early on, sports consumed Jeff. After the NFL and MLB did not work out, Jeff decided to graduate from high school so he could focus his efforts on hunting and fishing. At some point, Jeff's parents convinced him to go to college. It was in college, at Clemson University, where Jeff really began to develop a talent for the absurd, likely because he was surrounded by some of the best in the business. This created an environment that encouraged somewhat of an arms race in humor. Fortunately, this occurred at a time when every human being did not possess a digital camera. Jeff ended his run at Clemson with a degree in mechanical engineering and an offer from a large corporation.
With a degree and a lucrative offer in hand, Jeff moved forward to pursue his dreams. He promptly declined the offer, deciding instead to take a year off and live off wild game. After a successful year of not buying meat, Jeff received a letter in the mail accepting him into law school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Realizing that GW had mistaken him for someone else, Jeff quickly contacted admissions and let them know he accepted their offer. This seemed like the right and honorable thing to do, considering the fact that Jeff had recently convinced another human being—Megan, now his editor—to spend the rest of her life with him.
After three years of law school, Jeff and Megan realized that they would be in debt for the rest of their lives. Then good fortune arrived—a prestigious law firm offered Jeff a job making more money than he had ever imagined. In a characteristic lapse of sanity, Jeff declined the offer and instead joined the United States Navy, thereby sealing his fate to remain forever in debt. The U.S. Navy sent Jeff to several exotic locations, including Afghanistan and Iraq, where Jeff had the luxury of serving in the Al Anbar province with the United States Marine Corps.
Soon after Jeff returned home from a trip to Afghanistan, the young couple’s first child arrived. Then another. And another. And another. It was the experience of raising children that taught Jeff how precious and short life can be.
Jeff lives near Savannah, Georgia. He grew up in Camden, South Carolina. Early on, sports consumed Jeff. After the NFL and MLB did not work out, Jeff decided to graduate from high school so he could focus his efforts on hunting and fishing. At some point, Jeff's parents convinced him to go to college. It was in college, at Clemson University, where Jeff really began to develop a talent for the absurd, likely because he was surrounded by some of the best in the business. This created an environment that encouraged somewhat of an arms race in humor. Fortunately, this occurred at a time when every human being did not possess a digital camera. Jeff ended his run at Clemson with a degree in mechanical engineering and an offer from a large corporation.
With a degree and a lucrative offer in hand, Jeff moved forward to pursue his dreams. He promptly declined the offer, deciding instead to take a year off and live off wild game. After a successful year of not buying meat, Jeff received a letter in the mail accepting him into law school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Realizing that GW had mistaken him for someone else, Jeff quickly contacted admissions and let them know he accepted their offer. This seemed like the right and honorable thing to do, considering the fact that Jeff had recently convinced another human being—Megan, now his editor—to spend the rest of her life with him.
After three years of law school, Jeff and Megan realized that they would be in debt for the rest of their lives. Then good fortune arrived—a prestigious law firm offered Jeff a job making more money than he had ever imagined. In a characteristic lapse of sanity, Jeff declined the offer and instead joined the United States Navy, thereby sealing his fate to remain forever in debt. The U.S. Navy sent Jeff to several exotic locations, including Afghanistan and Iraq, where Jeff had the luxury of serving in the Al Anbar province with the United States Marine Corps.
Soon after Jeff returned home from a trip to Afghanistan, the young couple’s first child arrived. Then another. And another. And another. It was the experience of raising children that taught Jeff how precious and short life can be.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 8, 2020
Eh. I wrote a similar book for Young Author's when I was in the third grade. Well, pretty close, anyway.
There were some amusing parts, but it was more like a collection of random scenes that Pearson then tried to bring together in the end in an abrupt and contrived way. It read like a preliminary outline of a novel. I had no problem with the plot points, but they weren't developed or arranged well at all.
I bet that Jeff Pearson is a nice guy that tells funny stories. Unfortunately, most nice people that tell funny stories aren't meant to be novelists.
There were some amusing parts, but it was more like a collection of random scenes that Pearson then tried to bring together in the end in an abrupt and contrived way. It read like a preliminary outline of a novel. I had no problem with the plot points, but they weren't developed or arranged well at all.
I bet that Jeff Pearson is a nice guy that tells funny stories. Unfortunately, most nice people that tell funny stories aren't meant to be novelists.
February 12, 2022
I am the type of person who has to finish what I start (book, show, movie, etc.) no matter how bad it is. But, I just couldn’t with this book. This was the worst book I have ever read. It was poorly written with poorly structured sentences/paragraphs. It hindered me from really getting into it. The story itself was quite odd too, and I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likable. I was going to force myself to finish, but decided that sometimes it’s just not worth it.
April 6, 2019
This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you wonder where the truth ends and the fiction starts. Once you get started, you can’t put it down. The author does an excellent job of weaving together the characters and stories, arriving at an emotional but uplifting ending. Looking forward to reading more from the author!
December 19, 2018
Couldn't put it down. Bet you can't either. 5 Stars!!
I’ve been a reader my entire life. Well, for at least the last 35-yrs. I’m pretty sure my mom told me I was reading by age 4, and I’ve always loved finding a great story to help me escape. Nothing allows the imagination to take root quite like a good story. That’s a preface for why I’m writing a review; frankly there’s been a smallish number of books that fit the “can’t put it down” category for me. And I’ve read a lot. This is one of them. Pearson’s book is successful in the regional fiction arena, a la Pat Conroy and John Grisham. With some Lewis Grizzard thrown in. You can “feel” the area the story is set in, and you will relate to the characters he introduces, particularly if you’re from coastal SC and GA. But here’s the deal. The author has successfully woven an inspiring, relatable, serious and funny tale that makes you NEED to know the outcome. And probably the most successful part of this book is the humor. If you can read this book without laughing out loud, then you probably aren’t very much fun to be around.
As for me, I can’t wait for his next book.
I’ve been a reader my entire life. Well, for at least the last 35-yrs. I’m pretty sure my mom told me I was reading by age 4, and I’ve always loved finding a great story to help me escape. Nothing allows the imagination to take root quite like a good story. That’s a preface for why I’m writing a review; frankly there’s been a smallish number of books that fit the “can’t put it down” category for me. And I’ve read a lot. This is one of them. Pearson’s book is successful in the regional fiction arena, a la Pat Conroy and John Grisham. With some Lewis Grizzard thrown in. You can “feel” the area the story is set in, and you will relate to the characters he introduces, particularly if you’re from coastal SC and GA. But here’s the deal. The author has successfully woven an inspiring, relatable, serious and funny tale that makes you NEED to know the outcome. And probably the most successful part of this book is the humor. If you can read this book without laughing out loud, then you probably aren’t very much fun to be around.
As for me, I can’t wait for his next book.
February 11, 2023
I was very disappointed in this book. It took forever for it to come together. It did not suck me in at the start. Wanted to quit reading after a few chapters but kept reading thinking it might get better. Halfway through I had to force myself to keep reading. Yes there was a few funny parts but few of them. At the end it was emotional. All in all, I don’t think I would reread and reread as suggested.
April 24, 2020
I’ve had a streak of reading unusual books lately. Books that were not enjoyable. I was looking forward to something different. The story jumps around and as each new chapter begins, you aren’t sure which character is talking. Confusing and disjointed. I’m now going to find a novel by one of several authors who writes books that I like. I need a beach read!!
March 2, 2022
Great book
This book is about a family moving from the North to Savannah and buying a house on the edge of the tidal swamps. The characters are well developed and things move at a pass that we Southerners are used to. There are things in the tidal areas and ghosts of people who came before and raised their families here.
This book is about a family moving from the North to Savannah and buying a house on the edge of the tidal swamps. The characters are well developed and things move at a pass that we Southerners are used to. There are things in the tidal areas and ghosts of people who came before and raised their families here.
July 29, 2019
Revi
This was a very strange book. The story kept switching between first and third person. I need the parts about Savannah. I didn't like the ending.
This was a very strange book. The story kept switching between first and third person. I need the parts about Savannah. I didn't like the ending.
July 8, 2023
This self-published book chronicles the chaos of the life that Mel Scott is living. In good times and in bad, Mel is always trying to do the best for his family. There are humorous mishaps, serious situations, and life lessons. Also a couple of side stories, but it all comes together in the end. An enjoyable read.
March 5, 2022
Enjoyed imagining the settings this takes place in and the unique characters. Mystery and adventures.
March 23, 2020
The Gift if Hope
An amazing book on the human elements of life. Forever Across the Marsh is funny, sad and endearing. Much is said and many of life’s truths are reveled in these pages. This book will be a treasure in your library and become an old friend that you will enjoy visiting again and again.
An amazing book on the human elements of life. Forever Across the Marsh is funny, sad and endearing. Much is said and many of life’s truths are reveled in these pages. This book will be a treasure in your library and become an old friend that you will enjoy visiting again and again.
January 20, 2019
Laughed, cried, read it again!
Amazing story from a brilliant author. It is rare for a book to make me laugh out loud (repeatedly). And never has the same book also had me crying! This book did both. The novel is very cleverly written - many parts have double or triple meanings that you may not pick up on at first. I was amazed at how all the characters and narratives were woven together into a powerful story. The observations on human nature are often hilarious. I also found myself researching topics from the book that I didn’t previously realize. It makes you think. This would be a great book for Book Club discussions. Forever Across The Marsh is now my favorite book. I didn’t want it to end!
Amazing story from a brilliant author. It is rare for a book to make me laugh out loud (repeatedly). And never has the same book also had me crying! This book did both. The novel is very cleverly written - many parts have double or triple meanings that you may not pick up on at first. I was amazed at how all the characters and narratives were woven together into a powerful story. The observations on human nature are often hilarious. I also found myself researching topics from the book that I didn’t previously realize. It makes you think. This would be a great book for Book Club discussions. Forever Across The Marsh is now my favorite book. I didn’t want it to end!
Read
January 20, 2020I loved this book. I haven't laughed that much in years and I read this until 5:00 in the morning for I just couldn't stop reading and I am a 87 year OLD woman. nan
February 15, 2020
It was alright.
December 6, 2021
I was expecting to give this book 4 stars as it has a lot of humor and the first 2/3s were a quick, fun read. I assumed that the various apparently unrelated story lines would finally be revealed to be a cohesive story where all of the stories resolve neatly into a satisfying ending. Instead, I felt the reveal showed that some storylines and characters were used primarily as tools for the ending while the primary storyline was given a surprise deus ex machina. The book has a lot of fun but brief stories, which seem culled from real life, hooked together in a very improbable plot that helps teach the protagonist about what’s important in life. The readers are, I guess, supposed to find it meaningful. The problem is that for me, the digressive stories were fun, but the plot felt too contrived.
March 30, 2021
I’m not sure I can put my finger on what I feel about this book. It was good but very choppy. So many sub-stories that sort of came together at the end but in a convoluted sort of way. The characters in this book, aside from the narrator, Mel, were mere shadows that never had much “substance” in the story. I like to feel embraced by the characters and the story to the point of feeling submerged in the plot, but never got there. To be honest, I was excited to read a book written by a fellow Clemson graduate and I’m thrilled that he is representing my Alma mater in the literary field. I can honestly say that I won’t be reading the sequel to this book. I just wasn’t that impressed with this book to warrant continuing the story.,
January 4, 2024
Just finished this book, Forever Across the Marsh by Jeff Pearson. Don’t even remember where I picked it up, but it is a delight. The marsh stories are reminiscent of Where the Crawdads Sing and When We Were Yours, but more family oriented, and made my Cajun fisherwoman heart happy, though it is based in Georgia. Throw in the meaning of life and the end had me crying.
Though not the main storyline, it could be triggering for people who have lost a child. IMO it is handled beautifully and could possibly help someone through their grief.
Though not the main storyline, it could be triggering for people who have lost a child. IMO it is handled beautifully and could possibly help someone through their grief.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2024
I read the first 9 chapters but couldn’t make it any farther. The plot jumps around to several different groups of people, none of which are connected in any way in the first 9 chapters. It’s like I’ve started 4 different stories, and none of them are interesting. The dialogue is unnatural and just doesn’t flow. The book is supposed to be humorous, but so far humor is only attempted in one of the subplots, and the dynamics between the characters are just unrealistic. I wanted to like this book, but there are too many other excellent books waiting for me to waste any more time on this one.
January 23, 2021
I wasn't sure about this book since I had never heard of the author. I am soooooo glad I read this book. I'm not sure if I enjoyed it so much because we were a military family for 20 years, however is a book I really enjoyed. I laughed out loud at times and I cried at times. It was very realistic to me. There were so many characters in the book that made it interesting. There were many lessons that you didn't even realize you were learning.
This is now one of my favorite books !
This is now one of my favorite books !
April 26, 2022
Everyone has their opinion but I do not see how this book received so many 4 and 5 star ratings. I just couldn't deal with one tragedy/bad decision after another. I thought the humor was lacking and mostly just seemed sad. None of the characters were very likeable except for the mother-in-law who seemed to be the only functioning adult in the bunch. Overall, a frustrating hampster-wheel of a book with a surprising but sad ending.
December 16, 2023
Fabulous
This is a wonderful read from the beginning. Pulls you in with laughter. Sadness and a life lesson. I recomend this for anyone who can read. I laughed. Cried. Went fishing. Experienced every thing Mel said and did. The fishing trip was hilarious.
Please read this. Give as a gift. Open your heart to each lesson.
Thank you for writing this book.
Sincerely,
Sharon Stutler
.
This is a wonderful read from the beginning. Pulls you in with laughter. Sadness and a life lesson. I recomend this for anyone who can read. I laughed. Cried. Went fishing. Experienced every thing Mel said and did. The fishing trip was hilarious.
Please read this. Give as a gift. Open your heart to each lesson.
Thank you for writing this book.
Sincerely,
Sharon Stutler
.
April 20, 2020
Great book
It's been a long time since I've read a book that made me wonder what was coming, made me laugh and left me sad that I was at the end. This is the first book I have read by Jeff Pearson, but I will be watching for the next book that is promised to begin where this ended.
It's been a long time since I've read a book that made me wonder what was coming, made me laugh and left me sad that I was at the end. This is the first book I have read by Jeff Pearson, but I will be watching for the next book that is promised to begin where this ended.
May 19, 2020
Feels good..
This is a nice book...just not my favorite genre.
The author does a great job with his characters, their surroundings, & the storyline. Humor, funny stories & of course Brother David with his sermons & the witch. Plus Jesse...kind of still trying to figure him out.
Anyway this is what I call a feels good book...😊
This is a nice book...just not my favorite genre.
The author does a great job with his characters, their surroundings, & the storyline. Humor, funny stories & of course Brother David with his sermons & the witch. Plus Jesse...kind of still trying to figure him out.
Anyway this is what I call a feels good book...😊
May 24, 2020
This book kept me guessing on what was real, what was mystical and what really happened. It made me wonder many times what was true and what was fiction. The characters were very well fleshed out (I even think of their house “The Wreck” as a character) and the author wove them together.
This is one you have to chew on and digest, but I liked it.
This is one you have to chew on and digest, but I liked it.
August 22, 2020
Fun read
I know I have read this book before but couldn’t remember the ending. Looks like I took the author’s advice before I got to it! Anyway, good humor in this book and it was difficult to put down. I loved the adventures found within as well as the descriptions of owning a home and having kids. Enjoy!
I know I have read this book before but couldn’t remember the ending. Looks like I took the author’s advice before I got to it! Anyway, good humor in this book and it was difficult to put down. I loved the adventures found within as well as the descriptions of owning a home and having kids. Enjoy!
April 25, 2021
I will read again!
I’m writing this as I am trying to digest all that I just finished reading. What started out as what I thought might be a silly easy read turned out to be wonderful. Everything came together in the final chapter and I am still sitting here with a smile on my face and a tug in my heart. Do read this book it so worth your time.
I’m writing this as I am trying to digest all that I just finished reading. What started out as what I thought might be a silly easy read turned out to be wonderful. Everything came together in the final chapter and I am still sitting here with a smile on my face and a tug in my heart. Do read this book it so worth your time.
May 22, 2022
For me, this book was a day I can't get back. I did finish it. I hoped it would go somewhere but it never did. Glad it was from Kindle Unlimited and I didn't have to buy it. So disjointed...I kept waiting for the humor. Maybe I just didn't get it. I can't believe how shallow and stupid the main character was. My middle school deck ups have written this with more depth.
August 8, 2022
I almost didn’t finish reading this!
After reading about two or three chapters, I was about ready to set this book aside and find another book to read. Something made me keep going, and by chapter 8 or nine, I was hooked. All the stories that seemed unrelated started to come together and make sense. I’m glad I finished. Oh, and I guessed who Rosa was!
After reading about two or three chapters, I was about ready to set this book aside and find another book to read. Something made me keep going, and by chapter 8 or nine, I was hooked. All the stories that seemed unrelated started to come together and make sense. I’m glad I finished. Oh, and I guessed who Rosa was!
March 21, 2023
Enjoying life
Forever Across The Marsh is a fun book as it takes on a hard subject. The main character and his family have financial wows their entire life. Then, when faced with death and realizing how much he really had even though there had never been, much money. Jeff Pearson did a great job with this book! I hope to read more from him!
Forever Across The Marsh is a fun book as it takes on a hard subject. The main character and his family have financial wows their entire life. Then, when faced with death and realizing how much he really had even though there had never been, much money. Jeff Pearson did a great job with this book! I hope to read more from him!
March 10, 2024
Can we avoid our demons or will they return, even years later, to confront our most vulnerable weaknesses? Set in Savannah, Mel finds he must confront an individual from his past before he can hope to look to the future. The story mirrors many of our lives. Some chapters were so very well written with hilarious dialogue; others just ho hum. Worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews