Charlie's Monument

by Blaine M. Yorgason

Adults scorned him, school children jeered him, yet Charlie was determined that his life would amount to something, that he would have not lived in vain. Born with only one arm, a twisted back, and badly deformed legs, and orphaned while still a boy, Charlie also carried with him the legacy of his resolute You can do anything you want if you want it badly enough. Charlie's will to live and to live largely will eventually win him the respect of his peers, the gratitude of his town, and even the love of a very special woman who is able to look beyond his deformities into his noble heart. Published originally in 1976, Charlie's Monument is a much-loved story that has endured to be embraced by succeeding generations of new readers.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Fiction, Religion, Inspirational, Young Adult, Historical Fiction

95 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Blaine M. Yorgason was born in Sanpete County, Utah. He attended Brigham Young University and received both a BA and MA in History. Blaine and his wife Kathleen have 7 children and numerous grandchildren.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a special place in my heart. Not only do I remember reading it as a teen, but it was brought back to me in a miraculous manner this summer. The last time we were down at my mom's, July 2015, before flying to Washington for our family trip, the book was on the nightstand. Imagine my surprise when I opened it and found a piece of family history in it. On Christmas motif paper, my Uncle Bill had written,

"Dec 16, 1985
Dear Lenore, Mark, Brenda & Carol,
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. This present is for all of you. I found the message in "Charlie's Monument" very inspirational. I know you will too.
Stay close to the Church, because I have learned from experience that in activity only leads to unhappiness.
Love, Bill

I have no memory of reading his letter. But I was 15 when he sent the letter. This means that my parents would have already been divorced and I was in high school. Yet notice how he wrote the letter to all of us as a family. We are an eternal family.

With my health struggles since rhabdo, dehydration/fatigue, hyperparathyroidism & thyroid nodule, this book has brought me great peace. In fact, this is the book I read the morning of the nuclear medicine test. A procedure that usually takes 3 hours, but in Prescott ended up taking 5. Nothing like getting a radioisotope shot, getting a scan, waiting unsuccessfully (because my paperwork couldn't be found) to get a scan, waiting outside so I didn't have to hear the tv in the waiting room, painting my toenails while waiting outside, going home for a few hours, then coming back to get a longer nuclear medicine scan and the MRI.

I normally quip that excessive waiting, especially knowing I was getting a test to see if anything showed up "hot" (abnormal or cancerous), makes me crazier than I already am. The circumstances of the test, plus the additional waiting, plus going home to a teen who needed some answers, would have made me my craziest. Yet, reading this book while waiting helped put it all into perspective. It also helped set the tone for waiting more than a week to find out...some spots were "hot," but according to Dr. Menon, endocrinologist, it's not unusual for the parathyroid & salivary glands to light up.

Then getting 3 needle biopsies into the thyroid to wait another week, to learn...it's "benign." I think that's my favorite word for a while. I'm going to add it to my vocabulary. Charlie is benign.
Full Definition of BENIGN
1: of a gentle disposition : gracious
2a: showing kindness and gentleness
b: favorable, wholesome
3a : of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life; especially : not becoming cancerous
b: having no significant effect : harmless
— be·nig·ni·ty \-ˈnig-nə-tē\ noun
— be·nign·ly \-ˈnīn-lē\ adverb

Double-duty entry: also my diary entry for today. Do do do...happy melody in head :)

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom first put this book in my hands about 20 years ago and urged me to read it. "Sure. Okay," I said and set it aside. This was repeated two more times, the last time was this Tuesday. I knew my reluctance to read it was ridiculous, so I took it home to read.

I started reading this out loud last night to my three-year-old (who was refusing to stay in bed). After she had dozed off I kept reading this story of a man born with "only one arm, a twisted back and badly deformed legs". This allegory of love, his courage to be kind to others who were unkind to him, of his confidence and character - it was a quick read, full of inspiration.

Thanks, Mom. Sorry it took me so long to act. :)

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago. In the book review group that I am involved with, we had chosen to read this book, once, again. I gave it a "5" rating for what it TEACHES...I thought that all YOUTH, need to read this little story...ponder on what kind of "monument" they are building with their lives. As adults, perhaps, we need to stop and ponder, what monument have we built...that represents...OUR LIVES...Loved the high mindedness...of the story...

[Rileyw · Rating 5 out of 5]

the plot of this book is clear and it seamed as if it was telling about charlie's life and what he did in it. this book has a normal plot start to finish. i really enjoyed how laid back it is and how smooth it is.this book i recommend for fourth to seventh grade because of the easy plot.
something that this book has is a lesson to be learned this lesson is that all people should always be happy and hold on even when hard times strike. the first example of his happiness is when his mother was killed by Indians and his father also died before he was born. the second example is when his daughter died a couple mouths after being born. the third example is when his wife and second daughter die at birth because the doctor was drunk. that is some of the hardships of his life others are that he was only born with one arm and crippled legs.
i fell as if this book had a good plot and good lessons to be learned. it is able to make me more aware of what people who have disability's could be going through. it has made me appreciate the things i have such as two arms and good legs. this book could help people that are having a hard time in life this makes way for the people to realize they could still have hope. i have a strong opinion on the teachings of this book, life can go down hill and fast this book shows that there are ways to over come that. this book is one of the best i have ever read a five star book in my opinion because of the great story it tells it has a lot of great detail and i like it and would read it again.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

{Spoilers}

Charlie was born with only one arm a twisted back, and badly deformed legs. He was orphaned and then given a job by the town to be the town watchman on a hill and watch for Indians and other dangers. While there, day after day, he built a monument so that people in years to come would know he had existed. He eventually married because a loving girl came up to visit him and got to know him and realized how wonderful he was. Together, they were a great help to people in the town, even to those who did not like them very much. Eventually, they had a child that died, and then Nellie died giving birth to their second child. Charlie was once again alone but continued his watch and kept building his monument. Each rock on the monument signifies one more thing that Charlie learned about life. In the end, he grows old and dies, and Nellie comes to get him off the hill. This is a beautiful story about life and love.

[Nickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would imagine that this recording was an abridgment. I read the book so long ago I could not recall. A good family story about the struggles to be a good person when your body is deformed and other people are unkind. It's about persevering with what the Lord has given you to learn with.

It's about looking to do good unto others without them knowing. It's also about forgiving.

What was most interesting is that the author shares why he wrote the story, how it came about, and how it was really similar to his grandfather which he did not know. So Blaine feels strongly he just wrote what was an inspired message to him and now shares it with everyone.

[Laressa Hanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a young girl (around age 10 or 11) I would spend a week or 2 at my grandmothers. One day while she was on the couch reading her book, I sat down and picked up a book sitting on the end table. I didn’t know what the book was or what it was about, but I set to reading it, because I wanted to be close to my grandmother. When she looked up from her book she said to me. “Oh that is a wonderful book, and one of grandpa’s favorite” I was already several pages in and crying. I finished that book before bed. And that book has stayed in my head and my heart for all these years.

This summer while helping my son pick out some books, I was tickled pink to find Charlie’s Monument on a shelf. I picked it up and said I bet you could read this in a day and he did and loved it just as much as I had as a girl. When he finished reading it I decided to reread it and fell in love all over again with the story of a boy born with some deformities and how through his belief in God how he over comes all things, how he doesn’t define what he can do by his disabilities. If anything they seem to drive Charlie to go out and do better in a harsh world. I think it sets a wonderful example of good qualities and a can do anything attitude. It’s a small book but it’s very impactful.

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been in a reading rut lately and happened to see this sitting out. I'll call it providence because it was just what I needed. I've read it several times and it is one of my favorite stories for when I'm feeling down. It helps cleanse and heal a weary soul.

It's a short allegorical story about a man born with significant physical deformities who became a beloved member of his town and built a monument of his life.

God,
before He sent his children to earth
gave each of them
a very carefully selected package
of problems.

These,
He promised, smiling,
are yours alone. No one
else may have the blessings
these problems will bring you.

And only you
have the special talents and abilities
that will be needed
to make these problems
your servants.

Now go down to your birth
and to your forgetfulness, know that
I love you beyond measure.
These problems that I give you
are a symbol of that love.

The monuments you make of your life,
with the help of your problems,
will be a symbol of your
love for me.

Your Father.

[Shandi Routson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK! I have read this book more times than I can remember! Such a wonderful story! I have read it aloud to my husband, and each of my children too! This is a must read! A beautiful story of a life filled with trials and the person you can become in spite of them!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be short but it’s full of pure goodness starting on page 1. I really believe everyone should read this sometime in their life.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of emotion is packed in this little book. It isn't often that my heart both aches and glows after finishing a read, but it did with this one.

I first read this book a few decades ago. It was recently brought back into my life when my older kids were assigned to read it. Wanting to be in on their conversations, I picked it up again and am so glad I did.

I'd write more, but my eyes are still full of tears, so I'll stop. Go read this book.

[Declan O'Keeffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read that I really loved as a youngster.

I thought it prudent to read it this week as the author passed away this week.

It is still a beautiful and poignant story with a beautiful moral.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in the 70s

[Dotta Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaine Yorgason has published over sixty books and to books has been made into movies. He has also been awarded The Best Screenwriting Award and The Excellence in Writing Award. I think Charlie's Monument is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. This book is about a young boy named Charlie Langley. He has been offered a job as Indians shoot the town lookout after his mother. For most people this would be a simple job, but Charlie isn't like most people, he was born with only one arm, and his legs and back were badly deformed and twisted. To do the job he must climb a very steep hill. He is determined to climb the hill, no matter how difficult it is for him.
When I first saw this book it looked boring and old, judged it by its cover, but as soon as I started reading it I loved it. This book has a great message!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother read me this book when I was a girl. I listened to it again later as a audio book. All I can say is amazing! What I felt was especially important was that the writer has a story about the story and my heart remembers that the most. I think it's one of the reasons I love family history so very much. Because the author was told after he wrote it that the story resembled one from his own family history. I know that our ancestors speak to us every day and it is up to us to find them. As my own grandmother said, "If you lose me, find me." I didn't know at the time what it meant but I now know it had to do with family history. Every time I see rocks stacked up neatly I think of Charlie. I think about my own monuments or my lack of them.

[Leisha Volmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to Charlie's Monumont on tape. It was really good. I wanted to keep listening because I could picture all of the scenes perfectly because of the great imagery. It was a uplifting story about a young boy who was born without an arm and how he deals with his life after his father and mother both die. The town takes care of him and they love him for his great attitudes toward everything that happens to him. I loved how he stayed on that hill to work to keep watch of the Indians because I would love that job. Just sitting all day on a montian. The sight and sounds would be wonderful. I enjoyed this book a lot and would recomend it to anyone who is having a hard time with trial in their life. It gives you a new perspective on life.

[Kari Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was speaking to my fiancé's grandmother about this class, she said she had the perfect book for me to read. Grandma brought out this book. I guess it's no longer in print? But it was so heartfelt and beautiful. It was sad and crushing as well. The perfect mixture for an hour or two of crying. Charlie was born with severe deformities and was an orphan. But he was determined to not be a reject. He was going to make something of his life. He managed to find love along the way to. This will always have a special place in my heart and will recommend it to anyone struggling in their life. It's a perfect reminder that we can overcome anything. Beautiful.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this when I was staying at my grandparents house at a young age. It was so very beautiful! I loved the whole thing, and loved the messages that were in it. We named our daughter Charli, not entirely after the character in this book, but it was an influence. She was very small and premature, and we knew in order for her to survive she would have to be strong and perservere. She is a strong little girl now, and I can't believe how very tiny and fragile she once was.

I would absolutely reccomend this book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book several times in the past. I love what it teaches. We sat down as a family and read it tonight. My kids sat glued to it the whole time and we had an excellent discussion about loving who we are, having faith in who we are, children of our father in heaven, and about how love can help us overcome overwhelming feelings of hate and dispare. We talked about how love is the key to becoming like Christ. We decided that we were all going to try a little harder to be more loving to all those around us.
Great book! Excellent, short, family read. Awesome lessons!

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very fast read and a vry simple story. It was a neat story of endurance and never giving up, no matter what life through at you, and it through a lot of hardships to the main character. It is a good feel story that's sad, but it's such a quick story, that it doesn't go into too much detail and dwell on too many things, which I kind of liked. It could have been a longer story, but I don't feel like it was terribly necessary. It is only a 66 page book, so if you want something good and fast, this is the story for you.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BEST book! Everyone should read it! It is so inspiring! It teaches people that what's found on the outside is nothing compared to the inside. Too many people look on what they see on the outside of a person instead of what is inside. This is just a super, wonderful book! I will warn you that it made me cry, as I could relate to Charlie in so many ways. I could feel what he felt. They should have children read this book in school and maybe it would be a better world. All ages will love this book!

[Debbie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was 14 years old and a freshman in high school. The message still resonates with everyone who would spend the time to pick it up. All of us need to ponder upon what kind of "monument" we are building with our lives. Will anyone know or care that we existed? I would hope that I would be remembered as a person who has made a difference in somone's life. If even for a bit of humor or good deed to a stranger..... We can all take the challenge of making somebody else's day each and every day!

[Misty Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the discussion this book evoked with my kids. We talked about overcoming bitterness, doing the best we can with what we have been given and there are so many other great lessons. Another is that this life is not the reward. It is the TEST! If we endure well and do our best in this life, our reward will come later, and will be worth it! I love books that make me want to be a better person.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read. Recommended to me by my dad so I read it to Denmark on the drive home from a trip. It is the story of of one man's trials and his endurance with a positive attitude. It reminded me of Job. It seems like it should be a true story, but is fiction. At this stage in my life, I was inspired by Charlie's mother and how she taught him to accept the life he was given and make the most of it.

[Kimbolimbo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sweet story. Too bad it isn't a true story. Good for teens and pre-teens. My sister read this book back when we were but little munchkins, she loved it. I of course didn't want to be just like my sister so I refused to read it. Well, the laugh is on me. I AM just like my sister. She handed her copy to me the other day and told me to read it since I am a few books shy of my goal this year.

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this, you need to. We have two copies, feel free to borrow one.

We read this along with "The Secret Garden" for our homeschool group to go along with the theme "life and the pursuit of happiness." We had some good family discussions about how in both books happiness doesn't come from money or a big house, but from people they care about (family and friends) and good work to do.

[Daleb. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved this story since i first read it way back in the late 70's/early 80's. Still a great read and moving story.
If you are looking to be inspired, uplifted, and moved, then don't pass up a chance to read this book. If you know someone with a special needs child this is Also a great book for them.
I especially luv the account of how the story came about at the end of the book.
xoDaleB.xo

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful story of enduring love amidst a life of trial and hardship. I really appreciated the message that happiness is a decision and can always be found if one is seeking it. I also loved that even though Charlie was orphaned at a young age, he remembered the teachings of his mother and strove to follow her guidance. This was a remarkable story, though it was short, it had a great impact on me.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

So..I was only a little kid when I read it but I LOVED it. I can't wait to read it again. Its very thoughtful and definitely has you rooting for the good guys- in the book and in life. Very short, very easy to read if you are looking for something short, something to put in your bag and read if you are at the doctor's office or something.

[Jen Madsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was pretty young when I read this book, and though I remember being moved by it at the time, my memory of it has faded except for a lingering sense that its sentimentality is a bit manipulative. I no longer read LDS fiction per se, but I think the genre has evolved to include more complex characters and a keener sense of genuine human drama.