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Chasing Fireflies
They have one summer to find what was lost long ago.
"Never settle for less than the truth," she told him.
But when you don't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated. It can nestle so close to home it's hard to see. It can even flourish inside a lie. And as Chase Walker discovered, learning the truth about who you are can be as elusive--and as magical--as chasing fireflies on a summer night.
A haunting story about fishing, baseball, home cooking, and other matters of life and death...from the author of The Dead Don't Dance and When Crickets Cry.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published May 25, 2007
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22003 people want to read
About the author
Charles Martin
147books8,822followersCharles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,274 reviews
February 11, 2025
EXCERPT: When I graduated college, I came back to Brunswick, bought an acre along the Altamaha and a sailboat named Gone Fiction at the annual police auction. She was a thirty-six-foot Hunter and had been confiscated during an offshore drug raid. The SWAT guys at the auction said they'd busted some Florida writer running drugs along the coast. When his books didn't sell, he traded his pen for a habit and joined the dark side. I didn't know a thing about sailing, but she looked cozy-had a bed, toilet, shower, small kitchen, and a bow big enough for a folding chair. Not to mention a rope railing where I could prop up my feet. I sized her up, imagined myself perched on her nose watching the tide roll in and out, and raised my hand. Sold! I got her in the water, motored her upriver to my acre of land, and dropped anchor in water deep enough not to ground her when the tide ran out. She sits about eighty yards offshore, which means when I tell people I live on the water, I'm not kidding.
Unc sat in a black, four-door 1970-something Cadillac hearse pulling a double-axle trailer he'd bought at a U-Haul auction. As a farrier, he uses the trailer as his workshop and his home away from home. He bought the hearse, which he calls Sally, more than a decade ago when a nearby funeral home needed an upgrade. It's the joke he plays on the world, and given the life he's lived, a joke is helpful.
A single fishing pole stuck out the back, the line tip dangling with a redheaded jig. Unc tipped his hat back, raised his eyebrows above his polarized Costa Del Mars, and smiled a guilty grin. He lifted his seat belt buckle, popped the top on a Yoo-hoo, stuffed an entire MoonPie into his mouth, and then sucked down the Yoo-hoo like it was the last on earth. I shook my head. Sometimes I wonder how a man like that raised a kid like me. Then I remember.
He dropped his glasses down on his chest. "You look like the dog's been keeping you under the porch."
Maybe I did look a bit disheveled.
I walked up to the car and began pulling on the ID tag they'd put on my wrist three days ago. It's like one of those plastic bands they give you when you check into the hospital. When they booked me, I told them, "I don't really need this. I already know my name." Problem is-that's not entirely true.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: They have one summer to find what was lost long ago.
"Never settle for less than the truth," she told him.
But when you don't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated. It can nestle so close to home it's hard to see. It can even flourish inside a lie. And as Chase Walker discovered, learning the truth about who you are can be as elusive--and as magical--as chasing fireflies on a summer night.
A haunting story about fishing, baseball, home cooking, and other matters of life and death...from the author of The Dead Don't Dance and When Crickets Cry.
MY THOUGHTS: I was not sure about this book when I first started it. By the time I got to the end, it had become one of my firm favourites. I listened to an audio version. I am going out to buy a copy. Chasing Fireflies is a book I know I am going to read more than once.
This is a book about fathers and sons. How you don't have a blood relationship to be a 'dad'. How cruel father's can be to their children. It is about abandoned and unloved children and fostering. It is about love and giving. It is about the deceit and love in families, and the things we do to one another, the way we treat each other, both bad and good.
There are a lot of wonderful life lessons in this book. I don't think anything I can say will convey the magnitude of Chasing fireflies.
Just get a copy and read it.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
Unc sat in a black, four-door 1970-something Cadillac hearse pulling a double-axle trailer he'd bought at a U-Haul auction. As a farrier, he uses the trailer as his workshop and his home away from home. He bought the hearse, which he calls Sally, more than a decade ago when a nearby funeral home needed an upgrade. It's the joke he plays on the world, and given the life he's lived, a joke is helpful.
A single fishing pole stuck out the back, the line tip dangling with a redheaded jig. Unc tipped his hat back, raised his eyebrows above his polarized Costa Del Mars, and smiled a guilty grin. He lifted his seat belt buckle, popped the top on a Yoo-hoo, stuffed an entire MoonPie into his mouth, and then sucked down the Yoo-hoo like it was the last on earth. I shook my head. Sometimes I wonder how a man like that raised a kid like me. Then I remember.
He dropped his glasses down on his chest. "You look like the dog's been keeping you under the porch."
Maybe I did look a bit disheveled.
I walked up to the car and began pulling on the ID tag they'd put on my wrist three days ago. It's like one of those plastic bands they give you when you check into the hospital. When they booked me, I told them, "I don't really need this. I already know my name." Problem is-that's not entirely true.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: They have one summer to find what was lost long ago.
"Never settle for less than the truth," she told him.
But when you don't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated. It can nestle so close to home it's hard to see. It can even flourish inside a lie. And as Chase Walker discovered, learning the truth about who you are can be as elusive--and as magical--as chasing fireflies on a summer night.
A haunting story about fishing, baseball, home cooking, and other matters of life and death...from the author of The Dead Don't Dance and When Crickets Cry.
MY THOUGHTS: I was not sure about this book when I first started it. By the time I got to the end, it had become one of my firm favourites. I listened to an audio version. I am going out to buy a copy. Chasing Fireflies is a book I know I am going to read more than once.
This is a book about fathers and sons. How you don't have a blood relationship to be a 'dad'. How cruel father's can be to their children. It is about abandoned and unloved children and fostering. It is about love and giving. It is about the deceit and love in families, and the things we do to one another, the way we treat each other, both bad and good.
There are a lot of wonderful life lessons in this book. I don't think anything I can say will convey the magnitude of Chasing fireflies.
Just get a copy and read it.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
September 10, 2015
Chasing Firefilies by Charles Martin was an enjoyable read.
"Never settle for less than the truth" She told him. But when you dont't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated.
I love the title and the illustration on the cover of this book as it is a real eye catcher This a mystery style story with many varied themes such as relationships, family, love, betrayal and good vs evil.
The plot is interesting as it is told with one stroy set in the past and one in the present. The characters are well drawn and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested.
I especially enjoyed the historical information.
" In 1886 fifty three members of what became know as the First Name Club bought Jekyll Island from John Eugene DuBignon. And while the memebers might have been on first-name basis with each other eyeryone else just called them "Sir". The Membership fee was set at one million dollars each and that was just to set foot on the Island. Members included men like J.P Morgan, William Vanderbilt, John D Rockefeller and Joseph Pulitzer.. At the tun of the century , when fifty-three members met on the Island , it is believed they controlled one-sixth of the world's wealth."
I was intriged by this piece of information and went straight to the computer to read more about these 53 men which led me straight to my next book purchase.
I did however have issues with parts of the plot and the actions of one character in particular. The conclusion of the stroy I found a little farfetched in my opinion but this is what makes great discussion book for book club reads. It didnt ruin the book for me but it did have me rolling my eyes here and there throughout the stroy,.
A nice easy read and a book that I think would work well as a bookclub read it its has plenty of discussion topics.
"Never settle for less than the truth" She told him. But when you dont't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated.
I love the title and the illustration on the cover of this book as it is a real eye catcher This a mystery style story with many varied themes such as relationships, family, love, betrayal and good vs evil.
The plot is interesting as it is told with one stroy set in the past and one in the present. The characters are well drawn and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested.
I especially enjoyed the historical information.
" In 1886 fifty three members of what became know as the First Name Club bought Jekyll Island from John Eugene DuBignon. And while the memebers might have been on first-name basis with each other eyeryone else just called them "Sir". The Membership fee was set at one million dollars each and that was just to set foot on the Island. Members included men like J.P Morgan, William Vanderbilt, John D Rockefeller and Joseph Pulitzer.. At the tun of the century , when fifty-three members met on the Island , it is believed they controlled one-sixth of the world's wealth."
I was intriged by this piece of information and went straight to the computer to read more about these 53 men which led me straight to my next book purchase.
I did however have issues with parts of the plot and the actions of one character in particular. The conclusion of the stroy I found a little farfetched in my opinion but this is what makes great discussion book for book club reads. It didnt ruin the book for me but it did have me rolling my eyes here and there throughout the stroy,.
A nice easy read and a book that I think would work well as a bookclub read it its has plenty of discussion topics.
August 16, 2015
A great mystery wrapped in a wonderful story. What an excellent surprise, I was not prepared for such a special book; not what I expected. This is an endearing story with a truly amazing historic back story. The author made it so easy to have feelings for each character that ranged from love, anger, pity, sorrow, admiration, wonder, idolization and respect. Laughter and tears were just a few emotions this story evoked. The hysterical metaphors and colloquialisms used by "Unc" are priceless. Good narrator, I did not spend a credit but it is well worth one. Highly recommend.
December 11, 2008
Charles Martin, the author of this book, is an extraordinary writer. In a previous review, I compared his writing to that of Nicholas Sparks's; however, upon reading this book, I think he is a much better writer. The story does meander frequently, one chapter dipping into the past while the next continues the present, but the tale plays out so beautifully it is worth the journey. I loved this book.
Some reviewers have noted that Martin did not include many mentions of God or Christianity throughout this book (he is generally a writer of Christian fiction), but I see it differently. Like the book of Esther in the Bible, a book which actually does not even use the work "God" at all, but instead shows God's hand at work, this story similarly has the hand of God all over it. I see the character of Unc (who is an unforgettably well-drawn character) as an allegorical reference to God in His sacrificial, all-forgiving love of His adopted children. The character of Unc is reason enough to read this book.
Some reviewers have noted that Martin did not include many mentions of God or Christianity throughout this book (he is generally a writer of Christian fiction), but I see it differently. Like the book of Esther in the Bible, a book which actually does not even use the work "God" at all, but instead shows God's hand at work, this story similarly has the hand of God all over it. I see the character of Unc (who is an unforgettably well-drawn character) as an allegorical reference to God in His sacrificial, all-forgiving love of His adopted children. The character of Unc is reason enough to read this book.
August 24, 2015
I put off rating this one because so many other readers gave it a 4 or 5. Here I am again, the odd person out. But I just could not stretch it to a 3 star. It left me feeling as if I had been tricked on top of it. As if I had stood at a shell game in an old fashioned county fair, and had been snickered into putting my last $2.00 on finding a nugget that wasn't there anywhere. This ending?
Really, there are so many aspects of this story that don't even make sense. Why wouldn't one relative reveal another? And the telling went so many ways that the original road of continuity and plot disappeared for great lengths.
But all of that did hold some sweet entertainment. But what truly lost an entire star for me beyond the plotting was the writing style. It just does not flow. Most Southern USA writing, all eras, is classic for the exact opposite- even the grit. The idioms, the melody of Southern speech and parsing. The dialog here was confusing and artificial. Real people talking? I needed to turn the pages backwards to figure out the "he, she, it" or reference point. It became maddening.
From the very beginning I was reminded of Dickens. His sweet orphan or impoverished good girl servant, but even more so in the tone of the narrator. Not a fan. Fiction is not real life but humans are human. From the ones I have known in my life from 1000's of places too, I just can't bridge the gap. This is more like a cartoon and the writing style alone sunk this one for me from the get-go.
Really, there are so many aspects of this story that don't even make sense. Why wouldn't one relative reveal another? And the telling went so many ways that the original road of continuity and plot disappeared for great lengths.
But all of that did hold some sweet entertainment. But what truly lost an entire star for me beyond the plotting was the writing style. It just does not flow. Most Southern USA writing, all eras, is classic for the exact opposite- even the grit. The idioms, the melody of Southern speech and parsing. The dialog here was confusing and artificial. Real people talking? I needed to turn the pages backwards to figure out the "he, she, it" or reference point. It became maddening.
From the very beginning I was reminded of Dickens. His sweet orphan or impoverished good girl servant, but even more so in the tone of the narrator. Not a fan. Fiction is not real life but humans are human. From the ones I have known in my life from 1000's of places too, I just can't bridge the gap. This is more like a cartoon and the writing style alone sunk this one for me from the get-go.
February 26, 2022
I doubt anyone will consider this great literature, but, at least for the first 200 pages, it was a fun read. I say this despite the fact that horrific abuse of a young boy is described. This is a trigger for me but it happened before the story begins and the boy is now with a family that will care for him, love him and protect him.
In this book you will meet a couple that foster abandoned children and provide a very good home, and like the abandoned children they foster the town has abandoned them � their outcasts. You will meet a man who is every bit a father anyone could want. That man is Uncle Willy, or Unc as he is known. The author intends this book to be a homage to fathers.
The coastal Georgia, small town setting adds its character to the story including the vernacular. Most importantly you will hear Unc’s Willee-isms. There are plenty of them, but here are some of my favorites:
There are multiple stories going on in this book. The ending tries to resolve them all, but as I have mentioned in reviews before an ending can make or break a book. I’m afraid in this book it breaks. The ending which for the most part becomes predictable is an unbelievable series of facts that are inconsistent with the story.
However, another message of the book is expressed by Unc, and that I like.
In this book you will meet a couple that foster abandoned children and provide a very good home, and like the abandoned children they foster the town has abandoned them � their outcasts. You will meet a man who is every bit a father anyone could want. That man is Uncle Willy, or Unc as he is known. The author intends this book to be a homage to fathers.
There is a much larger conversation here and it has to do with the role of the father in the life of his son. Uncle Willee is my best attempt at joining that conversation. If I need to restate it then you weren’t listening the first time, but I can sum it up in two words: nothing compares.
(Page 340)
The coastal Georgia, small town setting adds its character to the story including the vernacular. Most importantly you will hear Unc’s Willee-isms. There are plenty of them, but here are some of my favorites:
You look like the dog’s been keeping you under the porch. (Page 12)
Just because a chicken has wings doesn’t mean it can fly (Page 33)
He thinks the sun comes up just to hear him crow (Page 101)
folks over here say he’s tighter than bark on a tree (Page 101)
I’m about as welcome around here as a skunk at a lawn party (Page 102)
And they ate supper before they said grace (Page 102)
(This one might require an explanation. It means a couple started living together before they were married.)
It’s so dry the trees are bribing the dogs (page 163)
(My favorite)
There are multiple stories going on in this book. The ending tries to resolve them all, but as I have mentioned in reviews before an ending can make or break a book. I’m afraid in this book it breaks. The ending which for the most part becomes predictable is an unbelievable series of facts that are inconsistent with the story.
However, another message of the book is expressed by Unc, and that I like.
“My life has been real different than what I thought. Ain’t turned out how I hoped � nor dreamt. But I’m not the only man in the world to get screwed by life. Lots are worse off than me. That’s life. You take the bad with the good. Rise up through it. Live in the midst of it. It’s the bad that lets you know how good the good is. Don’t let the bad leave you thinking like there ain’t no good. There is, and lots of it, too.
�
[Picking up a rose] “See what I mean? Thorns don’t stop you from sniffing. Or putting them in a vase on the kitchen table. You work around them.� He stuck a finger in the air. “Why? Cause the rose is worth it.� He looked at me. “Think what you’d miss.�
�
“Sometimes good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.�
(Page 221)
June 20, 2012
I love books about contemporary American people going through real experiences. I am not into books about perfect people, cops, crooks, athletes, or rich people.
I like books about people who are flawed, people who have quirks, people who live contradictions, people who try to be good but sometimes fail, honest people doing the best they can with what life dishes out, people who sometimes can't resist temptations and people who maybe don't understand themselves fully. Those are books I can relate to. I like books by people like Larry McMurtry, Kent Harrup, Janet Fitch and Charles Martin. I really liked Chasing Fireflies.
This book is about a mute orphan boy and a reporter. The reporter tries to discover the story of the boy and in the process of finding out about the boy he discovers himself and the truth behind his past. It is elegantly written and I throughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all my friends! I intend to read more books by this author
I like books about people who are flawed, people who have quirks, people who live contradictions, people who try to be good but sometimes fail, honest people doing the best they can with what life dishes out, people who sometimes can't resist temptations and people who maybe don't understand themselves fully. Those are books I can relate to. I like books by people like Larry McMurtry, Kent Harrup, Janet Fitch and Charles Martin. I really liked Chasing Fireflies.
This book is about a mute orphan boy and a reporter. The reporter tries to discover the story of the boy and in the process of finding out about the boy he discovers himself and the truth behind his past. It is elegantly written and I throughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all my friends! I intend to read more books by this author
February 16, 2019
I cried so much, but I loved it. This book breaks your heart at times, but it’s so beautiful. It has it all, including mystery. The characters are great, just real feeling people that remind you of people you really know. I can’t say the right things to capture my feelings about this book. It’s one that I’ll remember for a really long time. The way it makes you feel is the reason it’s so awesome. It’s not just a movie playing in your head as you read, it’s imprinting the emotions in your heart. This book is full of great life lessons. And I actually laughed out loud at some of the things Unc says. And if there were more people in the world like him, it would be a much better place. The book is so well written that you ignore the fact that certain things were far fetched. You don’t care that there’s no way that would work like that in the real world because you have all these feelings going on inside that carry you right through the unrealistic parts. Okay, I give up on explaining my thoughts, just read it. Unless child abuse is a trigger for you, then don’t read it because it will destroy you. It hurts even if it’s not a trigger. Okay, I quit now. Sorry for more of a rambling mess than a review.
July 24, 2011
Sweet as Molasses with all of the quaint saying from “Liam". Great writing when depicting the look, feel and sounds of the south BUT (SPOILER!!) there were multiple names for characters, the cars even had names and the Mute boy without a name wasn’t even necessary to tell the story. He, Buddy, seemed to be placed in the story in order for the author to show us how Chase’s life growing up with Liam was. There were analogies told and retold. There were mysteries to be solved. Why didn’t William (Liam) just confront his brother from the get go? How can a convicted man be a foster parent? Did no one recognize Chase after only a few years? Why was Mandy in the story?? Although it was a “pleasant� story, I found it confusing, repetitive, farfetched and a book I can not recommend. I will, however, treasure a few of Liam’s sayings. ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
Four and a half stars
I nearly didn’t read this as it starts with an accident and some horrific pictures of child abuse. But I have read other books by this author and trusted the author and decided to continue. It is hard, heartbreaking and raw at times. But it is also an incredible story of selflessness and sacrifice A story of mute young boy who has been abused and a man called Chase, still searching for his own history and his father. Chase calls the boy Sketch because of his incredible drawing ability. The boy’s arrival with Uncle Willie prompts his own memories of being fostered by Willie and Lorna. And then there is Tommye who disappeared from Chase’s life to pursue an acting career. Tommye is Willie’s niece and lives with her own demons from an abusive childhood and tragic decisions made in the intervening years.
With themes of child abuse, loss, greed and drugs, among other things this does not make for easy reading at times, but it is compelling. These are not just one dimensional characters but fully fleshed out complex people working out issues. Sketch will steal your heart. Uncle Willie, known as Unc, is a one of a kind, letting people believe wrong info about him to protect others. Chase has his frustrations with life and it is easy to empathise with Chase. And Tommye presents a heartbreaking picture.
It certainly presents a snapshot of society, the good as well as the bad. There is a lot about baseball and while I do not follow that game I understand the passion that following a sport and a team can engender even if it is a different game. It has a lot to say about what constitutes family and in particular fathers and sons. A compelling, challenging and recommended read.
I nearly didn’t read this as it starts with an accident and some horrific pictures of child abuse. But I have read other books by this author and trusted the author and decided to continue. It is hard, heartbreaking and raw at times. But it is also an incredible story of selflessness and sacrifice A story of mute young boy who has been abused and a man called Chase, still searching for his own history and his father. Chase calls the boy Sketch because of his incredible drawing ability. The boy’s arrival with Uncle Willie prompts his own memories of being fostered by Willie and Lorna. And then there is Tommye who disappeared from Chase’s life to pursue an acting career. Tommye is Willie’s niece and lives with her own demons from an abusive childhood and tragic decisions made in the intervening years.
With themes of child abuse, loss, greed and drugs, among other things this does not make for easy reading at times, but it is compelling. These are not just one dimensional characters but fully fleshed out complex people working out issues. Sketch will steal your heart. Uncle Willie, known as Unc, is a one of a kind, letting people believe wrong info about him to protect others. Chase has his frustrations with life and it is easy to empathise with Chase. And Tommye presents a heartbreaking picture.
It certainly presents a snapshot of society, the good as well as the bad. There is a lot about baseball and while I do not follow that game I understand the passion that following a sport and a team can engender even if it is a different game. It has a lot to say about what constitutes family and in particular fathers and sons. A compelling, challenging and recommended read.
May 19, 2023
Charles Martin has been an author that first caught my eye when a fellow teacher-reader reviewed a couple of his books on Instagram. So I decided to check out the titles that are available with my Kindle Unlimited membership. I liked my first journey into his writing and have already added other titles that I wish to read in the future.
Chasing Fireflies involves a boy that is discovered malnourished and mute and the history of the main protagonist, Chase Walker. Chase is the journalist intrigued by this boy partially because his own past is a story that begins with neglect and abandonment. With the mystery in the present and a close look at the foster care system, it was a book that held my attention.
Why the three stars? Well, I suppose it has to do with the anticlimactic ending and the sometimes parts where Chase's history seemed to eclipse the mystery of who this young boy was supposed to be. Also, as much as I found it was a story with sad parts, it wasn't necessarily a story that made me sad,
Overall, I have added three more Charles Martin titles to my list and I look forward to where his storytelling will take me.
ŷ review published 19/05/23
Chasing Fireflies involves a boy that is discovered malnourished and mute and the history of the main protagonist, Chase Walker. Chase is the journalist intrigued by this boy partially because his own past is a story that begins with neglect and abandonment. With the mystery in the present and a close look at the foster care system, it was a book that held my attention.
Why the three stars? Well, I suppose it has to do with the anticlimactic ending and the sometimes parts where Chase's history seemed to eclipse the mystery of who this young boy was supposed to be. Also, as much as I found it was a story with sad parts, it wasn't necessarily a story that made me sad,
Overall, I have added three more Charles Martin titles to my list and I look forward to where his storytelling will take me.
ŷ review published 19/05/23
June 27, 2015
Thank you Judy Collins for bring Charles Martin to my attention! Charles Martin a definite 180 from Thrillers and Action-Adventures I usually read, but he is now on of favorite authors after on 2 books of his I have read!! Judy said this is a man's book and I agree. After checking 10 pages of review on GR, I found I was only one of five men that rated it. Amazing that we all gave it 5 Stars. Guys, take a break from Cussler,Sandford,Clancy.Flynn, etc. and READ this book! You will not be disappointed.
March 31, 2017
Fabuloso!
Claro que tinha que ser vencedor de um prémio. Tem tanto para isso...
Claro que tinha que ser vencedor de um prémio. Tem tanto para isso...
July 16, 2021
While not my favorite Charles Martin book (maybe because it was one of his earlier works) it did have the same depth and story that made you really think. Unc, Chase, Tommye, and Sketch were all individuals with their own heartbreaking story, but they all had each other to lean on and help them through those rough times. Unc was obviously a lot stronger than he thought, having taken in and raised Chase, then being the one Tommye leaned on when times arose, and then taking in Sketch. He had a lot of lessons to teach and each one was just right for that person. In the end, he was very loved he just had to accept it at the right time.
Very good - 4.5 stars - definitely going to recommend to my friends.
Very good - 4.5 stars - definitely going to recommend to my friends.
September 6, 2012
I've now officially read all of Charles Martin's books. This is one of the best, and that's saying something. The characters are so real, I feel like I have a bunch of friends hanging out on my bookshelf, waiting for me to pick them up again. I will, someday. I promise.
I particularly loved the relationship between Chase and Unc and the picture it paints of what the father-child relationship should look like, juxtaposed with that of Jack and Tommye--the ultimate "what not to do." This lends credence to the idea that, instead of always trying to discover "who" we are, we ought to spend more time considering "whose" we are. When we know who we belong to, the rest falls into place.
I particularly loved the relationship between Chase and Unc and the picture it paints of what the father-child relationship should look like, juxtaposed with that of Jack and Tommye--the ultimate "what not to do." This lends credence to the idea that, instead of always trying to discover "who" we are, we ought to spend more time considering "whose" we are. When we know who we belong to, the rest falls into place.
July 25, 2012
"One of the most compelling books I have ever read and my favorite author! You will enjoy if from Atlanta (can appreicate)...a guys book but girls will love it as well! Father/son love...well written...you will be reading when when the sun comes up...have some tissue handy...heart-felt story making you fall in love with Unc, Chase, and all the characters...not wanting it to end and wanting more! A Must Read! "
February 17, 2017
I know a book is good when I find myself reading a paragraph over and over again. I've never read Charles Martin's books before but I'm so glad I found him. In just a few chapters he created characters that I genuinely cared about. Characters I wanted to cheer for, fight for, and cry with. It was a book filled with life lessons, poignant moments, and a great love for baseball. What more could I ask for?
July 20, 2021
Love does that. It names the nameless and gives voice to the voiceless.
This was my second book by Charles Martin and the beauty and depth of his stories and characters again confirmed why I would like to read more by this author. The mysteries was intriguing and the way the author dropped hints and brought everything to a close was well written.
I listened to this on audio. Though the narrator wasn't the best at the start, the story drew me in and I enjoyed it by the end.
*I listened to this on Scribd.*
This was my second book by Charles Martin and the beauty and depth of his stories and characters again confirmed why I would like to read more by this author. The mysteries was intriguing and the way the author dropped hints and brought everything to a close was well written.
I listened to this on audio. Though the narrator wasn't the best at the start, the story drew me in and I enjoyed it by the end.
*I listened to this on Scribd.*
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July 14, 2024Loved it!
October 29, 2014
Audiobook. A mystery, with strong characterization and varied themes: overcoming anger, dealing with long-term ostracism, parental love, second chances, baseball (Atlanta Braves), redemption, acceptance of suffering, child abuse, the foster care system, and the ravages of HIV and hepatitis.
Set in Brunswick, Georgia, on the Atlantic coast, and in nearby St. Simons Island and Sea Island, and in the Buffalo Swamp marshlands. Takes place in current time and in the past. Told in first person POV, by a journalist who writes under the name Chase Walker.
This story is heartwarming. Forest Gump comes to mind. The portrayal of Uncle Willee's devoted love for little lost orphan boys -- and one lost girl -- is beautiful. I loved seeing joy come to the little mute boy, so badly abused. However, his trust came too soon, I felt. After so much abuse at the hands of a man, he'd be slow to hold another's hand. I wish the author had portrayed poignant scenes of the orphan healing from his horrible wounds, inside and out. But he dropped the ball, fumbling around with digressions.
Solid portrayal of Tommy Lynn, dying of AIDS. She reminded me of the woman Forest Gump loved.
There are several references to the Bible, but the characters didn't feel preachy at all.
I liked the car, a snorkeling Toyota Land Cruiser named Vicky. I liked the funeral scene. Good hunt scene in dark streets of Atlanta. Interesting resolution to the stolen diamond necklace.
But the story is also frustrating. The writing style isn't tight enough. Like the marsh, it bogged me down with too many trivial details. In addition, the plot isn't tight enough. Some decisions Uncle made seemed absurd. They simply made no sense to me. Why didn't Unc speak up sooner?? Why didn't anyone recognize that boy?
Pacing and flow bogs down. Some long info-dumps about the history of St Simons island and Sea Island. There's also an info-dump on the horrors of the disease AIDS, and there are some tedious digressions into the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Pacing swamped out, like poor Vicky.
But my biggest gripe? This plot has a VERY disappointing resolution, because that vile villain .
Maybe it's because I listened to the audiobook, rather than reading it, but I sometimes couldn't tell whether the author was describing a past or present scene. Eventually I figured it out, but not only was I mistaken about WHEN some scenes were occurring, the time-hopping also managed to draw me out of the characters, away from the story. It reduced the emotional impact of the mute orphan boy's story, especially. Too bad, after the gripping prologue.
An even better book about an abused child who finds joy and love is . Loved that story, with only a few quibbles.
Decent narration by Drew Peterson. He's not in the same league as Simon Vance, but slightly better than average, except for some poorly placed pauses and a few mispronounced words. Dulcinea, the whore esteemed by Don Quixote, for example. Easy enough to find out how to say it. Listen to the soundtrack or watch the movie, Man from La Mancha. The title was stated in the book.
Set in Brunswick, Georgia, on the Atlantic coast, and in nearby St. Simons Island and Sea Island, and in the Buffalo Swamp marshlands. Takes place in current time and in the past. Told in first person POV, by a journalist who writes under the name Chase Walker.
This story is heartwarming. Forest Gump comes to mind. The portrayal of Uncle Willee's devoted love for little lost orphan boys -- and one lost girl -- is beautiful. I loved seeing joy come to the little mute boy, so badly abused. However, his trust came too soon, I felt. After so much abuse at the hands of a man, he'd be slow to hold another's hand. I wish the author had portrayed poignant scenes of the orphan healing from his horrible wounds, inside and out. But he dropped the ball, fumbling around with digressions.
Solid portrayal of Tommy Lynn, dying of AIDS. She reminded me of the woman Forest Gump loved.
There are several references to the Bible, but the characters didn't feel preachy at all.
I liked the car, a snorkeling Toyota Land Cruiser named Vicky. I liked the funeral scene. Good hunt scene in dark streets of Atlanta. Interesting resolution to the stolen diamond necklace.
But the story is also frustrating. The writing style isn't tight enough. Like the marsh, it bogged me down with too many trivial details. In addition, the plot isn't tight enough. Some decisions Uncle made seemed absurd. They simply made no sense to me. Why didn't Unc speak up sooner?? Why didn't anyone recognize that boy?
Pacing and flow bogs down. Some long info-dumps about the history of St Simons island and Sea Island. There's also an info-dump on the horrors of the disease AIDS, and there are some tedious digressions into the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Pacing swamped out, like poor Vicky.
But my biggest gripe? This plot has a VERY disappointing resolution, because that vile villain .
Maybe it's because I listened to the audiobook, rather than reading it, but I sometimes couldn't tell whether the author was describing a past or present scene. Eventually I figured it out, but not only was I mistaken about WHEN some scenes were occurring, the time-hopping also managed to draw me out of the characters, away from the story. It reduced the emotional impact of the mute orphan boy's story, especially. Too bad, after the gripping prologue.
An even better book about an abused child who finds joy and love is . Loved that story, with only a few quibbles.
Decent narration by Drew Peterson. He's not in the same league as Simon Vance, but slightly better than average, except for some poorly placed pauses and a few mispronounced words. Dulcinea, the whore esteemed by Don Quixote, for example. Easy enough to find out how to say it. Listen to the soundtrack or watch the movie, Man from La Mancha. The title was stated in the book.
October 3, 2014
The Prologue was fantastic. It was exciting, it grabbed my interest and had me wanting to know more. Even the first couple of chapters were okay. But then the book went from being mostly about the boy at the train tracks to being about 100 different things. There were too many side stories taking place and the one thing I was curious about - the history of the train boy - kinda fell by the wayside. His story really wasn't all that exciting & left me disappointed.
For the most part, this book is about Chase Walker solving the mystery of the missing bank bonds, and in turn, finding out who his father is.
There was too much detail in this book. I enjoy having scenes described to me, but it needs to feel natural. This book read like a textbook sometimes: "The drove 100 yards down this street, turned north on this street and drove 50 yards, then swung back around onto this street, which goes southeast." The author also gets sidetracked with baseball and football statistics, etc.
I ended up skipping several parts of the story because it became tedious. Also, the book is written in first-person, which I don't think works too well. It lead to some confusion in the "About Uncle Willee" section. I assumed it was still Chase Walker speaking. Not until the end, did I realize it was the author speaking for himself. Very confusing.
For the most part, this book is about Chase Walker solving the mystery of the missing bank bonds, and in turn, finding out who his father is.
There was too much detail in this book. I enjoy having scenes described to me, but it needs to feel natural. This book read like a textbook sometimes: "The drove 100 yards down this street, turned north on this street and drove 50 yards, then swung back around onto this street, which goes southeast." The author also gets sidetracked with baseball and football statistics, etc.
I ended up skipping several parts of the story because it became tedious. Also, the book is written in first-person, which I don't think works too well. It lead to some confusion in the "About Uncle Willee" section. I assumed it was still Chase Walker speaking. Not until the end, did I realize it was the author speaking for himself. Very confusing.
October 9, 2022
What a beautiful, beautiful book. This book was chosen for book club several years ago now, and I picked it up many times only to put it down and never read it. Although it was highly rated by everyone in our group, I could just never get through it. I’m not sure why. Maybe the time wasn’t right. I took it on a recent road trip, determined to finish this book. What took me so long? This book is amazing and so full of love and hope. I couldn’t put it down. I now need to read it again to pick up on details I might have missed. I loved the story, the characters and their relationships, the writing, everything. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2013
I honestly can not say enough good things about this book!! I have 'loved' characters in books before... but I grew to love, respect and genuinely want to meet 'Unc' from this novel. It's a wonderful story, but it also has powerful teaching moments about forgiveness, love, and the impact a parent can have on a child (for better or worse). I borrowed it from the library, but I will be adding a copy to my permanent collection. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book
April 16, 2012
Excellent story, excellent writing, just the kind of book I look for. Well drawn mysteries to ponder amid relational drama, and very distinct characters. I have several Charles Martin books on my TBR list now.
July 9, 2011
Enjoyed this a lot... a quick read about finding who you are!!! Loved the way he describes the Georgia Lowcountry... Good Southern writer!!!
July 14, 2021
A story full of heart and a little mystery and humor. At the core, I found Chasing Fireflies to be about sacrificial love. Another beautiful tale by Charles Martin.
October 19, 2024
Любителите на историята на библейския Йов ще харесат тази история повече. Тя е мелодраматична, сърцераздирателна, нравоучителна и � безмислена. Единствената причина нещата да се случат точно както са се случили е авторът да може да извлече поуката, че като те ударят по едната буза или те връхлетят язви и други страхотии, просто трябва да обърнеш и другата буза и да приемеш кротко всички ужаси, защото бог така иска. А неща като логика, например, нямат никакво значение за действието. Уили беше един приятно драматичен и напълно недостоверен герой, който не е личност, а е просто инструмент в ръцете на писателя за определена религиозна интерпретация, която от своя страна косвено насочва как всички са инструменти в ръцете на бога. Въпрос на гледна точка, мистър Мартин, въпрос на гледна точка�
Останалите герои - включително разказвачът Чейс - са само щрихирани, а злодеят е абсолютно неразвит, но пък е наистина зловещ. Мисля, че имаше и филм, който беше приятен.
Преводът на места е много спънат и странен, особено в началото, за предпочитане би била английската версия.
2,5⭐️
Останалите герои - включително разказвачът Чейс - са само щрихирани, а злодеят е абсолютно неразвит, но пък е наистина зловещ. Мисля, че имаше и филм, който беше приятен.
Преводът на места е много спънат и странен, особено в началото, за предпочитане би била английската версия.
2,5⭐️
May 13, 2013
The story begins with the dramatic scene in which a young (8? 10?) mute boy is savagely kicked from a car just before the driver parks on the tracks in front of an oncoming train. He is discovered two days later when he climbs out of the ditch covered in ant bites...and lots of old scars. A young journalist from the town's newspaper, Chase, is tasked with finding out who the boy is, and more importantly, whose the boy is.
OK, stop right there. The police are too busy to bother with figuring out who the body in the car is, and where the boy belongs? Anyway...
The boy becomes a ward of the state, and is sent to a home. We find out Chase grew up in foster care, and somehow the boy ends up in the care of the family who raised Chase. What a coincidence, right?
The foster father, Uncle Willie, is a great role model. He always knows just the right thing to say, or the right object lesson to teach. He's a fountain of wisdom and a paragon of calm forgiveness.
As the book progresses, the story shifts to focus on Chase's childhood. I won't give it away, but there is one huge secret that has been kept from him, and boy is it a doozy of a coincidence.
I liked this book. A lot. But there were a few too many coincidences and preachy moments for me to really love it. And why muddy the waters with Chase's story when the book began with such a great scene? I wish the author had picked one story to tell us thoroughly.
OK, stop right there. The police are too busy to bother with figuring out who the body in the car is, and where the boy belongs? Anyway...
The boy becomes a ward of the state, and is sent to a home. We find out Chase grew up in foster care, and somehow the boy ends up in the care of the family who raised Chase. What a coincidence, right?
The foster father, Uncle Willie, is a great role model. He always knows just the right thing to say, or the right object lesson to teach. He's a fountain of wisdom and a paragon of calm forgiveness.
As the book progresses, the story shifts to focus on Chase's childhood. I won't give it away, but there is one huge secret that has been kept from him, and boy is it a doozy of a coincidence.
I liked this book. A lot. But there were a few too many coincidences and preachy moments for me to really love it. And why muddy the waters with Chase's story when the book began with such a great scene? I wish the author had picked one story to tell us thoroughly.
July 17, 2021
For the most part, this was a touching story of triumph over adversity. Unlike many Christian novels outside of the "end times," sci-fi/fantasy, or juvenile literature genres, this also doesn't have a romantic aspect; I was glad, since I declared a few months ago that I was doing away with any media that was too girly and/or lovey-dovey.
However, this wasn't as clean-cut as I've come to expect from Christian fiction. While I can appreciate the story dealing with serious issues--who hasn't faced those at some point?--I was disappointed with some of the language, particularly the usage of the term "H-E-double-hockey-stick," not to mention the unfinished utterances of the a-word and s-word, the latter of which was combined with "holy". Discerning readers may also take issue with a scene where an unmarried guy sees a woman naked, though her appearance isn't described in detail.
So...like many books, this was a mixed bag.
However, this wasn't as clean-cut as I've come to expect from Christian fiction. While I can appreciate the story dealing with serious issues--who hasn't faced those at some point?--I was disappointed with some of the language, particularly the usage of the term "H-E-double-hockey-stick," not to mention the unfinished utterances of the a-word and s-word, the latter of which was combined with "holy". Discerning readers may also take issue with a scene where an unmarried guy sees a woman naked, though her appearance isn't described in detail.
So...like many books, this was a mixed bag.
January 2, 2021
Aw story, with good character and a good message. This is not hard hitting literature but you can’t help but love Uncle Willie and wish for everyone, especially young boys, to have one in their life. Having said that the “twist� wasn’t revealed in the best way of you ask me...needed more foreshadowing, not because it was so tricky but because it was so obvious.
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