Chasing Fireflies

This book is written in the "I", a man, so at first I had a little trouble getting it. But, it didn't take long until I was very interested in the story as well as attached to the characters. The story has such depth and is loaded with true meanings of life. Tears and laughter at times, I truly love 'Uncle Willie'. This story will stay with me and I would even listen to it again. Thanks Mr. Martin and I sure look forward to your other books. I would like an audio to be made of the book "When Crickets Cry" because it was recommended to me by a friend as the "best book she had ever read" - she is an 84-year-old avid reader. /debR

Please buy this book. This man is a wonderful writer and the narrator is perfect. It grabs you from the beginning and you can't let go. It is wonderful. I truly enjoyed this book. Please write more!

Charles Martin's understanding of the adopted/abandoned child is profound. What your head knows has nothing to do with what your heart feels. This is a book written from the heart - to the heart and is appropriate for all ages.

I just purchased the audiobook. I read this novel a couple years ago and was riveted. Probably the best "Christian fiction" I've ever read. Unique characters, wonderful writing, gripping storyline. I wanted to re-read it but just haven't found the time. This audio version will make a 2,200 mile trip at least 800 or so miles shorter.

This is by far some of the best adult fiction I have read in a long time. The story is captivating and I couldn't stop listening. Not often do you find a work of fiction that resonates with deep truth. Charles Martin manages to remind and teach us while telling a poignant tale of love and family. I will be on the lookout for more from this author.

I really enjoyed this story and the narrator did a good job. You can tell that it is written by a man though because of the little bit of rambling about sports a couple of times. The great surprise ending made up for any long windedness though. The characters are lovable and I enjoy Charles Martin's prose. The only think that would have made this book better for me was if there had been a little romance or love connection, but that's just because I'm a sap. I would recommend it, in fact I just downloaded another of Martin's books The Mountain Between Us with hopes that it is just as good.

Wonderful tale. Real characters with a poignant story line. Thank you.

I found this book on the sale rack and even though I'm not familiar with the author, the positive reviews and story summary encouraged me to take a chance. Although the book summary suggested an intriguing plot, it is more character driven than I expected, and the author’s ability to make me care about the characters is what had me riveted. The key was Uncle Willie and his commitment to doing the right thing for the foster sons in his care, no matter the sacrifice. He was the moral center to his family in the manner of Hans, the foster father in “The Book Thief”. Although there are two mysteries to solve, this is not an action thriller, but a gentle yet urgent push for the truth about the wrongs done to two young boys 20 years apart. My heart ached for both boys.

The plot is good, the writing a little loose in places, but it matched the personalities of the main characters, so actually seemed appropriate. More sentimental than I usually enjoy, and there were some convenient coincidences that made the story somewhat predictable. But bottom line, I just had to keep reading because I really liked these people. Placed in south Georgia, a location I am familiar with, the southern sensibilities and language made me feel right at home. Andrew Peterson’s reading is adequate - does not distract from the story but doesn’t noticeably add to it either, although his voicing of Uncle Willie is spot on - brings him to life. And if you are not familiar with the correct pronunciations of some south Georgia locations or with the names of past Atlanta Braves baseball players, you probably won’t mind that he messes up several of them – it did make me cringe a few times however.

If you're looking for a good, southern author, Martin's your man. Martin's descriptions can be over-the-top; however, he skillfully created a character (Uncle Willy) whose bungled southern metaphors were endearing. We always enjoy Martin's ability to weave stories about everyday life.... he usually shows a human side to villains....which is important to his overall themes of mercy and justice. Our least favorite of Martin's books was, The Mountain Between Us.... so we were surprised to see it rated higher in popularity. Maybe we didn't enjoy it because it was set in the Rockies and we live in Southern Appalachia. :)... southerners love to read about their own beloved homes and schools. Go Dogs!

I ended up listening to this book from start to finish. The ending is quite a surprise!

I will be looking for more books by this author. I think he is also did the narration. If he ever stops writing I think he could have a great vocation as a narrator.