Cowboy of the Road: True Stories of His Survival

By: Valerie Pontbriand, Marcel Pontbriand

Narrated by: Lamont Mapp

Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

Childhood or wildhood? This collection of stories begins with a young boy whose cleverness, ability, and determination are more in line with an adult rather than the curious-minded six-year-old that we are introduced to in the first story. 

Normal was never to be a part of Marcel Pontbriand’s life. Orphaned at the tender young age of 14 and with only pennies to his name, you’ll listen about how he took to the ice roads of Canada and met with fear, tragedy, and obstacles that only few could even imagine.

Challenge, defeat, and the curses of mother nature would forge the young Marcel into a focused dreamer who would plan, re-examine his situation, and promise himself a better life, all the while pledging to help others along the way. Just like the highways of Canada and the USA, it’s never a straight path to meet a timeline and a destination.

These stories will take you on an adventure of one man’s life that was intertwined with controversy, crime, and corruption. It’s been a truckin’ hard life for Marcel Pontbriand, a life that he would not change in the least, because it molded him into what he became to be called; Cowboy of the Road 

He has driven more than five million miles behind the wheel of his Peterbilt rig. 

So, let us begin this incredible collection of true tales right now! Stories about life and death, corruption and life problems. 

This audiobook is one of the best memoirs of all time and relates to a young ice road trucker who has overcome so many hurdles. Please enjoy one of the best biography.

©2020 Valerie M. Pontbriand (P)2021 Valerie Martel

Hanging onto every word!!!

What an incredible story!! Yall, you have to listen to Marcel's story. I was hanging onto every word as the narrator guided me through the Canadian winter, across the frozen lakes, through the concrete jungles of NY... and back again. Marcel's story is not only inspirational (and a testament to the power of work ethic and cleverness), but it's also extremely entertaining. You will not be disappointed!

Cowboy of the Road

This was an enjoyable memoir of a man who starts his career at the young age of 14. The first part of the book, with Marcel's childhood antics and his early days as an ice road trucker were great! His mischievous pranks and ability to do so many things mechanically were enjoyable. Marcel reminded me a lot of my husband, who is also a Dodge fanatic and often got into trouble for trying to improve upon mechanical things at a young age.

The part of the book about the financial stuff were not as interesting to me, but still a good read. I will say that sometimes the book jumped around a bit and made it a little hard to follow. The narrator did a good job and his pacing and timing was perfect. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.

Wow!!

I thought nobody was better at screwing with people better than the government and media of the U.S.A. Apparently, I was wrong. Must read.

Oh my gosh so good!

Ok so I love westerns, and this book just sucks you into this mans life. Such a good book. It’s really hard for me to get into a book, but I got into this one. It’s very well written, the narrator is great which is always important for an audiobook. Definitely recommend it, it’s worth the money.

Great book very informative

I really enjoyed the raw cutting edge detail of the book great listen. keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Must Read

Feeling inspired to follow my dreams after reading about Marcel’s life. You will not want to put this book down. Well written with great deals, the book reads as if Marcel is talking to you. Great narration. Looking forward to reading part 2.

Once again I was pleased!

This is my second Cowboy of the Road title, and I am still loving it! I hope to see more soon!!

Fascinating Tale

Great Story! Couldn’t stop listening! Each chapter just kept me wanting more. It was like a Netflix binge. Learnt a lot of life lessons….I would have benefited a lot from this story as a young man. Inspiring! Well written and narrated.

Storytelling at it's best!

I seriously can't stop listening to this book. Beyond entertaining, it drives home the power of storytelling to make your point and teach...hardships and mistakes should be laid down and used as stepping stones into your future. Defining moments in our life will teach us lessons if we just listen. It makes us who we are. Wonderful read!!

A great story

A story that is honest and engaging. Really enjoyed the writing and narration as I was able to visualize the story and able to put myself in the main characters shoes. A great listen, definitely would recommend.

a love letter

You know those people who swear they could write a book about their life? This is one of those rare times they would be right. It was written by his wife, and clearly a lot of love went into the work.
My one criticism would be in the reading, the narration came off more daytime documentary than the affectionate retelling of a husband's life story.