Madison Park

A Place of Hope

By: Eric L. Motley, Walter Isaacson - foreword

Narrated by: Brandon Maloney

Welcome to Madison Park, a small community in Alabama founded by freed slaves in 1880. And meet Eric Motley, a native son who came of age in this remarkable place where constant lessons in self-determination, hope, and unceasing belief in the American dream taught him everything he needed for his journey to the Oval Office as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush.

Eric grew up among people whose belief was to “give” and never turn away from your neighbor’s need. There was Aunt Shine, the goodly matriarch who cared so much about young Motley’s schooling that she would stand up in a crowded church and announce Eric’s progress or his shortcomings. There was Old Man Salery, who secretly siphoned gasoline from his beat-up car into the Motleys' tank at night. There were Motley’s grandparents, who bought books for Eric they couldn’t afford, spending the last of their seed money. And there was Reverend Brinkley, a man of enormous faith and simple living. It was said that whenever the Reverend came your way, light abounded. Life in Madison Park wasn’t always easy or fair, and Motley reveals personal and heartbreaking stories of racial injustice and segregation. But Eric shows how the community taught him everything he needed to know about love and faith.

This charming, engaging, and deeply inspiring memoir will help you remember that we can create a world of shared values based on love and hope. It is a story that reveals the amazing power of faith in God and each other. If you’re in search of hope during troubled times, look no further than Madison Park.

©2017 Eric L. Motley (P)2017 Zondervan

An Uplifting True Atory

I found Eric Motley’s story fascinating. Having lived years ago in Montgomery, Alabama, I never heard of Madison Park. It sounds like a wonderful place to be raised, full of identity, faith, community parade and a deep sense of care for each other. I appreciate knowing all this now and how one man refused to allow circumstances to define his potential, color his world view with the limitations of racism, or holding onto and practicing his faith in God.

A story of the importance of community.

Loved this book. The extraordinary story of an extraordinary man. This is not merely the success story of a man, but it is a story of the importance of community.

absolutely beautiful

this is the sweetest, most inspiring book I have ever read.
eric motley was raised by his grandparents AND his community to become a brilliant young man and adult. his words show only gratitude for his upbringing.

Wonderful book

Inspirational. A foundation that is critical to all children’s lives. I’m thankful to have listened to this audio book.

This is a wonderful book!

Eric’s story is an inspiring count of his life. His family and community pull together to help shape him into an outstanding man. Eric has loving caring parents who fuel his love of learning.

Absolutely engaging.

Loved it. Could hardly put it down. Remarkable story. Well told and well narrated. Highly recommend.

The family historian we all long for

In "Madison Park," Eric Motley skillfully recounts the narrative of his Montgomery, Alabama community through emotionally charged interactions with his affectionate neighbors. Remaining steadfast to his origins, Motley ensures that Washington DC never replaces the pride in his heart, instilling in readers a sense of pride for the selfless generosity embodied by the people of Madison Park as he concludes his memoir.