
Martin Marten
A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Travis Baldree
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By:
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Brian Doyle
Dave is 14 years old, living with his family in a cabin on Oregon's Mount Hood (or as he prefers to call it, like the Multnomah tribal peoples once did, Wy'east). Dave will soon enter high school, with adulthood and a future not far off - a future away from his mother, father, his precocious younger sister, and the wilderness where he's lived all his life.
And Dave is not the only one approaching adulthood and its freedoms on Wy'east that summer. Martin, a pine marten (of the mustelid family), is leaving his own mother and siblings and setting off on his own as well.
As Dave and Martin set off on their own adventures, their lives, paths, and trails will cross, weave, and blend. Why not come with them as they set forth into the forest and crags of Oregon's soaring mountain wilderness in search of life, family, friends, enemies, wonder, mystery, and good things to eat?
Martin Marten is a braided coming-of-age tale like no other, told in Brian Doyle's joyous, rollicking style.
©2015 Brian Doyle (P)2017 TantorListeners also enjoyed...




















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This isn't my usual genre of book, but a friend recommended and it came up in my book recommendations and I am very happy I listened.
The book is so much more than a coming of age story about a young boy - Dave. In parallel with a Marten, the storytelling pulls you in; the romance between Ms. Moss and Mr. Douglas, the friendship between Dave and Moon, Moon and his parents, the connection between Cosmos and the Robinsons, the music and struggles of the Unabled Lady, Emma’s personal journey, and let us not forget Maria.
Through the eyes of the non-human's Martin (a pine marten), Louis (an elk), Edwin (a horse), an unnamed dog friend of Mr. Shapiro, and all the non-human characters, the reader is touched by their adventures, fears, survival, and yes, possibly love.
In many books like this, readers could be frustrated by what some would consider anthropomorphism; however, Doyle does stress that we can’t possibly understand their thoughts and knowledge. I agree with others who have said that - his way of writing is distinct and crafted in such a way that it really worked for me. His style of blending the non-human and human storytelling was a major compliment to the storytelling and a beautiful reminder that the humans are not the only living beings on the mountain.
So yes, Mr. Doyle took some fantastical liberties, but in my mind it did not distract from the story, but was a huge enhancement. The beauty, sensitivity, and emotions felt were worth it. For me the best books allow me to get away from the daily grind, provide excitement, learning, feeling the beauty of the world around me, and in many ways get at the truth or heart of the story by whatever means available to the Author. .
This Author uses a boy, a community, a mountain, and a Marten to get at the truth and heart of the book..
I highly suggest adding to your reading or listening list - it is well worth it. Hoping for a book 2.
First book read by Brian Doyle, but not the last.
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A beautifully written tale
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My favorite book
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No worries
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Every word was a treat!
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A revelation of of sorrowful joy and beauty
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Captivated to the end
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The characters, their interactions with each other and their world is a wonderful place to be in and experience.
The only criticism I'd offer, is at times the strength of all of that is slightly diminished, to me, by staying in the depth of the feeling too long, by over articulation of that feeling, or moment, in a way that, again to me, oversells it in places that may take away from what is being conveyed.
He walks up to that line often, but backs away in time. That’s a strength of his IMHO
At the end of this story, for my taste, it spent a bit more time in, and it over articulated/explained things we already knew, or could infer by the dance and actions of the characters he so richly painted in the story previously.
That said I not only still love this book, this story, this world, and the way the writer gives us all of those things, I also realize and respect the fact that Mr. Doyle is an incredibly accomplished writer and I'm a guy basically giving a book Yelp;)
Can't wait to read Mr. Doyle's next book.
The give, the take.
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A wonderful story!
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I don't understand the overuse of the word "infinitesimally " that is used throughout the book.
I must now make it a goal to put eyes upon a Marten before my time is through in this world.
View nature in a different way.
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