Blog Categories
Blog Entries by Month
Stay in Touch
Charles sends out an email every time a new book is released. If interested please sign-up for Charles' newsletter.
Reader Comments on When Crickets Cry
Posted in Reader Comments on Sat, July 16, 2005
If you have read When Crickets Cry please post your thoughts by adding a comment.
I was very moved by this book. As president of local Transplant Recipients International Organization chapter, I invited Charles to speak to the group of transplant recipients and their caregivers. They all loved what he had to say.
Charles Martin described the emotions of receiving a transplant in a very realistic way. It amazed me that he could write such a fiction al story based on interviews of heart transplant recipients while working on an autobio for Senator Frist a heart transplant surgeon.
The development of characters and their emotions is excellent.
Charles, I can’t wait to read your next novel. I’ve devoured all five and shared with many friends and even strangers in book stores. I’m not even sure who has my signed copies of all your books at this point as they’ve been passed from friend to friend- I just hope I get them back.
Best of luck and much success to you in the future. Congratulations and see you July 19th at your signing party.
Donna -( from the lemonade stand) SJGCC / December 2008 book club dinner with the author party.
What a beautiful book. It was the first Charles Martin book I read. I loved it so much I immediately went out and bought all four of his other books. I can’t get enough of them. I am so happy he is releasing a new one in a few days.
‘’ When Crickets Cry’’ was the first book i read by Charles Martin. I loved this book so much i immediately sought out more books by him. There hasn’t been one of his books i didn’t like. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all his books but , ‘’ WHEN CRICKETS CRY ‘’ will always be my favorite.
i have been so excited about his new book “ Where the River Ends I can barely wait untill the release date to get it. Charles Martin, i hope you never change your style of writing. Lover of books from North Carolina. M.Deal
“When Crickets Cry” ! WOW! What a powerful story. I am very eager to share this story with the students at the Christian school where I am the librarian.
Thank you so much Charles for your endearing story. I just finished reading When Crickets Cry - I thought, oh my, the little girl didn’t make it and then you sneekily, a few pages later, when we all thought the bottom had fallen out - you brought Annie back into our lives. Wonderful - I loved the addition of Shakespeare and others and the marvel of learning so many things about the heart, the medical and the spiritual. Koodos - thank you so much. This was a page-turner and held me captive. Looking forward to reading more.
I loved this book.
Our book club at the library read When Crickets Cry this past month. What a wonderful book. The imagery, symbolism (especially the water), & the characters were all developed so vividly. The discussion we had at our meeting was outstanding & lasted past the alloted time. One of our favorite reads. Charles Martin is a very gifted writer.
I completely enjoyed “When Crickets Cry”. My son (now 6) recently had his 2nd Open Heart Surgery. I can’t explain my emotions as I read this book. I cried and smiled and rejoiced. This was my first book that I have read by Charles Martin. I began to browse through it in a bookstore. I found myself sitting down on the floor and forgetting where I was because I was engrossed in the book. I look forward to reading many more books by Charles Martin.
I just finished reading When Crickets Cry and I absolutely loved it! I can’t wait to read more books by Charles Martin.
When Crickets Cry is my first experience of Charles Martin’s work. WONDERFUL! I could not put it down. I look forward to reading more of your works.
This is your very first book that I read and I have to say it was the title that caught my eye. I wondered what could a book be about with a title like that and so I picked it up. The rest is history and I now have all your books in my library and have told several other people about your books. After I read When Crickets Cry, I searched out and bought all the rest of your books that you had written. You write incredible stories and when I read them, it is as if the I am right there in the story. I can’t wait to see how the story ends but at the same time don’t want the story to end. You are incredibly gifted. I have just bought your latest book, Where the River Ends, and have just started reading it. Already after only a few chapters, actually after the first few pages, I knew this book is going to be as good and touching as your other books. Keep on writing.
Denise
This is the first book of his that i read. I am really grateful now that i did. I love his books. I hope he writes more books in the future. He has a way with words. Or a way of rearranging them to make sense in many,many ways. I am so very happy that Charles MArtin is an author i know about.
Finally got a chance to read this book and LOVED IT! I am loving everything that Charles Martin writes. He has a wonderful way of making me feel a ton of different emotions as I read his books, but the best thing he conveys is hope. Martin is a master at creating profound moments and magnificent characters. This is a special book. I loved this book so much I went into mourning at it’s ending!
I recommend this book to EVERYONE. It is one of my favorite books ever written by any author. I have been impressed with all of Martin’s novels and I always look forward to reading them! I can’t wait for the 7th one to come out! I just know it is going to be great.
For anyone who hasn’t read one of his books, I recommend you run to the bookstore and grab one b/c you will get HOOKED!
And in my opinion, this is the best one :-)
It is such a great read!
It has changed my life in many ways.
This is the first book I read by Charles Martin and I really enjoyed it. I love the medical theme. This book definately made me want to read more by him. Realizing he is part of my husband’s family makes it even more exciting!
I picked up When Crickets Cry Sunday September 14th, 2008 around 8:45am. I put it down at 10:49pm that night with the entire book fully read. Looking back over the day my mind had wept, laughed out loud, hurt, and triumphed right along with Stitch, Charles, Annie, and Cindy! This book is by far the best I have yet to read in 2008. I realize I am late to the dance, but after reading the latest “Wehre The River Ends”, I found this particular book to be much more worth the effort. The value to embracing each day, living life ot the fullest, and the improtance of the human spirit and generosity to others was so profound, I was moved. What a fantastic read. Mr. Martin, while I may have just discovered your works, I look forward to turning the pages in your other works to reveal what treasures you have stored between the lines.
Excellent job!
Yours,
ebc
I read Crickets at the recommendation of an aquaintance of mine who knew that The Clayton/Lake Burton area has grown dear to my heart, as I have spent much time there over the past few summers. Not only does Mr. Martin eloquently describe the area and it’s “feel,” but he also manages to convey a story that reminds us to hope, even among the worst of times. As Lake Burton has always restored my soul, I found this connection to be poignent and true. I passed along Crickets to my other friends, and they also raved about this novel.
As an English Teacher, I do a lot of reading, but Mr. Martin’s voice and style strike a chord in my heart. It is a voice that you miss after you finish one of his books. A voice that prompts you to pick up another one, just so that you can get lost in the easy cadence and the striking imagery that he pours onto the page. The art of telling stories has almost been lost to us, it sometimes seems, but Mr. Martin’s books bring back that feel and that magic.
I saw Mr. Martin speak tonight in Atlanta for a book talk, and I thought that he did excellently. Candid, sincere, and humorous, Mr. Martin speaks as confidently and smoothly as he writes, and I could not have spent a better hour. I plan to read River as soon as I get through these research papers!
This book touch my soul and that is a rare occurence for me. Excellent, beautiful story.
This is a wonderful book. I laughed, then cried, then laughed some more, very emotional.
I read this book on the advice of a friend. WOW...what a magnificent story ! You are a very talented writer who hypnotizes the reader with your words. I could not wait to finish the book, yet did not want it to end. I look forward to now picking up all of your other books to enlighten me and feed my love of the written word. From the heart of an old school librarian...Thank You!
I have read four of your books and you are my new favorite author. I loved this book! I had a heart attack at 23 and at 39 got a defibrillator so I am experienced with heart ailments and treatments. I was drawn in immediately and did not want to go to work because that meant I had to wait to read. I will go get the book I have not read. Looking forward to more books from you.
Wow. I cried a thousand tears- maybe a million! It was such a moving story. My Dad is blind and has congestive heart failure so it was particularly medically interesting to me. I live in North GA and his descriptions of the area are so insightful and accurate. The poetic nature of the prose really moved me. This was my first novel by him but I will definitely be reading more.
Thanks,
Lori
I don’t watch TV ,so reading fiction is my way of relaxing. While reading “When Crickets Cry” I would pause and turn to my husband for the 10 th time and tell him” This guy is a great author, what a great book, His reply was always"you said that already!” I knew I had to find and order every book he had written. Since then, I have ordered and read every book and I am saving “The river ends"as dessert and I will savor every page and be very sad when it ends!
One of the very best books I have read.
could NOT put it down; then regretted having finished it! His use of words finds its way to your very core, the place where you feel. I loaned it to my neighbor, she read it in two days and passed it along. Now her grandson, age 20, is reading it, he can’t put it down....so all generations are fed by this novel! Thank you so much; about time there was something so enriching to read!
I cried through the majority of this book because my son was airflighted out of our delivery room because of a hole in his heart. My son was lucky enough to have his hole close on its own, but this story touched me deeply. I don’t think I have read a book that was so descriptive and thoughtful. I have recommended it to everyone I know.
This is my first Charles Martin book and I love it. It is one book I will never get rid of. I recently suggested it to my book club and it got picked for this month’s read. The first lady to read it said it was the best book she has ever read. I’m waiting to see what the rest of the group thinks. Thank you.
I really loved this book. But, am I the only one who is stumped with the ending??? In Chapter 53 I thought that Annie died....But then in Chapter 53 all of the sudden she is alive again. What did I miss?? I was wondering if they were all in heaven or if I misunderstood chapter 53 but she did die.
I know she kept saying..."no matter what, I will have a new heart” --does that have something to do with it...??
HELP!!!!!!
I really enjoyed this book. I to was lost by the ending of the book. But realized that his dream about pouring water onto them was some how a lead into the cure of annie. Somehow he was able to get the heart pumping or maybe it just started on its own after a short time of the blood pumping in. All in all I enjoy all of Martin’s books. Chasing fireflies was my first experience with Martin and Loved it ever since. Will continue to read and be enlightend.
A powerfully educational and moving novel, a true work of art! A gift of writing such as Charles Martin is blessed to have comes only from Above. Thank you for sharing your gift with the rest of us!
I walked into a Christian book shop (here in South Africa) and spent a good couple of minutes looking for a book. I saw your book “When crickets cry” and it got my attention straight away. From the moment I started reading, I was totally enthralled by it and couldn’t put it down. I loved every minute of reading your book and would read it over again any day. I am looking forward to reading more of your books as I really enjoy your style of writing. Thank-you for a wonderful book.
I LOVED this book. It is multi-dimensional - a wonderful story, both believable and interesting, familiar yet intriguing. I learned about myself as the characters evolved and grew. I love the effective mix of medical information and spiritual and emotional application. I want friends like Reese, Emma, Annie and Charlie. And I’d like to be like them too.
I “met” Charles Martin only this week, in this book, I will probably be reading more!!!!! As mother of a daughter Annie’s age, a wife, a nurse-aide, a “wannabe” writer, and, above all, a Christian. I MUST say, I could not put this one down, and was sorry when it ended. This has got to be the BEST novel I’ve read lately
My husband and I just finished “When Crickets Cry” and I must tell you that it was fantastic. My husband is fan of thriller/mystery books and I was tickled when I looked over at him, tears were sneaking out of his eyes, while he was reading your book. Thanks for introducing him to another venue of reading. And, personally one I think is more uplifting than Higgins, Grisham, etc.
P.S. I have to admit Louis L’Amour is my very best favorite. Where else can I enjoy the rough southwest without leaving my comfortable couch?
Charles Martin has become my very favorite living author. I’ve read 3 of his books already in 2009.
He is lyrical in his presentation of spiritual truths while telling captivating stories. He certainly knows
much about the south...and several other topics!
This was the first Martin book I’d read. Someone loaned it to me and I took it to be nice - it didn’t really look like something I would read. After one chapter I was HOOKED! I have since read all of Martin’s novels, but this one is still my favorite. It ranks among the top 5 “best novels I have ever read.” The descriptons are wonderful and the characters memorable - long after the last page is turned. The story is moving, inspirational, encouraging...I could keep going...this is a must read!
I have become a recent fan of Charles Martin and have read all his books but, “When Crickets Cry”, was my favorite. I sent this one and his latest book,” Where The River Ends”, to my son , who is about Charles Martin’s age. He had never heard of Mr Martin or read any of his books. His comment to me was, “Mom, his books are addictive. I could not put them down.” Keep writing from your heart and look to the Lord and keep blessing me with your books.
About 2 weeks ago our library had by mistake, - when crickets cry . I found it and asked about it she said I could check it out. loved the book did a lot of crying. When I took it back I asked if they could get me more books by Charles Martin . I just finished the dead don’t dance and I will start reading chasing fireflies tomorrow. He is the best writer I have read for a long time. I usually read two to three books a week. His books are just so touching and wonderful you just can’t put them down because you want to know what is going to happen next . Keep up the good work. I am planning to read all of your books.
A sequel to Crickets...please, I beg you!
This is the first of your books I have read, and I finished it last night. When I got to Annie’s surgery and thought she had died, I felt such sorrow. I continued to read and all of a sudden, Annie was alive and in bed being attended to by her aunt and her doctor. I was so excited I said, “wait a minute, did I read this wrong” and had to go back a chapter and read it again. I loved this book, I am taking it to VA next week when I visit my cousin for ten days. She too will love it. I just ordered everything else you wrote from Amazon about one hour ago. I am so glad I found this book. Pat(from NY)
This is the most wonderful book I have ever read. Very heartfelt and shows the love of humans to one another.
It would make a great movie. Is there any talk to a movie?
God has blessed you with words and an unusual talent in story telling. To whom much is given much is expected. I believe you have many other books in you and a God given mandate to write them.
All things considered, “When Crickets Cry” is the most satisfying fiction I have ever read.
Blessings,
Jean Clark
This is my first Charles Martin book but it won’t be my last. I laughed some and cried alot, but it definately left me wanting more. Wow!! A must read.
This was the first book I read by Charles Martin, it was in my church library. It is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read and I couldn’t wait to read more by him. I help in the library, so encouraged the librarian to get more of his books, which she did and I have been devouring them ever since. I’ve been spreading the word, so the books are always checked out of the library. I have read 4 of them so far and am eagerly awaiting the chance to read the other two, but they are always checked out. His books are wonderful, such beautiful prose and so insightful. He can’t write them fast enough for me!
Almost put it down before I was done because I couldnt take it, so glad I finished it, what a beautifully written story
Just became adquainted with Martin’s books in last 2 weeks. Have read The Dead Don’t Dance, Maggie, and When Crickets Cry. I think it is a shame that this talent is not paid more for these books. They are beautifully written, with fresh ideas all thru them about the story. Steele, Roberts, and others white the same theme throughout, many imes over, with all the bad language and sexual junk, and receive top dollar. This man has a talent that should be publicised much, much more. I had not heard of him until last of February. I’m thankful to decided to write instead of the job he was offered. And his wife deserves high praise for telling him to do what he wanted to do instead of the job he was offered with financial security. I’m on my way to buy anything else he has written. Thank you, Charles Martin, for giving me something worth while to read and think about. I’ve shared the story of the Cheeseburger “BAR” with several ministers. You can see their wheels turning. Hope to see lots more of your in the book stores.
This is the first book of Charles that I have read. He has the wonderful ability to pull you into the book almost immediately. God has surely blessed him with a great gift, and I’m looking forward to reading all of his other books. I agree with an earlier blog, though; a sequel would be fantastic. There are so many questions about so many of the characters.
What an excellent book! I was not expecting to be captivated and so deeply moved. Martin knows how to pull each heart string with his attention to details. The characters seem to come to life. I find myself thinking about each character as if they are real-only to remember they are fictional. Thank you from a family who has seen organ transplantation first hand. Thank you for your exceptional work.
I read this book upon recommendations from my sister and brother. I am so thankful I took their advice. The book was wonderful. I had a few chapters left when we left to go on vacation in Destin, FL. I am a nurse, so all of the medical stuff was very interesting to me. Sitting there by the water, I almost felt as if the characters were there with me. I had tears in my eyes while reading Annie’s prayers. My daughter is 7, and it made me especially thankful that she has always been healthy. I plan to read more of Charles Martin’s books as soon as I can get my hands on them. Definitely a joy to read!
My sister gave me “Chasing Fireflies” on tape and told me I HAD to listen to it. I couldn’t imagine being more moved by a book. I passed it on to my wife, who is very picky about what she reads and not quite as sentimental as I am. She enjoyed it so much that she researched Mr. Martin and, upon finding out that he lives in her hometown, checked out everything by him that was on the shelves of our library. When she finished “When Crickets Cry” and dried all of her tears, she handed the book to me and said I had to read it. I finished the book during an eight hour car ride with our kids in the back watching Disney flicks.
Each time I started to cry, my wife would look at me and say “I told you so. What part are you on now?”
The wonderful storytelling and especially the faith-based foundation of these novels have led us to the decision to buy all of Mr. Martin’s books for our personal library. These are the kinds of stories we want our kids to read as they grow in the Lord.
Part of me would love to see these stories on the big screen, like “Fireproof”. I’m just afraid of what Hollywood would do to such beautiful prose. I don’t think I could stand the disappointment!
Thank you, Mr. Martin, for sharing your wonderful gift. I look forward to reading the rest of your books as soon as I can get my hands on them.
Am in the process of reading “When Crickets Cry” . Can’t put it down. I have been to Clayton and Tallulah Gorge. Was wondering if there really is a restaurant there called The Well.
Wow!!! What a story! You have a great imagination! A very talented Author!
“When Crickets Cry”, was the first book I read by Charles Martin. It was wonderful, by far the BEST book I have ever read, and I read a lot. Keep up the good work. After reading When Crickets Cry, I went on a search to find the rest of his books. I now have read The Dead Don’t Dance and Maggie. They are also good! I look forward to reading the rest of your books. Our local library has 2 of them ordered now.
What did Reece whisper? I’m assuming it was a prayer. Was it something about replacing his heart of stone?
This was your best book yet. I really enjoyed everything about it. This is definitely a book that English teachers could use for required/ suggested reading lists. I look forward to your next book.
I liked wrapped in rain, but this book really was your best. You definately have a nack at keeping the reader glued to the pages. I had to finish it and was dissappointed when it finally ended. I wanted more. Thank you.
as well as for ms. deal, this is also my first charles martin novel. i loved it so much, that i am also seeking more of his novels. i read the introdution of when crickets cry in southern living book of the month selection and i am a cardiac sonographer, so of course it cought my attention. I ran straight to the book store and bought it. i laughed and cryed many times throughout. I hope in the future there is a sequel. it did awaken many feelings in me and it brought back hope and faith at a much needed time in my life.
Read with my husband in the car. He got as hooked as I did, asked me to continue after each pit stop.
I agree with others… we need a sequel. And what was engraved on the sandal? Is that what he whispered?
I have a new favorite book. I read When Crickets Cry for school and loved it.
I’ll be reading this one more than once. Absolutely unforgettable characters, incredibly well-written & researched story. They ought to use this as a textbook for teaching college kids how to write. Oh yeah, and I cried like a baby. ;)
what did reese whisper to annie that made her heart restart?
Amazing! I look at things differently now!
This is by far one of the greatest books I have ever read. It brought tears and smiles to me. I have told everyone I know about it and know they will enjoy it as much as I did. Charles Martin is the best author of today. Evevryone should read “Dead dont Dance”, “Maggie”, and any book written by Charles Martin.
Hi Charles,
I have read all of your books and LOVE them!!! I am a Mississippi native living in California. I introduced you to my book club and the overwhelming response was incredible!!!! Now.....the question everybody has is: What does the title mean? I mean is there some deeper meaning about what happens when Crickets Cry that might connect with the story? I thought I would have all of the answers being I am a southern girl and all.....but that one stumped me! Please let me know-they will think I am so smart when I go to the next book club meeting.
Thank you and keep writing those books filled with Godly men of character.
Holly Stamper
I absolutely loved this book. I have shared it with several friends already and will keep on sharing. I have read all of your books except the last one and will be getting it soon. Keep on writing and believing. Life is hard but you touch the heart and to me that is the most important part of all. Thank you for sharing your stories and God Bless you and your family. Karen
Thank you for one of the best books I have read in my 61 years, you touched my heart. God bless you and yours.
WHEN CRICKETS CRY became my favorite book after discovering it on the shelves of the local library where I work. I can’t begin to express how the book touched my life, though if I had Charles Martin’s gift of words I could. Since discovering it, I have shared it with friends, insisted additional copies be bought for my library system , and shared it with 3 reading groups.
Thank you for writing it.
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. When it ended I was left wanting for more. I went back and read it a second time using a high lighter to mark certain things I knew ended up being pertinent towards the end of the book. I also folded down corners so I could go back. It was the best book I had read in a long, long time!!! I am on to more Charles Martin books.
Once again, you’ve torn my heart out, made me cry, made me laugh, lifted me up, dropped me down, spun me around and rocked my world! How you do it is beyond me, all I can say is that you have the most wonderful gift of all....the ability to do all of the above to a person and still have them survive! I’ve read all your books (so far) and each one is heart-wrenching, emotion-wringing and soul uplifting. May God Bless you with many more years of writing these very, very special books.
I just finished reading “When Crickets Cry.” This is a wonderful read; I could hardly put it down to sleep. A general comment I would like to make is regarding mistakes I find in almost every book I read anymore. Due to computer spell check, I suspect the job of proofreading is no longer done by a human being. Consequently too many errors make it to publication. A case in point is in this book, “When Crickets Cry” chapter 28, first paragraph: “...she plucked her eyebrows in the mirror above the sink. After she quit SNEEZING, she’d slide in...” I am quite sure you meant, “After she quit TWEEZING...” Anyway, I don’t think too many women sneeze while plucking with tweezers...I laughed as I wrote in the correct word, which I usually do when an error jumps out at me.
Pat, I think you are mistaken about the “error”, I don’t believe it was a mistake at all. Many women sneeze when they tweeze. I am not one of them, and it sounds like you are not one of them, but I know a few who do. But, regardless, it was a great book, wasn’t it?!! Wait, I just sneezed, and I wasn’t even tweezing. Wow, the power of suggestion!
my book club at church just read, when Crickets Cry. We could not figure out what happened on pages 320 and on untill the next chapter when Annie was alive. Was the death real or what? Someone please send your comments. Thanks
I told my friend this was the BEST book I had ever read (she has it now). It really made me think about human nature,illness and just basically touched me in a way no book ever has.
I have just finished When Crickets Cry and i cried and laughed, exhaled and inhaled, alot. I have been reading all of your books for the past 6 months starting with “Wrapped in Rain” which I thought was my favorite and then I read, “The Dead Dont Dance, and Maggie” and now Crickets and I dont know if I really have a favorite except to say that right now, you are my favorite author. Please keep writing. Mydaugher and I will simultaneously read the ummm., “Firefly” one starting right now. See ya
When you have family memebers that aretouched by heart disease you think you live on a roller coaster. Life is always up and exciting one day and dreary, sad, and scary the next. This is one of the best books I have EVER read and look forward to many more like it! You have quickly become my most favorite author of all time! Thank you for your touching stories!
While I eagerly await each of your womderful books, “Crickets” is still my all time favorite and I constantly recommend it to friends, under only one condition: that they not stop before they get to the end. Many of these friends are family and patients with organ transplants so when you get to that 3/4 way point and the seemingly tragic ending, they might gie up in the reading. Your surprise ending later is a must read and I am so afraid they will give up in sadness and not find that surpirse, hence this condition.
Keep up the great stories, Charles. You have well earned the position of being my all time favorite writer.
Awesome read. Loved it. Plan to read more Charles Martin books soon.