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Posted in Reader Mail on Tue, July 22, 2008
Occassionally, I get e-mail that makes my scrap book. This is one of them.
“When I realized that one of the main themes in Where the River Ends was CANCER I almost put the book down. As a survivor (colon-5 years) I thought I’d rather not “go there” again. But I did. AND IT WAS WORTH IT! I understand what the disease can do to relationships. My husband cried all the time from the day of my diagnosis to the day of my surgery. It changed us both forever. We love each other more. I AM BLESSED. Through my tears I devoured your book and loved it. Thanks, C.”
I purchased your new book the day it was released and spent the next 24 hours curled up with it. Cancer has touched my family in many ways - it took my Mother in law in a situation not very different from Abbies and I personally am a survivor. It is a hard, raw subject that most of us do not want to revisit. Charles Martin does an amazing job in his story telling. The emotions and disease are both very real but somehow the characters help us to rise above the uncomfortable story line. Abbie’s list is such a testimony to the need for normalcy after being diagnosed with cancer when nothing is normal. I was blessed to have a husband that stood beside me through thick or thin. Please keep the books coming - I am the quite the Charles Martin fan and have read every book . They are all wonderful but Crickets and Rain were my all time favorites. I hope to meet you when you come to Beaufort, SC in August.
The problem is I found When Crickets Cry by accident and continue to read it when my heart needs remembering. Because of that novel I searched and eagerly awaited for more. I spent the past 3 days wanting more and more from Where the River Ends. The detail was much if you wanted to be there I am sure my imagination could have got me there. The words put down are the emotions I feel and have difficulty expressing. I cried much, laughed often, and loved the idea that beauty is found in everything. Thank you for this.
I also have read and loved all of your books. A friend of mine introduced me to your books and she brought me copy of Where the River Ends as a surprise . I am recuperating from my reconstruction surgery on July 15th. I got to Chapter 25 and had to stop reading for a few days. I also had invasive ductal breast cancer and a double mastectomy in Dec 07. It was a little tough read for me but I agree with you, it is best to feel those emotions and I am also lucky to have support from my husband and all my church family. My prognosis is good because of early detection with a mamagram. Tell all your readers to get those yearly checkups!
I finsihed your great book this morning!
Keep writing and congratualtions on your success.
Ellyn
I lost a brother to cancer and the book brought back the pain of seeing him die a little at a time. I’m sure most people have someone in their extended family who have also suffered the effects of cancer . However, the love and support between husband and wife overshadowed the sadness and pain. When we make a commitment during the marriage vows (in sickness and in health) I wonder the depth of that commitment today. You brought that out in your book that love goes on when beauty fades and the passion recedes and the result is a blessing that can only be experienced
I was very eager to read your next novel but I too have had cancer touch my life. It is hard to look that disease in the face everyday for eleven years now and then to choose to pick up a book about someone elses’ struggle. My mother was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer that only two medical facilities in North America deal with it. It is so rare that few doctors know about it until they have a patient come to them. My mom is the longest surviving patient for her doctor. She is in the one percent surivial rate. During these eleven years she has not only survived but lived. She is a remarkable woman who was the pillar of her family. She could have given in to the awful affects of this particular cancer but she choose to live each day to it’s fullest. She enjoys and allows no one to really think beyond what their lives should be. Her cancer is a daily event in her life with openings to be attended to and special diets to be adhereed to but outsiders would never know her limitations. She has had more than 10 surgeries and continues to see them as not another painful experience but a blessing to extent her time with her family. She goes to any event for her children or grandchildren and will not be anything but joyuous about her blessings. She is an inspirations to us about living and dealing with life. Your novel touched me the same way. The little goodbyes between the husband and wife are right on. These were tender moments that are raw moments for me as I let a little of my mother go each year, month or day. Life is brighter, more on the edge and anxious. But it’s life with someone dying in little degrees. Your novel had the heartache with the hope that you do so well. You did not disappoint me. Thanks again. Anne
Hello Charles, wow, finally a new book! I love all your books, but “Where the river ends"touched me. What a devoted husband! I have been cancer free for 7 years now and I thank God for being alive every day! wish we could wipe it out once and for all,it is so scary!
Please keep on writing your wonderful books,Erna