WINNER OF THE LESLIE BRADSHAW AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE WINNER OF THE BANFF MOUNTAIN BOOK AWARD FOR FICTIONDave is fourteen years old, eager, and headlong. He is about to start high school, which is scary and alluring. Martin is a pine marten, a small, muscled hunter of the deep woods. He is about to leave home for the first time, which is scary and thrilling. Both of these wild animals … wild animals are setting off on adventures on their native Mount Hood in Oregon, and 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 the mountain and into the bruising wilderness of love, 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. Two energetic, sinewy, muddled, brilliant, creative animals, one human and one mustelid—come sprint with them through the deep, wet, green glory of Oregon’s soaring mountain.
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Not a children’s book about animals. A mature, thoughtful book for adults about children and animals. Doyle is a bit more constrained in his prose than Mink River or the Plover, but he beautifully tells a subtle coming of age story of a boy and a marten in a way only he could.
This book is about a small community in Oregon, the connections between the people and their connections to the flora and fauna around them. Marten, a major character in the book actually is a martin and we follow his life from his birth. Everything is told as a story the way people talk when they are telling a story, and their is something …
Brian Doyle’s language is whimsical, musical, awe inspiring. Would be a fabulous read for young adults, and young at heart older adults. Readers would also love his Mink River.
This is a different kind of book. It describes the life of a community (note: not a village) near a mountainside. A community where humans’ and animals’ lives are played off sort of side by side. Of course, the marten is one of the main characters, a rather unknown animal by many. It is not a sentimental novel because also a trapper makes his …
Most enjoyable book I have read in several years. And I read a lot of books.Insightful and thought provoking and a delightful read.
I liked so many aspects of this book, as shown in the words I chose. The writer’s style is fascinating and different from anything else I have read. I thought it gives a glimpse of the personality of the author. The main objection I have is the affirmation of some values common in current society that I disagree with.
Actually listened rather than read. I was charmed by Martin and the locale. When i was a child we used to go to a resort at Welches which is very near Zigzag on the way to Mt. Hood and as an adult I have hiked in the area as well. Some people have criticized the plot but in this case the plot takes a very second place to the development of the …
Sweet. Too repetitive.
This is such a delightful book. Tracking the people, critters and environment of this area in a most entertaining and informative manner. The appreciation for nature and people who live close to it makes this a very special read. Lots of humor and perceptive observations. Loved it.
This book was different. A young boy grows up and a marten in the woods grows up and they sometimes intermingle just for a moment. It is charming and a fun read. Would be especially good for young adults.
Author’s verbosity and love of lists was a frequent reminder that it was invented…. Frequent reminder of authors own voice (rather than the characters’) and prevented getting lost in the story.
I read this book some time ago and just loved how the author told the story fro m the martens POB. Just wonderful!!
I loved it!
Still have a few chapters to go, but it’s a really good read.
My best book for 2020 And read Mink River. I Wil read more of his.
Loved this book about a young runner who befriends — from a distance — a little marten. Wonderful story!
A great coming of age in the Pacific NW read that is both informative and entertaining.
If you can get this in audio, listen to this book! The reader makes the voice of this story so lovely to listen to and to relax into the story line so that you can visualize what’s happening. A wonderful read.