A Kid from Marlboro Road

By: Edward Burns

Narrated by: Edward Burns

Our twelve-year-old narrator, an aspiring writer, is at a wake. He takes in the death of his beloved grandfather, Pop, a larger-than-life figure. The overflowing crowd—a sign of a life well lived—comprises sandhogs in their muddy work boots, Irish grandmothers in black dresses, cops in uniform, members of the family deep in mourning. He watches it all, not yet realizing how this Irish American world defines who he is and who he will become. His older brother Tommy has no patience for rules and domesticities, his father is emotionally elsewhere. This boy knows he’s the best thing his mother’s got, though her sadness envelops them both.

In A Kid from Marlboro Road, past and present intermingle as family stories are told and retold. The narrative careens between the prior generation’s colorful sojourns in the Bronx and Hell’s Kitchen and the softer world of Gibson, the town on Long Island where they live now. There are scenes in the Rockaways, at Belmont racetrack, and in Montauk. Edward Burns’s buoyant first novel is a bildungsroman, yet out of one boy’s story a collective warmth emerges, a certain kind of American tale, raucous and joyous.

With eight pages of photographs of the family members and historical locations that inspired characters and scenes in the novel.

“Burns … [weaves] together a series of bittersweet, personal, and wryly humorous episodes into a portrait of the titular kid who grew up on Marlboro Road and must have been the most perceptive person there. … Endearing and insightful.”—Kirkus Reviews

This audiobook includes a supplemental PDF.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Edward Burns (P)2024 Recorded Books

Fantastic story!

I really enjoyed this book and will listen to anything the author publishes. Just fantastic!

Saving Private Ryan

Ed Burns was his irreverent self in that film. This book has more of that sarcastic wit and delivery. I must’ve laughed four or five times especially when he talks about the nuns. Because the author writes directs and produces small films, this book was no disappointment. I’ve been a long time fan of him so hearing him read this book was just so entertaining and delightful.
Where my comments of help?

Fantastic!

I bought this book as a Daily Deal, so I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. I would pay full price book. Awesome story and the author did a great job narrating! I'm looking forward to more books by Edward Burns!

Amazing Book

Not since Chester Caulfield and Catcher in the Rye have I shared a journey through the eyes of a 12 year old turning of age. I felt every word and enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the words again and again when my book arrives.

A time-and-place capsule

I felt like I unearthed a perfect description of my life as a 12 year-old growing up in the melting pot that surrounded NYC. Sub in Italian Catholic for Irish Catholic and it would be the sounds, smells and stories that are all still just beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered. I loved this book.

Great listen!

Authentic and enjoyable. I could visualize the author's narration . I didn't want it to end.

The definition of bittersweet

Loved the story and the Characters (definitely with a capital C). Some of my favorite listens have come from daily special books which I would not have found otherwise.

Heartfelt

I didn’t want this book to end. I wanted to hear more about Ed Burns life as a teenager. A very heartfelt sweet book. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Marlboro Road

Just a pleasant, decent story…
Ed Burns voice so good. Love when authors read their own work!

Awesome

Already a fan of Ed Burns, what an experience to hear him read his book while I spent a long weekend driving the length of Long Island to Montauk etc.. Excellent writing that made me lol, tear up, wishing I had Irish grandparents. Loved it.