Stoneheart: A Path of Identity and Redemption

By: Baer Charlton

Narrated by: Alex Knox

2014 Pulitzer Prize nominee

Gunnery Sargent Perceval Stone, a third generation Marine, is suddenly medically retired. After all of the collective damage of many wars and actions, an IED leaves him with TBI (traumatic brain injury) and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Stone is a walking mental time-bomb like so many others who have lost their compass. If he can't find his center and path, he may never get back.

Walking away confused from the only home and family he has ever known, he has a phone in his pocket that he does not know how to use, a pesky yeoman stalking his every move, and is on an $800 motorcycle, headed west from Bethesda, MD, searching for what it means to be a civilian, and what makes home, home.

In an effort to find his peace, he ends up beside a tranquil lake, watching a perfect sunset.

And then the phone rings....

Thousands of military have come back - but couldn't find their way home. If you ever served, had a loved one who did, or just know someone - this is the audiobook for you, and a gift for them.

©2014 Baer Charlton (P)2018 Baer Charlton

Wonderful Characters and Witty Dialogue!

Toward the end of the classic movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey reaches an all-time low and attempts to take his own life. Then, in one of the most heartwarming scenes ever filmed, all the people whose lives George touched in one way or another come forward with expressions of love, support, and gratitude. That is what I was reminded of as I came to the final part of "Stoneheart: A Path of Identity and Redemption," by Baer Charlton. Unlike George Bailey, however, Percival Stone is a gunnery sergeant in the US Marine Corps, so the bonds he has with his people are even more convincing, having been made in more dire circumstances, sometimes in the heat of battle. Refreshingly, in this book all the violence and vulgarity is in the past, and the focus is on fixing broken things and broken people. Expect healing and hugs. Wonderful characters and witty exchanges abound. The narrator, Alex Knox, does a brilliant job bringing these many characters to life, with authentic-sounding accents from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, among other places. My favorite voices were those of Rusty, Slim, Ellie, and Mary Margaret. Overall, if you find yourself doubting that diverse people could ever come together to achieve something great, "Stoneheart" will help restore some faith.

A Feel Good Story

I enjoyed the story of Stone and the impact his giving personality made on so many other characters. All the characters were brought to life and through the story, you develop compassion for them, as well as for the title character. I think we can all use as many stories like this as we can digest, and I appreciate that Baer Charlton put this character down on paper for the rest of us to enjoy. I also purchased the book because sometimes I like to see the words on real paper, especially if I've really enjoyed the listen. Recommend!

Loved the story and characters

I really enjoyed this story and it’s array of characters. The author did a great job of stringing multiple story lines together into one. I hope there are more books about Stone’s search for home.

Great story of redemption

What did you love best about Stoneheart: A Path of Identity and Redemption?

I read the book a few years ago, but the revisit of the book was just so entertaining. Stoneheart was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and boy did it deserve it. This is a great story of redemption, with the main character a Gunny Sargent dealing with life after coming home from war.
The narrator Alex Knox, brought Gunny to life in a way beyond what I imagined. If you are looking for a great story this is the book for you. Can’t wait till the rest of Baer’s books are brought to Audible.

Wow! Superbly Performed

Great! The narrator, Alex Knox, is a real professional and his enjoyable performance pulls us into an imaginative and well written story. I highly recommend this book. And the performer! Not to be missed!