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Chips of Red Paint
Brian Haynes, the third-generation owner of a successful realty company, who married the owner of an even more successful lumber company, remembers back to one pivotal summer during his childhood that changed his perspective on life forever. Following a frightening premonition from a mysterious neighbor, Brian, believing he has inadvertently contributed to the death of his grandmother's housekeeper, runs away from home with his best friend, Charlie. Aided by their friend Stephanie, the two friends find refuge with an old man living a hermit's life on a nearby knob. The old man teaches the boys the virtues of living a simple life and teaches them even more about letting go of the past and never taking things for granted. It all comes to a terrifying climax one day when Charlie climbs inside an abandoned, rusty truck, a truck that still has a few chips of red paint, and closes the door. Here begins a struggle between life and death. Chips of Red Paint is a modern Southern Gothic novel that weaves the past with the present into a colorful quilt that touches every emotion.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2013
337 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
K. Martin Beckner
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Biography
K. Martin Beckner is an Army veteran and a graduate of Western Kentucky University. He is a registered nurse who also has a degree in psychology with a minor in writing. He lives in Southern Kentucky, not far from Nashville, Tennessee. His family has lived in Kentucky longer than Kentucky has been a state. As a child he loved to listen to stories his grandparents told, and he now incorporates those stories into his writing. He is currently working on his next novel.
"Growing up, I loved to listen to stories my grandparents and great grandparents told. Though some of these stories seemed supernatural in nature, they were always told with the conviction of truth. Through their reflections of yesteryear, I learned that there is a lot more to life than what we can see and touch. There is an element of the unexplained, where the past is intertwined with the present and cannot be separated. In today’s world, with so many technological distractions, the mysteries of life often go unnoticed. Through my writing, I seek to preserve a vanishing way of life, a time when people sat under the stars at night, shared their life experiences, and really got to know one another."
Biography
K. Martin Beckner is an Army veteran and a graduate of Western Kentucky University. He is a registered nurse who also has a degree in psychology with a minor in writing. He lives in Southern Kentucky, not far from Nashville, Tennessee. His family has lived in Kentucky longer than Kentucky has been a state. As a child he loved to listen to stories his grandparents told, and he now incorporates those stories into his writing. He is currently working on his next novel.
"Growing up, I loved to listen to stories my grandparents and great grandparents told. Though some of these stories seemed supernatural in nature, they were always told with the conviction of truth. Through their reflections of yesteryear, I learned that there is a lot more to life than what we can see and touch. There is an element of the unexplained, where the past is intertwined with the present and cannot be separated. In today’s world, with so many technological distractions, the mysteries of life often go unnoticed. Through my writing, I seek to preserve a vanishing way of life, a time when people sat under the stars at night, shared their life experiences, and really got to know one another."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 12, 2017
Although I shelved this on my youth/young adult shelf not really sure it IS for YA's. Writing is juvenile and dialogue is terrible at times but the story is decent with some pretty advanced themes and evokes that feeling of long ago and "how things used to be". It needs some polish and ending definitely needs a better tie in to beginning chapter, some of the details got forgotten or lost by the time you get there.
All in all, a quick okay read with really likeable characters.
All in all, a quick okay read with really likeable characters.
October 8, 2017
Chips of Red Paint
I almost out this book down when I found that it was NOT A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER. I AM SO GRATEFUL I DIDN'T. This book would make an EXCELLENT MOVIE ! It made me think of "STAND BY ME " which was and still is an exceptional movie. For your sake I hope you take the time to read CHIPS OF RED PAINT, you will not regret it. I TOTALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. I will be looking for more from this writer Martin Beckner. ENJOY!!
I almost out this book down when I found that it was NOT A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER. I AM SO GRATEFUL I DIDN'T. This book would make an EXCELLENT MOVIE ! It made me think of "STAND BY ME " which was and still is an exceptional movie. For your sake I hope you take the time to read CHIPS OF RED PAINT, you will not regret it. I TOTALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. I will be looking for more from this writer Martin Beckner. ENJOY!!
July 18, 2020
Great story of friendship and growing up learning life lessons so I gave it 3 stars. Not only is the story about juveniles but the writing style seemed to be that of an eight year old.
January 25, 2024
Southern gothic
This is a quick read about a couple boys who felt the need to escape from home due to some minor trouble they got themselves into.
This story will fill your heart with love , make you laugh, make you cry, and fall in love with this story.
Great read and highly recommend.
This is a quick read about a couple boys who felt the need to escape from home due to some minor trouble they got themselves into.
This story will fill your heart with love , make you laugh, make you cry, and fall in love with this story.
Great read and highly recommend.
May 13, 2019
One of The Best
I completed this book in about 4 hours. I seriously could not put it down. It reads like a memoir but I think it's a work of fiction. It is so well thought out that it feels real. You feel for the characters and what they are experiencing. It feels like a movie playing in your mind,it's so real. And that's really what it boils down to.......it's real.
I completed this book in about 4 hours. I seriously could not put it down. It reads like a memoir but I think it's a work of fiction. It is so well thought out that it feels real. You feel for the characters and what they are experiencing. It feels like a movie playing in your mind,it's so real. And that's really what it boils down to.......it's real.
February 26, 2018
I loved this book! It took me right back to my southern childhood. It is a heartwarming and tragic story of childhood friendship. It’s also about the bonds formed between generations and how much we miss when we judge a person by their cover. It’s a great story for adults and kids alike. Middle school and high school kids can enjoy the adventures in the woods and appreciate the lessons of life these characters teach us. I can’t wait to read the next book based on this book. Just fabulous!
September 12, 2017
This is a story of a simpler time, misunderstandings, best friends and family. This was a time when children had connections with elderly neighbors, when disappointing your family mattered, when best friends meant everything and coming home was most important.
I would recommend this book for middle school readers.
I would recommend this book for middle school readers.
February 14, 2018
So much more...
The title means so much more than the cover implies. I won't give any spoilers, but little is what it seems to be throughout the story. It starts as a story of innocence and a young boy listens to stories and tall tales of those around him. It becomes one of love, loss, and dreams fulfilled...though not the way this reader anticipated. Worth a second read.
The title means so much more than the cover implies. I won't give any spoilers, but little is what it seems to be throughout the story. It starts as a story of innocence and a young boy listens to stories and tall tales of those around him. It becomes one of love, loss, and dreams fulfilled...though not the way this reader anticipated. Worth a second read.
April 16, 2019
Enjoyable Read
I really liked this book. At times in story that felt vaguely familiar, not til the end that i rezed i had read. 'A Million Doorways'. I hope to read more about the characters from this time and place.
Keep up the great work.
I really liked this book. At times in story that felt vaguely familiar, not til the end that i rezed i had read. 'A Million Doorways'. I hope to read more about the characters from this time and place.
Keep up the great work.
November 27, 2017
Rocky Creek, KT. Fountain Square Park. Like small times Ms. Green (wealthy) had 4 dead husbands all buried in Promise Land Cemetery & # 5 just kind of disappeared to no one knows where.
Vicky Haynes (wife/mother) sent Brian Haynes (real estate co. owner, narrator) over to her house with some flowers.
Ms. Hazel his Grandma’s housekeeper told him a lot of true stories about when she was growing up.
What was Deputy Sheriff Chet Houchens questioning Brian about?
Charlie Caldwell (BMF), & Brian were headed over to Stephanie Reynolds (nee Huffman) (their BFF, Vanderbilt; Buss.) trailer.
Flashback: Mr. Miller (hermit) also had lots of stories to tell the 3 of them: Charlie (10), & Brian (8).
He was going to make the kids his favorite meal, racoon stew.
Brian needed Mr. Miller’s help. Charlie had been bitten by a snake.
Charlie had really dehydrated, but Mr. Miller had passed away while trying to save him.
11/11/17 Veterans Day; Hooah to you, & thank you for serving your country!
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written reminisce book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great old-fashioned reminisce movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; JustKindleBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Vicky Haynes (wife/mother) sent Brian Haynes (real estate co. owner, narrator) over to her house with some flowers.
Ms. Hazel his Grandma’s housekeeper told him a lot of true stories about when she was growing up.
What was Deputy Sheriff Chet Houchens questioning Brian about?
Charlie Caldwell (BMF), & Brian were headed over to Stephanie Reynolds (nee Huffman) (their BFF, Vanderbilt; Buss.) trailer.
Flashback: Mr. Miller (hermit) also had lots of stories to tell the 3 of them: Charlie (10), & Brian (8).
He was going to make the kids his favorite meal, racoon stew.
Brian needed Mr. Miller’s help. Charlie had been bitten by a snake.
Charlie had really dehydrated, but Mr. Miller had passed away while trying to save him.
11/11/17 Veterans Day; Hooah to you, & thank you for serving your country!
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written reminisce book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great old-fashioned reminisce movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; JustKindleBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 29, 2019
Chips of Red Paint is a book that has sat in my digital library for quite awhile but I am sorry I waited so long to read it. This story takes place one summer but when life was not yet so complicated, like early 70s when i was young. This book would be a great for classroom use.
One of my favorite quotes from the book compares the old truck to a person :
"he have enough chips of red paint left to remind him of the days when he was young...
I’d never lose my youthful spirit, that inside I’d stay as shiny and new as that truck had once been."
Beckner, K. Martin. Chips of Red Paint (p. 147). UNKNOWN. Kindle Edition.
Brian teaches us a lot about relationships and misconceptions we form about people we do not know.This was also a great story about friendship and how the people who touch our lives also shape our lives.
I am so glad I took the time to read this great story.
One of my favorite quotes from the book compares the old truck to a person :
"he have enough chips of red paint left to remind him of the days when he was young...
I’d never lose my youthful spirit, that inside I’d stay as shiny and new as that truck had once been."
Beckner, K. Martin. Chips of Red Paint (p. 147). UNKNOWN. Kindle Edition.
Brian teaches us a lot about relationships and misconceptions we form about people we do not know.This was also a great story about friendship and how the people who touch our lives also shape our lives.
I am so glad I took the time to read this great story.
April 11, 2019
This story gets increasingly better as you read, so don't let a slow start throw you off. I think this might be of interest to young readers as well as adults who can remember similar childhood events.
Brian is a thoughtful but worrisome child. When he overhears that Miss Hazel has died after he brought her a plate of homemade cookies, he fears that he's the one who killed her. Not wanting to face the music, he and his friend Charlie take off to Truck Mountain to hide out for a while hoping that by the time they come back their parents will be so happy to see them, they will have forgotten their misdeeds.
There are a lot of lessons learned, good feelings and guilt, friendships formed and fun and fires before tragedy strikes, threatening to blow their cover. Enjoyable read.
Brian is a thoughtful but worrisome child. When he overhears that Miss Hazel has died after he brought her a plate of homemade cookies, he fears that he's the one who killed her. Not wanting to face the music, he and his friend Charlie take off to Truck Mountain to hide out for a while hoping that by the time they come back their parents will be so happy to see them, they will have forgotten their misdeeds.
There are a lot of lessons learned, good feelings and guilt, friendships formed and fun and fires before tragedy strikes, threatening to blow their cover. Enjoyable read.
April 21, 2020
This was a fantastic coming-of-age story, told from the perspective of an 8 y/o boy. The setting is wonderfully down-home Southern; perfect language for the South; time period is drawn in over and over with the use of vehicles, clothing, and children's adventures...reminds me of when I was growing up.
All the "stories" the characters shared were a spectacular success for this novel and I loved "listening" to them too. Learning to characterized people, not by what we are told, but by finding out the truth about them is a wonderful life lesson to which all children should be exposed.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
All the "stories" the characters shared were a spectacular success for this novel and I loved "listening" to them too. Learning to characterized people, not by what we are told, but by finding out the truth about them is a wonderful life lesson to which all children should be exposed.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
November 11, 2020
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Sometimes, you think you’ve found a pretty rock and that’s a good thing. But later you realize you’ve found that diamond in the rough. I had never heard of this author before, but now it’s a name I won’t forget. The book takes place north of Nashville, TN. into the southern portion of Kentucky just north of the Tennessee line. For me very familiar territory. Chips of Red Paint is the title of the book and I wondered what I was getting myself into. I’m so glad I did. Many, many thanks to this author for a job very well done. I’m very glad that “Chips of Red Paint” found its way into my library. I think this one will stay with me for a while!
Sometimes, you think you’ve found a pretty rock and that’s a good thing. But later you realize you’ve found that diamond in the rough. I had never heard of this author before, but now it’s a name I won’t forget. The book takes place north of Nashville, TN. into the southern portion of Kentucky just north of the Tennessee line. For me very familiar territory. Chips of Red Paint is the title of the book and I wondered what I was getting myself into. I’m so glad I did. Many, many thanks to this author for a job very well done. I’m very glad that “Chips of Red Paint” found its way into my library. I think this one will stay with me for a while!
June 13, 2018
Interesting tale of 2 young boys
Small town memories of two boys and their friends, families and neighbors. Part of the tale is about a coming of age crisis (NO spoilers), childhood fears and the different kinds of friendships that were made in earlier times.
A simple but profound story of how advances in our world may have led us to deficits in our relationships.
Several editing errors, most in the last few chapters, led to 4-stars.
Fast-paced and easy to follow story style.
Small town memories of two boys and their friends, families and neighbors. Part of the tale is about a coming of age crisis (NO spoilers), childhood fears and the different kinds of friendships that were made in earlier times.
A simple but profound story of how advances in our world may have led us to deficits in our relationships.
Several editing errors, most in the last few chapters, led to 4-stars.
Fast-paced and easy to follow story style.
November 6, 2024
Great Story!
I bought this book because it was written by a local author, but I had no idea what it was about. I was pulled in from the very first page, and I found it hard to put down. The story was very well written about two boys from a small, rural Kentucky town who thought they were in trouble, so they ran away and ended up learning that not everyone is as they seem. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I have already purchased the author’s second book. I am now a K. Martin Beckner fan!
I bought this book because it was written by a local author, but I had no idea what it was about. I was pulled in from the very first page, and I found it hard to put down. The story was very well written about two boys from a small, rural Kentucky town who thought they were in trouble, so they ran away and ended up learning that not everyone is as they seem. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I have already purchased the author’s second book. I am now a K. Martin Beckner fan!
November 8, 2017
This is pure American without the maudlin suger coated 'stuff' that sometimes occurs during this type of book. It is a coming of age for Brian during a summer he will never forget. This book explores different views of society and how people have coped with it. It touches upon respect for one another and their beliefs. The book was almost like the time of dusk.....a hush before taking on another day.
Truly enjoyed this book and its varied characters
Truly enjoyed this book and its varied characters
March 5, 2018
This was a nostalgic read of the summer that the main character reminisces about that changed him. The innocence of the boys and the fear that Brian contributed to the death of his grandma's housekeeper are a wonderful premise to the tale that follows. It took my heart back to simpler times and values. The characters were very real and typical of young people. I think teens would benefit from relating to the characters. A wonderful book!.
January 9, 2018
Wonderful Heartwarming Story
This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time, and I read a lot! The only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of a technical problem. The dialogue often needlessly broken up into separate paragraphs making it difficult to decipher who is doing the talking. Aside from that it is a story worthy of 5 stars.
This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time, and I read a lot! The only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of a technical problem. The dialogue often needlessly broken up into separate paragraphs making it difficult to decipher who is doing the talking. Aside from that it is a story worthy of 5 stars.
March 25, 2018
This story was so much fun. The children’s beliefs and thought processes were so well portrayed and the characters were all so believable. You went from tense action scenes to hilarious conversations to tearful moments in this story. Just like real life did during your childhood. I certainly do recommend this story to everyone.
May 22, 2019
I thought loved this book. From the first pageit.catches you and you want to know what adventures then had.
I love stories of the south. I just live there anymore. It had a few requests and the were pretty easy to find. It is a quick read and the book is fun like that. All it takes is a child wishing on a star.
I love stories of the south. I just live there anymore. It had a few requests and the were pretty easy to find. It is a quick read and the book is fun like that. All it takes is a child wishing on a star.
January 23, 2017
Loved it!
It reminded me of when I was young and listening to the stories my grandparents and their siblings and friends used to tell. My grandparents had a spring house too. I miss getting the best water ever.
It reminded me of when I was young and listening to the stories my grandparents and their siblings and friends used to tell. My grandparents had a spring house too. I miss getting the best water ever.
May 21, 2017
What an awesome book!
This book just grabs your attention. The characters memories of a time passed keeps you engulfed in reading further and further. This was my "lazy kick back and escape " read, it sure did not dissappoint. Looking forward to the next book.
This book just grabs your attention. The characters memories of a time passed keeps you engulfed in reading further and further. This was my "lazy kick back and escape " read, it sure did not dissappoint. Looking forward to the next book.
July 4, 2017
Reminds me of childhood
I loved the story and characters. Two boys and best friends learning about life from a lonely old man. I can remember the old men in my life that made a difference in me. Well written and Edited. Thanks for the memories you brought back to this old man.
I loved the story and characters. Two boys and best friends learning about life from a lonely old man. I can remember the old men in my life that made a difference in me. Well written and Edited. Thanks for the memories you brought back to this old man.
July 22, 2017
This was a Kindle First selection for me, and it was well worth it. Excellent coming-of-age story told from a young boy. At once frightening, eerie, creepy, homespun, and adventurous. Reminded me of reading Mark Twain's classics, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer.
April 9, 2018
Interesting, but very mellow, entertainment. I enjoyed the meandering style and the insights into human nature and personality. The book needs a professional editor to weed out the extraneous apostrophes and simple typos.
April 16, 2018
Nostalgia
Kids have big ears and frequently jump to conclusions, without waiting to hear the complete story. Hopefully they grow out of it, but this story shows what can happen before you do.
You never appreciate your conveniences until you don't have them.
Kids have big ears and frequently jump to conclusions, without waiting to hear the complete story. Hopefully they grow out of it, but this story shows what can happen before you do.
You never appreciate your conveniences until you don't have them.
June 20, 2018
Not bad! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The plot was interesting, characters were well done and engaging, dialogue was terrific ans loved the setting! It's a good solid YA book, but I'd think 6th grade up would enjoy it. As would adults. Might make a great summer read for a reluctant reader!
July 8, 2018
The story of a special summer in a young man's life and the lessons learned from a hermit. Brian and his friend run away due to a series of misunderstandings and find a hermit on the mountain they flee to. Unlike one other reviewer, I did not find the writing an issue and enjoyed the story.
January 4, 2019
Life lessons
It seemed to be more a young reader book. Teaching life lessons along the way. While very inspiring it dealt with growing up & teaching moral s . I would recommend this book to young readers to teach valuable lessons.
It seemed to be more a young reader book. Teaching life lessons along the way. While very inspiring it dealt with growing up & teaching moral s . I would recommend this book to young readers to teach valuable lessons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews