Book Review for Where the River Ends By Charles Martin

Review By Christine Johnson
 

In his sixth novel, Where the River Ends, Charles Martin tells the story of undying love and unconditional devotion.

Doss, a somewhat emotionally damaged river rat from Georgia who ends up at The College of Charleston on an art scholarship, falls madly in love with super model, Abigail Grace, the only daughter of a South Carolina senator.  Through her love and passion, Abby helps to heal Doss as well as refine his talent to see and capture beauty in his art. Though they are somewhat mismatched from the perspective of outsiders, mainly her parents, they strive each day to be supportive of each other’s passions.

The first ten years of marriage had been a whirlwind of love and adventure for Doss and Abby Michaels when one day, Abby discovers a lump in her breast.  The next four years of their marriage is riddled with surgeries, scans and toxic cancer medications. These, mixed with constant pain, both emotional as well as physical, only bring the couple closer together and strengthen their love for one another. When it seems that all hope for a full recovery is lost, Abby reminds Doss of a promise he made to her years earlier:  a 130-mile trip down the river that Doss grew up on.The journey, packed with complications and dangers, is their way of stealing just a little more time together without the rest of the world trying to interfere.  As they travel down the river, they manage to check off other items from a list of Abby’s simple goals to reach in life.  Her list, made up of life’s simple pleasures that most people take for granted, is the couple’s last hope to regain some sort of normalcy and pleasure in the time they have left together.

From prologue to afterward, Charles Martin weaves a love story that will soften any heart.  The undying love that Doss has for Abby and the passion that Martin allows the reader to experience is both powerful and unforgettable.    

 By Chantal Maurice  

For about two weeks, student linked together to raise money for a good cause; while promoting a little friendly competition.         

Miss CSU 2008-2009, Amiee Coner, decided to involve CSU in her community service project for the Miss South Carolina Pageant. Fundraising for the Children’s Hospital at MUSC turned into the King and Queen of Hearts Competition. “I got involved because as I was running for Miss CSU, my platform was dedicated to children. I especially love doing charity work for children and saw this as a good opportunity to raise money for them,” says participant, Adrian Crawford.         

A group of about 40 students volunteered to be contestants in the fundraiser by collecting pennies as votes. Donations were given to the contestants by peers and others willing to help with the cause. The male and female contestants with the most votes (pennies) were crowned the King and Queen of Hearts. On Feb. 14, the winners were announced during halftime of the Men’s Basketball game. More than $2,500 was raised, and the fundraiser was such a success that it was implemented as an annual event.

 
 2009 Winners

King of Hearts: Trampus Hoover
 

Queen of Hearts: Lucia Pena`

1^st runner-up: Michael Silvestri

                            
1^st runner-up: Jessica Dericot

2^nd runner-up: Gerald Butler

2^nd runner-up: Casey Estes