A Kid from Marlboro Road

Filmmaker and actor Burns’s debut novel tells the story of an Irish American family and their vibrant Catholic community. Through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy, audiences are transported to 1970s New York to experience his saga of grief and growing up. From seeing his first dead body to receiving divine intervention while fluke-fishing to winning an embarrassingly large trophy for poetry from the Knights of Columbus, the narrative is more a stream-of-consciousness than a singular story. Always present, however, are the influences of the immigrant experience and the persistent dream of a better life. It’s not an autobiography, but Burns pulls heavily from his own childhood. Narrating his own book, he infuses each moment with authenticity and the innocence and excitement of the young main character. From an Irish lilt to Long Island accents, Burns’s acting expertise creates an immersive and affecting listening experience.