Finding Martha's Place: My Journey Through Sin, Salvation, and Lots of Soul Food

If I am ever in Montgomery, Alabama, I must find Martha's Place. This popular restaurant, renowned for good, down-home cooking, is the amazing fruition of a childhood dream chronicled in //Finding Martha's Place: My Journey through Sin, Salvation, and Lots of Soul Food.// When Martha Hawkins was a child, she and her 8-year-old brother became lost while exploring their new neighborhood in the housing projects of Montgomery. They found their way home just in time for supper. A strong sense of belonging, mixed with the smells and tastes of that meal, sparked an epiphany within Martha: Someday she would open a restaurant that would feel like that supper table -- a place like home. She didn't know that more than 30 years would pass by, and poverty, poor choices, and the dark aftermath of a brutal assault would almost extinguish her dream. Hawkins and writer Marcus Brotherton have carefully crafted an uplifting memoir devoid of bitterness. Written in the Southern vernacular, //Finding Martha's Place// is rich in sensory detail. (I'm still salivating over her description of the glory of fresh country butter, thick bacon and collard greens.) Like a good, home-cooked meal, this book is sure to satisfy. Reviewed by Diana Irvine

'Finding Martha's Place' isn't your average autobiographical book by a restaurant owner, regional or national celebrity cook, and it's unlike anything you might expect. I just finished reading this twice in one weekend. Yes, I did say twice. Do you know how Thanksgiving dinner is so completely, absurdly delicious, and you linger at the table savoring every bite until you think you might burst, but then a handful of hours later you just have to make yourself a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce? That's what Martha Hawkin's book is like. Written in a conversational style, by the end of the first chapter or two you'll almost feel she's sitting with a glass of sweet tea on your front porch telling you the tale of her life, taking her time and holding nothing back. The author is a devout Christian woman, her faith a huge part of who she is and of her story, yet she's careful not to sound preachy. In fact, throughout the book she writes very simply and plainly that this is her faith, her beliefs, and it may not be the reader's, but it's her story so she's telling it honestly and openly. It took many years and a lot of struggles (even a few tragedies) before the doors opened at Martha's Place; a lifelong dream that took decades to reach. Martha Hawkins is brutally honest about her mistakes, her emotions, her breakdown, and difficult decisions she made which probably raised many eyebrows at the time. It's a beautifully written book which feels as though she's taking the reader into great confidence in the retelling of her experiences. It's as though she connects with her unknown readers. In fact, on the last page, she asks the reader to pray with her, and my guess is whatever faith you might be, or even if you've never set foot in a church, you'll find yourself praying right along with her as you read those words on the page. It's follwed by a solid "Amen!" and an invitation to stop by and have a hearty, soulful meal at Martha's Place. I'd give it six stars if I could, and must add this is very giftable book.

I was initially drawn to this book due to my interest in Southern culinary traditions. Martha Hawkins is the force behind Martha's Place, a justifiably famous soul food restaurant in Montgomery, Alabama. While she provides some of her recipes (although not the lima beans!), I was quickly drawn into the story of her life, and the gradual unfolding of her dream to create a restaurant. Martha has overcome poverty, racism, and violence to build a welcoming place, using food to invite others into the same positive transformations of life that she has experienced. Her faith and spirit shine bright in these pages. Even if you are "not the praying kind," Martha's determination and unselfish vision will surely inspire.

The reader will take a journey WITH Martha as she 'grows through' the ups and downs of life on this earth. One will see and be touched by the power of God on Martha's life and her response to His love. It is a must read.