Wow, what a book! The Running Waves hit home with me so well that I read it in just over a day. The characters were so relatable. I felt like I knew the people in the book - people that I might have worked with, went to school with, partied with. The main reason the book hit home with me was the main character Colin. I was able to relate to his struggles, his demons, and his pitfalls. Reading the book made me look back at my past and realize how if I, like Colin, stayed on a destructive path, I would not be who I am today. This book is a must read for all high school students! I think a lot of students will be able to relate to Colin, maybe not all of his demons, but definitely some of them, and it’s a novel they can look back at as they get older if they run into the same demons, and they can read it and remember those demons can be conquered. A person in trouble might not feel it but people do care, and maybe just maybe a person in trouble can be saved just from reading the pages that these two guys poured their heart and soul into. I know for certain if I read this book 20 years ago, I might not have made some of the same dumb mistakes I made.

The brothers Murphy "Hit one out of the park" with their co-written novel. The true essence of the coming of age struggles between brothers is masterfully described in The Running Waves. Whether the brother's demons are failed love, or the bottle, or both, Colin and Dermot's lives are captivatingly depicted in this "page turner" of a summer novel. Music of the age is masterfully intertwined throughout the plot lines and I could just about hear the tunes while reading the scene described. Which beckons the reader to make a new playlist on their i-pod of the music from the book.
Fictional Silver Shores, on Cape Cod, could be anytown USA, and reading this story enlightens the reader to growing up in "Small-town" America, when life was more footlose and fancy-free and a lot more simple.
This book is a must read! Hollywood, if you're reading this, snatch up this book, it has hit movie "written all over it!" This story is the "Beautiful Girls", "Brothers McMullen" of the 2010's.

I just finished The Running Waves..it took me two sittings. This book is incredible.
As I lifelong Cape Cod "Summer-er" and recent year-round resident and small business owner, I was drawn to this book organically. I didn't actually open a copy until my close friend, who grew up in Falmouth actually handed it to me. Knowing someone with a personal connection to the characters in the book made the experience all the better...BUT it was by no means necessary.
I instantly was immersed in the environment of the story. I connected with all the subtleties of the story...from the MUSIC! (playlist of my own life), the off-season energy to the struggle of dealing with loss and running from your memories and literally DROWNING your sorrows.
It was so raw and real and personal...I LOVED it.
Thank you for putting your experiences out there and writing them with the backdrop that will connect to so many people. Like a good ol' John Hughes movie.
Thanks again and BEST OF LUCK!!!

This is amazing. I would be smiling and laughing one minute and tearing up the next. It made me remember and appreciate how lucky I was to have "grown up" in Falmouth. Even if you have never been to Cape Cod, The Running Waves will remind you how important it is to "love one another and stick together". Thank you, Brothers Murphy, for sharing pieces of you for all of us to enjoy.

The Running Waves is a fantastic book that is full of thoughtful story telling and raw emotion. You guys truly captured the essence of the people of Cape Cod. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing back so many memories.

Absolutely one of the best reads of the summer. Ted and Seton did an incredible job building the characters and the story...The more I read, the more connected I became with Dermot and C-Dog. The book teaches invaluable lessons of family and fraternal values. Anyone who reads it will surely feel the same. I have since turned the book over to my son to read. I am sure he will be equally as touch by the story as I was. Kudos to Murphy's!

I just finished reading The Running Waves and loved it. I grew up in Falmouth and this book really brought back a lot of memories (good and sad). This book really captured what it is like to grow up in Falmouth. I did not appreciate it as a kid but now realize the Cape it is still a wonderful place to grow up.

This book brought me right back to many feelings we all shared during the Summer of 1994. It just all came back to me like it was yesterday. Not only the feelings about Peter, and Marc, but also how addiction affects a whole family. It was at times painful to read, but really necessary. I just loved it!!! I couldn't put it down, and didn't want it to end. It is a great book with so many themes to anaylze.

I just finished your book - what a great book. I left Falmouth in 94, after spending 25 years there growing up. Was lots of fun trying to figure out who the fictionalized characters could be in real life. Some of the names are so close to the real people they could portray (ie. the capt. of the island queen for one - there were many others). Anyways the music of that year really brought me back to some of the best years of my life. The night of the OJ chase I was sitting in the Landfall for my birthday, that was my last summer on the Cape, thanks for writing such a great book and also for remembering bits and pieces of that tragic accident. I wish you continued success with your book.

This book is so much more than just a great Summer read. I picked it up while on vacation on the Cape and, from the start, I couldn't put it down. What drew me in immediately was the pop culture references that put me right back to my senior year in high school- from the mix tapes to the Breeders. Just a few chapters in, you find yourself completely engrossed in the characters' lives. The Murphy brothers cover loss, devastation, substance abuse, friends, and family, in a way any reader can relate to. (Who hasn't had the quintessential Jeff Buckley "Last Goodbye" moment? Who doesn't have their own "Molloy"?) The best part about this book is the fact it continues to get better and better, page by page. By the end I wanted to be part of the Brennan family myself. This is an inspiring story about brotherhood- I would highly, highly recommend it to anyone

Consumption of Character

Little did I know, The Running Waves would consume four days of my life in a reading and literary experience that transcended several that had come before it. But it was while reading more and more of The Running Waves that reminded me why I, and we as readers alike, truly appreciate great characters in great stories.

It is amazing how genuine and realistic each of the characters in The Running Waves come off to the reader. Ted and Seton Murphy capture the essence of their characters through the effectiveness and mastery of dialogue, revealing subtle details about their actions through spoken word and interior monologue. They portray the vernacular of multiple generations of Cape Codders, New Englanders, and Americans in general. Especially their teenage and young adult characters: Colin, Dermot, Tommy, Clay, Dwayne, Eric Chance, Kaz, the Ferguson Brothers, and even Chucky “He’s all” Dunn, we all know that guy (with the exception of Molloy, who is an amazing character unto himself). The Murphy Brother’s characters are to be recognized for their vast depth. I believe everyone can identify with and gravitate towards the witticisms, slang, ribbing, and banter that are inherently part of The Running Waves.

Continuing on this note, The Running Waves is incredibly amusing and witty. There are multiple examples of comedy within the larger plot, including: the whiffle ball game with the Ferguson Brothers, swearing their heads off and talking shit; the postcard from Pisa from Kaz; the continuous back and forth between old friends; and basically every passage with Molloy; just to name a few. There is no substitute for a novel that can make the reader laugh out loud, while simultaneously experiencing several other emotions. Humor is present throughout and makes the overall experience that much more enjoyable, even in the face of tragic overtones.

Next, in commenting on the story itself, the reader is introduced to an interconnectedness of events that drives the plot. Personally, I love the connection between the Brennan Brothers and Eric Chance. Particularly the relationship between Colin and Eric, as Colin always seems to be his best around him. The Eric Chance character certainly symbolizes a teenage innocence not yet corrupted by the world (even after the death of his father, that innocence is unwavering); and while Dermot and Colin seem to thrive off of that nostalgic of teenage optimism and endless possibilities, Colin’s character does so especially. Their relationship is best represented by the parallel of experiencing great loss in their lives. After Colin reads Eric’s poem, “The Color Red” and their subsequent discussion of how Eric has not let his father’s death define him, is such an incredible moment in the novel. Also, Colin’s pep-talk to Eric in regards to asking Natalie out, is also important, and proves to be Eric’s ultimate motivation in overcoming his fear of rejection and taking risks.

Additionally, themes of importance of family and friends are ever-present in The Running Waves. The close-knit relationship between Colin, Dermot, and Mr. Brennan; and the stress put upon that relationship is very visible to the reader. How Mr. Brennan raises his sons on classic movies, baseball, and ‘world famous’ pancakes provides a unique look into a strong father-son bond that is all too rare in today’s world. In regards to the relationship between Colin and Dermot, I couldn’t help but think of my own brother, Townsend, and how I, to this day recognize the sacrifices he made for me. I was certainly able to identify with the two brothers throughout the novel and even though Dermot isn’t able to have the face to face ‘talk’ with Colin until the very end of the novel, the article that Dermot writes for the Cape Cod Times, “Sadly the Boys of Summer have All Gone Home,” speaks volumes to Colin. This notion of words in absence, in addition to other connected events, paves the way for the brother’s reconciliation.

In closing, I cannot end without touching upon the impact and unique use of music in The Running Waves. Bands and artists like Blind Melon, Alice in Chains, Spin Doctors, U2, R.E.M., Tribe Called Quest, Soundgarden, and The Samples really brings alive the music in that time in space in 1994. I believe the entire notion of music heightening any literary experience is progressive and I look forward to the effect on how I experience The Running Waves next time. It’s fun to think how the last chapter of the novel could be represented on the big-screen with “Fell Us Shaking” in the background as the twilight of the late summer night sky fades into the end credits.

One of the best books i have ever read and i have read thousands! I couldnt put it down the first time took a short break and then read it a second time! I was born in 1970 so the 80s was my special time but i love the reference to the music of the 90s because there were some good tunes then as well! I love love the how you describe all the little things that only locals would know about and i will be reading this again! Wont be sharing my copy because i am afraid i wouldnt get it back, but am recommending to all my friends and relatives here and all across this beautiful country! Congrats and cannot wait to read your next book!!

I had been looking forward to reading The Running Waves from the moment I had heard of its existence. I finally had the opportunity to read it over 4th of July weekend. It was everything I hoped for and more. The stories were told so well and in away where you were able to keep up with all of the characters, and how their lives intersected, throughout the book. This is really a great book for anyone to read; especially young people who have dealt with heartache and loss. I would highly recommend the book and have suggested it to my cousin who teaches high school English—talk about a book that high school aged kids would actually like to read!

The challenges involved in coming of age know no age, and while many narratives have explored that theme, few explore its disparate nature as deftly as The Running Waves. Though only one of the novel’s two protagonists explicitly states his desire to “...{squeeze} out another summer on the Cape...”, the sanctuary from maturity offered by Silver Shores is shared by the majority of the novel’s characters. The two Murphys crafted such a sanctuary that is at once tremendously appealing and tremendously authentic. In Silver Shores one finds not only the continuing party that drifts from beach to backyard to house to bar but also the conspicuous differences in class that underscore every seaside town. At the same time, the novel depicts accurately the constant dichotomy between the external world that lies everywhere on the other side of “the Bridge” and the constancy of past in present that the Shores’ ‘running waves’ provide. And there’s plenty of really funny banter, too.

Consequently, the novel is in every way a summer book. This is not to say that it’s a mere beach read; Dermot and Colin both shoulder a burden far more grave than light romance or mystery. The Running Waves is a summer book because it captures expertly each of that season’s manic phases: the limitless opportunities of June, the apparent endlessness of July, the desperate abrupt finality of August. Every summer is fated for memory, and the memories of Matt and Paul that haunt this novel’s characters remind them as well as the reader that summers of all ages end. Dermot and Colin remind us that no means of escape, neither alcohol, nor drugs, nor sex, not even bedwetting, can vanquish another autumn.

All is not lost, however. While the painful tragedy that defines the protagonists remind us of summer’s metaphor of mortality (best expressed by the helplessly distant adults in the book), the novel is a wonderful testament to the bonds of family, specifically brotherhood. I was at times frustrated with the apparent inattention to Dermot as Colin’s exploits unfolded, and vice versa, but I came to recognize this structural imbalance as indicative of the growing but baseless rift between the brothers. In being defined differently by the same event, they work well as foils. Dermot’s extroverted behavior veils his heartbroken narcissism, while Colin’s substance-abuse fueled narcissism veils his abiding altruism. His redemption is not neat, but it’s richly deserved. He can hide from everything but his own inherent benevolence.

One might complain about the numerous allusions to pop music, but these songs and their lyrics make perfect sense. After all, these are adolescents, and, as such, they’re more likely to adhere to dictums gleaned from liner notes than to ones heard at the dinner table. Their philosophies and their actions are informed by these songs; why shouldn’t they be included in the novel?

Read The Running Waves. Every adolescent, so every reader, has hid in summer from some past or some future. One might hear in the summer wind Gatsby amidst “...the foghorn sounding in the distance...” where “...the Silver Shores Lighthouse stood tall, the gray haze blocking the intermittent light that chased the melancholia.” Dermot and Colin remind us of when summer was not just a few weekends but one weekend. And, like every weekend, like ever party, like every summer, you don’t want it to end.

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, the likes of which I've never experienced before. The characters came to life for me, mostly through the amazing dialogue, which felt so natural and free that I could see the characters acting them out in my mind. The twists and turns of the plot kept me reading this book for three days straight. The use of music in the book was a creative twist that I appreciated because I was able to discover new music while travelling on the journey with these characters.

I think Running Waves is a crucial read for any adolescent, or parent of one, to get an idea of the pain that substance abuse can cause families and friends and its connection to loss. The book is an amazing depiction of the lives of many of our youth who are confronting some very dangerous years and the repercussions from those years. Parents would be well-advised to read the story told in The Running Waves and see how much of it relates to their own kids.

I want to thank the Murphy brothers for telling a tale that speaks for so many of us, here and departed, and for shedding light on issues that are so often kept in the dark.

When I heard that the two of you were writing a book, I purposely stayed away from every outlet that described the plot. I wanted to be completely surprised. I actually missed the, “In memory of….” at the beginning too.

I knew Marc and Pete well in high school, and the summer of ’93 was horrible. Many of our crew knew both of them as babies, and watching them deal with the loss is something that will stay with me forever.

That being said, however, I must commend the brothers Murphy on an absolutely wonderful publication. It takes guts to open up to the world about difficult situations in life. As many others have commented, you captured life as a “cape kid” in the summer perfectly. Even though the commanding theme deals with tragedy and loss, the great memories that The Running Waves brought back were incredible.

Thanks guys!!! Don’t keep us waiting too long for the next one……

I'm not sure who wrote what in this remarkable story and I would like to keep it that way because you two brothers worked together so well to craft this emotionally driven tale that it appears as though you were writing with one heart and one soul. You had me hooked from page one. I found myself with more emotion invested in Colin Brennan than I possibly ever had in Holden Caulfield. And, if you know me, that is saying quite a lot. Below, I've included what I consider perhaps the most heart warming literary excerpt I've read to date:

The day of the accident, even though he knew it was futile, he drove Colin around town searching for the boys. "They haven't found Plato's Paradise yet. Maybe they beached it and are just sleeping," Colin said over and over again, and Dermot knew the only thing he could do for his brother was drive until Colin told him to stop. That command finally came in a whisper. "Just go home."

Wonderful job, gentlemen! Hopefully, this won't be the last Murphy Brothers collaboration I place upon my book shelf.

A wonderful story of two young men coming to grips with the real world. I loved it, and plan to make all my grandsons read it this summer. Thanks for writing it.

I just finished The Running Waves and think school systems nation wide should make this required reading both at the upper junior and high school levels. In addition to the foreshadowing and symbolism, this is a book that will actually get students talking about their current lives and past similar experiences. The book succeeds because it isn't preachy and the characters are just flawed enough to denote realism. The dialogue will hook students immediately, and for parents this story is a wake up a call about how many teens then and now deal with friendship, love, and heartache. My own son during and after high school couldn't leave Cape Cod fast enough, and this book shines a light on many possible reasons why that might have been the case. (Following success off Cape, he now returns for visits with a much lighter heart, and I am sure this book will speak as much to him as it has to me).

As a baby boomer, I could relate to those summer time college weekends and how desperately we all wanted to be seen and accepted. For me, Pucky's was the Casino in Falmouth Heights or the Brothers Four. I can still hear that music! The authors took me back in time long enough to realize that while some things change, others remain exactly the same.

My favorite references in the book alluded to the thrills of baseball and how the sport has "evolved" over time. I loved every character in this book, and the one-liners are hilarious. Saw every movie mentioned!! But the truly moving part of the story and at its very core, is the challenging relationship between the two teen brothers, Dermott and Colin. If you have ever experienced loss,this book will strike a very personal chord. Put down the cell phones long enough to read the number one summer book of the year. Then pick them up again and text everyone you know to buy this book!

The Murphy brothers have written a story that is poignant, funny, sad, heartfelt, and most of all - real. It's about letting go and hanging on at the same time....to our friends, family, and the memories of people and places we cherish most. Having spent all my summers on Cape Cod, I admire the way the Murphy boys captured the spirit of the Cape in both summer and winter scenes. I eagerly awaited each chapter, and the ending felt satisfying and hopeful. A great beach read this summer!

I just finished reading this book for the second time last night. The first time around, though I laughed at the teen boy witticisms, I found myself most focused on the local connections, in a sad way. The second time, I enjoyed the localness in a more fun way- anyone who's ever had a summer job on the Cape will appreciate the perfect depiction of those long days, joking with coworkers, lazing around on the cloudy days, and of course, dealing with tourists or irate customers. The Running Waves easily brought me back to those times.

Whether or not you are a local, there are so many layers going on in this book and the connections are often subtle. Though it is aimed at younger readers, there are quite a few interweaving characters, relationships and actions that speak volumes (I love how Colin keeps snatching things and stuffing them in his pockets before he hopes anyone notices). I am also impressed at how truly cinematic this book is- it transitions from scene to scene efficiently and with deceivingly straightforward language describes the characters and their actions so that you easily visualize the story in your head; the characters truly come alive.

Although I wasn't living on the Cape the summer of 94..this book brought me right back to the own stuggles I was having up in NH. I loved the reference to the music and really could smell the cape air while reading! At times this book made me laugh out loud and at times to tears(and i don't cry) What an Awesome account of the lives of two brothers trying to come to terms with life and life struggles. Bravo! Loved it! Can't wait for the next one!!

The Running Waves was a great read for many reasons. It showed how a traumatic event in your teens can splinter your life in many directions. How it affects every choice that you make after that. It also showed that with a good heart, a supportive family and community, that you can rebuild your spirit and begin again. There are many people that come in and out of our lives that leave their mark. Sometimes those people arrive at a certain time to help us heal and learn. The love of these brothers for their friends, and for their family is evident.The love for each other strong. The amazing spirit and positive attitude of their mom was inspirational. The love of their father, humbling. Thanks to the Murphy brothers for sharing such a painful story. Your bravery to expose those dark places that we all have inside us was awesome. Great book!

I just finished The Running Waves this morning and am sure it will stay will me throughout the day and beyond. The Murphy brothers perfectly captured the essence of Cape friendships, families and summers gone by. Having spent all of my summers in Falmouth Heights, I could relate to the entire landscape and storyline of the novel. I laughed out loud and wept a little bit too. Also, I swear I have run by those guys at the "Island Ferry" parking lot a thousand times! This book is an insightful story about love, loss and letting go. Strong work, Ted and Seton! Can't wait to read your next books.

Now I do not consider myself a reader, but I just finished The Running Waves by my old friends Ted and Seton Murphy in two days. Yes, I could not put it down, and believe me, I always have things to do :). The Murphy bothers created an absolutely brilliant tale of love and loss. The strength in the book is in the character development. The Murphy brothers brought each character to life, which is truly a credit to their ability to tell a story. Not to give the story away, but I too lost a really close friend. I found myself not only enjoying a great story, but visiting the pain I felt years ago in a therapeutic way. I can only hope that Ted Murphy continues to write adult themed books and that Seton Murphy quits his day job. Perhaps, he works in a shoe store. If this is their first effort, then I can I only hope there will be a second. Nice job, guys.

The Running Waves brought back memories of friends I've lost and friends who've become lost amidst tragedy. Through the eyes of Colin and Dermot, "Silver Shores" became my hometown and their friends' my own. This book not only moved me but made me laugh in all of its honesty. Thank you for writing such a touching book that faces grief, personal struggle and honors the memories of the ones we love.

I am half way through the book and it brings back a lot of memories. It has been a long time since the passing of Marc and Peter. It was heart breaking and tough times for those who knew them. I think so far you both have done a great job with the book and it is fun to read the memories of Ted and Seton while they were growing up. Trying to figure out who is who and relating to what they both wrote about. I am really enjoying the book so far and have lots of laughs along the way. Can't wait to finish it and see how it ends. Thanks to Ted for signing the book for the Williams' family. Thanks for sharing such heartfelt memories with us and I will comment more when I am finished with the book.

Great summer read! Reminded me of summers growing up on the Cape. This book was both touching and funny. I really enjoyed this book!

I just recently bought and read The Running Waves in 2 nights! What a great book.. Having lived in Falmouth almost my whole life and going to school with Seton, I can picture so much of the story and where you were and when. I absolutely loved the book and will pass it along and recommend it to everyone!

I am a non-fiction guy. Other than reading to my kids, this was the first fiction book I have read in 15 years. Before that was probably one assigned for a class.

However, this was not fiction to me. It was biographical. Not just because it was based on and inspired by things in your life, but because it was about all of our lives. The characters in the book were people I know. They represented all the people I grew up with on the Cape and they were sometimes me.

This book reminded me why I loved growing up on the Cape, why I hated “coming of age there”, and why I had to “escape”.
People don’t understand why I would ever have wanted to “escape the Cape” and I always say it is a place that makes it hard to be successful. There is often little opportunity for career success but it is so much more than that. Your book shows the non -"Cape Veteran" a glimpse inside the battle. It vividly describes what it is like to try and “grown-up” on the Cape and it shows why so many fail to ever do it.

I will now tell anyone who can't understand why I left to read The Running Waves.

Thanks for a terrific book.

Loved the Running Waves and have passed it on to my husband to read. I summered my whole life in Falmouth and found it very realistic and touching.