Chad Michael Murray: Actor Turned Author?

By Jackie Lyons

     Chad Michael Murray. Actor. Spokesperson. Former fashion model. Author? Yes, that’s right, one of America’s favorite early 2000s actor has written a book. Written alongside praised author, Heather Graham, American Drifter, tells the story of River Roulet, a young war veteran who struggles with PTSD. River decides to escape his past and flee to his favorite country: Brazil. As the Carnaval nears, River finally feels like he’s at peace with his life. He then meets a mysterious journalist named Natal. The two of them end up in a whirlwind adventure with a drug lord hot on their trail.

     Many fans were very excited to read this book because Chad Michael Murray, THE Lucas Scott, wrote it. Senior Easha Qasba says, “I would not have picked him as someone to write this kind of book.” Murray doesn’t really seem like the type of person to write a romantic novel. There was so much advertising and promotion leading up to the book’s release all over his Instagram page, it was impossible to not read it.

     Unfortunately, the novel did not live up to the hype. Not one of the characters left some sort of impression. They all were easily forgotten and just not memorable. The entire plot was incredibly stereotypical. He made the entire story, that takes place in Brazil, centered around what the country is best known for, the Carnaval. Senior Trey Hensing says, “Has he even ever been to Brazil? Is he qualified to write stuff on this?” Murray also threw around words in Portuguese randomly throughout the entire book. There was no need for it due to the fact that the entire book was written in third person if he was throwing around Portuguese vocabulary.

     American Drifter’s co-author, Heather Graham is a well known romance and horror author who has written over 150 novels. Even though Heather Graham’s name was on the cover as a co-author, not one part of the book sounded like her style of writing. It almost sounded like something Lucas Scott from One Tree Hill would write… because it was.

     Overall, American Drifter wasn’t that great of a book. However, if you’re looking for something good to read in a doctor’s office waiting room, this would be the book for you.