I guess that sometimes when you are absolutely sure you know what God is saying, that’s probably the best time to listen a little closer. And it doesn’t hurt to give those around you the benefit of the doubt.
“Things I Learned While Riding Mules” by Craig Marlatt is a humorous and heartfelt collection of autobiographical stories that blends family memories, travel adventures, faith, friendship, music, ministry, cultural experiences, and life lessons into an entertaining memoir. Proudly published by Citi of Books, the book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
Craig Marlatt is a minister, missionary, musician, storyteller, and writer whose life experiences provide the foundation for this memoir. Born into a hardworking family in Michigan, Marlatt grew up surrounded by colorful relatives, strong family traditions, and experiences that would later become the stories featured throughout the book.
Over the years, he worked as a musician, preacher, prison evangelist, coffeehouse ministry leader, radio program producer, and Christian missionary. Alongside his wife, Jolyn, he spent several years serving in Hong Kong, where the family established ministries and built lasting relationships within local communities.
Marlatt’s writing style reflects his background as both a communicator and performer. His stories are conversational, humorous, self-deprecating, and filled with vivid characters and memorable observations. Rather than presenting himself as a flawless hero, he willingly shares mistakes, failures, embarrassments, and lessons learned, making his storytelling both relatable and authentic.
The book is structured as a collection of personal stories drawn from various stages of Marlatt’s life. Each chapter functions as a standalone adventure while contributing to a larger portrait of a life shaped by curiosity, perseverance, humor, and faith.
Many of the stories focus on childhood experiences growing up in Michigan. Marlatt reflects on his family, his father, grandparents, siblings, and the many unusual situations that became memorable family legends. One especially entertaining section recounts the story of Old Baldy, a famous fighting rooster admired by Marlatt’s father and grandfather, whose reputation became part of family lore.
Music also plays a major role throughout the memoir. Marlatt shares stories from his years performing in bands, traveling with musicians, and navigating the unpredictable world of live entertainment. Photographs and recollections document friendships, performances, and the colorful personalities that shaped his musical journey.
Faith and ministry emerge as important themes as the narrative progresses. Marlatt discusses his work as a preacher, prison evangelist, musician, and Christian minister. He recounts experiences traveling, teaching, performing music, and sharing his faith in various settings throughout the United States and abroad.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. Each chapter feels like sitting with a gifted storyteller who knows how to transform ordinary experiences into entertaining adventures. Whether discussing family traditions, travel mishaps, missionary work, music, or childhood memories, Marlatt keeps readers engaged through humor and vivid detail.
The memoir also offers readers a fascinating glimpse into several different worlds, including small-town America, the music scene, Christian ministry, prison outreach, and life as a missionary family in Hong Kong. These varied experiences give the book a richness that extends beyond simple autobiography.
“Things I Learned While Riding Mules” reminds readers that wisdom is rarely gained through perfection. Through every breakdown, wrong turn, embarrassing moment, and unexpected adventure, Craig Marlatt demonstrates that life’s greatest lessons often come from simply staying on the journey and finding a reason to laugh along the way.
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