“Roads Less Traveled” tells the life stories of some remarkable local people, full of passion and purpose. They have devoted themselves to a career, an art form, an idea or a cause, and taken their own road.

The author met these people while working as a radio host and magazine writer, and the book allowed him to tell their stories in full.

Profile subjects include Mighty Sam McClain of Newmarket, a soul singer who battled through decades of poverty and substance abuse and continues to pursue his craft; David Krempels, survivor of a traumatic brain injury who created a foundation to help others and opened an activity center for survivors in Portsmouth; and Jane Bernhardt of Exeter, an actor, writer and artist who has explored profound human experiences through her multi-media work.

Walters was the creator and host of “The Front Porch” on New Hampshire Public Radio, and won the 2009 Donald M. Murray Journalism Award, given by the New Hampshire Writers’ Project. This is his first book.

Water Street Bookstore is at 125 Water St., Exeter, 603-778-9731, www.waterstreetbooks.com.