Summary : Aging and widowed Harriet Beamer insists she’s getting along fine with her dog Humphrey in Philadelphia … until she falls for the fourth time, injuring her ankle and causing her son and daughter-in-law to cry foul.
Insisting Harriet move in with them in California, they make a bet that her ankle is broken and she foolishly promises to move if they’re right. Four X-rays later, Harriet’s ankle – and her heart – are broken. She packs up, ships her huge salt-and-pepper-shaker collection to California, and prepares to move away from the only life she knows.
The catch? She’s doing it her way. Just wait until her daughter-in-law hears Harriet will travel cross-country only by public transportation and alternate means. What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming journey by train, metro bus, taxi, and motorcycle. Along the way, Harriet discovers that although her family thinks it’s time for her to be put out to pasture, God has a different plan. You can read Harriet’s [http://harrietbeamer.blogspot.com/] blog on her journey.
Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a perfectly delightful read! I absolutely love Harriet Beamer, and I would love to grow up to be like her someday. She is the absolutely ideal senior citizen who has decided her life is still not over. She knows that even in her golden years, God is not finished with her yet.
I was absolutely enthralled with Harriet’s journey. And just when I did not think the mode of travel could get any zanier, it did! No spoilers here. If you want to know of Harriet’s travel, you must read it.
I was enchanted with the way in which Harriet, Henry, and Prudence evolved over the course of the book. I did not think Prudence had any gumption, but by the end of the book, I was glad to see her spunk. And Henry and Humphrey truly bonded to the point that Humphrey became Henry’s muse. I would love to have a dog like Humphrey!
I most appreciated the way in which God was woven into the fabric of the story. It was good to see Harriet’s faith being so apparent in her everyday dealings with each person she met. She never tried to force her beliefs on anyone. They were just a part of who she was.
In conclusion, I now want to go on a trip like this. I wish I were a retired lady with lots of money and no real responsibilities. I would go in a heartbeat.
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
About the Author:
Joyce Magnin is the author of more than a dozen books, including the award-winning and, much loved Bright’s Pond series, the Harriet Beamer novels, Maybelle in Stitches (Quilts of Love Series) and three middle grade novels, Jelly Bean Summer, Carrying Mason and Cake-Love, Chickens and Taste of Peculiar which was awarded a Kirkus starred review.
Her debut novel, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow (Bright’s Pond) was named one of the top five titles of 2009 by Library Journal and was a finalist for the Carol Award.
“Writing and story have always been a part of my life. I love to share my passion, my joy and my personal adventure.” ~ Joyce Magnin
Joyce is a popular conference speaker and workshop leader. Please visit her SPEAKING page for more information. She is also a sought-after editor and mentor.
Joyce is a member of:
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Joyce has also worked as a teacher’s assistant and for a time her secret identity was Cafeteria Monitor. Her experience with children has been invaluable to her. She lives in Vancouver, WA with her son, Adam and their tiny dog, Minnie—because she’s so mini. Joyce loves to play RPGs, reading, cross-stitch and cream soda. Joyce has never eaten a scallop or visited Europe, although she would love the opportunity.
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