Between the Covers: Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus

Say it Rah-shay By Rachee Aug 20, 2012 No Comments

Aging and recent widow 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 collection to California, and prepares to move away from the only life she knows. The only catch? She’s doing it her way. Just wait till 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, ferry, 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.

Initially I dismissed Harriet Beamer when I peeped that it was a book published by Zondervan, a Christian publisher. While not opposed to a Christian book, I wasn’t sure if a spiritual book would hold me. I am thrilled to share that Harriet Beamer not only kept me wanting to read more but it really inspired me to have an adventure of my own.

The premise of the book is a bit outlandish…when Harriet is forced to sell her house and move across the country, she does so on her own terms which means that she literally takes the bus…and a few other non-traditional means for her cross country trip. Along the way, Harriet literally explores the country and this book is such a feel good, positive message for anyone who feels that they must follow the norm.

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was a good story, the spiritual bits helped move the book along and I found that I sort of enjoyed reading a book that wasn’t overly violent, full of adult themes and was out of my norm.

The book moved a bit slow at times when the focus was off of Harriet and we learned more about Harriet’s son and his wife but it all tied together nicely with a finish that had me reaching for a tissue.

If you’d like to know more about Zondervan, click the link above or snag a copy for yourself from Amazon.
Me…I’m getting ready for a bus ride.

-r