When I was offered a book called Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin I knew it was out of my comfort zone but I also thought it sounded like it a good story. While Harriet might not be wielding a sword and chopping down orcs and goblins, I figured there would be some adventure, albeit a little different.
Story Synopsis
Harriet Beamer is a 72 year old widow living with her basset hound, Humphrey, and she is quite happy with her life. Other than missing her husband of 16 years, living in Philadelphia is rewarding fulfilling. She has her friends, her church, and her collection of salt and pepper shakers. Harriet has managed to fend off the attempts by her son, Henry, and daughter-in-law, Prudence, to move her to California. A holiday visit from said son and daughter-in-law changes everything.
While fixing an ornament on the Christmas tree, Harriet takes a tumble and hurts her ankle. Knowing her mother-in-law's stubbornness, Prudence makes a bet with Harriet. If the ankles's broken she comes to live in California with Henry and Prudence, if it's just a sprain, Harriet stays in her until the she is called home. Needless to say, a few months later Harriet is headed to California to live with Henry and Prudence... but she's going to do it her way.
Harriet could easily take a plane or train to California, but she decides to go on a grand adventure. She will be taking the bus, and not the Greyhound. Harriet will take local transportation just about all the way across the country. That includes buses, campers, motorcycles, and even a helicopter. She meets many wonderful people along the way and a few people that are less than wonderful. Harriet sees how beautiful this country is and even manages to fulfill her dream of going to the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Most importantly, Harriet realizes that she still has a lot to offer people and God still has an amazing plan for her life.
My Review
As I said before, Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus isn't in the genre I normally read. That being said, I loved the book. I don't normally use such strong language, but you can't help falling in love with Harriet Beamer's courage and sense of adventure. Harriet herself is a wonderful lady filled with more life at 72 than some people half her age.
Joyce Magnin does a marvelous job of taking you on the trip with Harriet so you are looking at the stars with her in Maggie Valley or whomping on a purse thief with her purse. Magnin takes us through the emotions and fears as Harriet encounters new situations making it very real. Harriet is superhero only in the fact she moves forward in spite of her fears.
Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus is encouraging not only to senior citizens, but people of all ages. God does have a plan for our lives and we can do mighty things if we just surrender to Him. Magnin does a beautiful job of relaying this message in Harriet's actions to the openings given to her. Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus is inspiring and fun with plenty of real life adventure.
Harriet Beamer has hit the web with her own blog. You can read all about her new adventures.
To find out more about Joyce Magnin's other books, check out her website.
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