Monday, July 2, 2018

Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin

Book Description: 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.

My Review:  Harriet is one feisty lady!  And Joyce Magnin does it again!  
The story of Harriet and her trip is quirky and down right funny...but with a serious touch, too!
At 72 years young Harriet makes a bet with her daughter-in-law.  A sucker's bet to be sure but I think in her heart of hearts Harriet has wanted to explore the world.  Now that her beloved husband has gone to  his heavenly reward and her son and daughter-in-law want her to live with them in California....Harriet takes the bet only to...lose!  But good ole Harriet decides to get to California her way.  Her way?  Taking city transport all the way.  An interesting idea!
One of my favorite parts is when Harriet meets the motorcycling preacher and his wife.  She goes to their snake handling church....what a ride!
A light hearted read with all kinds of trip disasters, lunches, people of all walks of life and Harriet's views.  
Loved this great read! 
*Zondervan*
Format: Softcover
Language: English
ISBN 13: 9780310333555
UPC: 025986333553

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