Reviewed by Bev Scott Helen Zia has written a meticulously researched book with colorful and detailed descriptions of Chinese culture, politics and family life. She centers her story on four young people living in the sophisticated, westernized city of Shanghai beginning in the late 1930’s before World War II. Zia uses the lives of these four […]
Book Review: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
Reviewed by Bev Scott “You have to read this book!” I was urged by friends and colleagues multiple times. Where the Crawdads Sing is the debut novel by a wild-life scientist, Delia Owens. It is now a best seller. As a young girl, Kyla’s mother abandons her. Eventually her brother and finally her father also abandon […]
Book Review: “The Tenth Gift” by Jane Johnson
Reviewed by Bev Scott The Tenth Gift, an intriguing book, consists of two stories masterfully intertwined. One is set in the 17th Century, and the other is set in the present. At the end of an adulterous affair with her best friend’s husband, the husband gives Julia “The Needle Woman’s Glorie.” At first glance, the gift appears […]
The Spacious Life is Good for Me
A couple of months ago, I wrote about my decision to transition from active book promotion to a more spacious life. So, I have actively moved to take advantage of unscheduled and uncommitted time. This lets me enjoy the luxury of combining travel and visiting friends and family. I have added swimming to my exercise routine, […]
Book Review: “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
Reviewed by Bev Scott Although The Hate U Give is a young adult book, the story was riveting for me as a senior adult. Author Angie Thomas tells the story of a white policeman who kills a young unarmed black man with subtlety, humor, and multiple perspectives. Yes, it has some typical or stereotypical scenes. […]
I am Ready to Retire, for the 5th Time
I am ready to retire for the fifth time. What? Yes, I’ve already “retired” four times. The first was taking early retirement at age fifty-five from my demanding corporate position and transitioning to my own business as an organization consultant and leadership coach. Transitions are challenging. Still I had major projects to pursue. I didn’t think of […]
Book Review: “The Road to Bittersweet,” by Donna Everhart
Book review by Bev Scott The Road to Bittersweet: In 1940, the Tuckasegee River in the Appalachian Mountains overflows its banks and forces Wallis Ann Stamper and her family to flee in the middle of the night. Wallis Ann becomes separated from her parents, younger brother and older sister, Laci, a mute and musically gifted […]
Sharing the Roots of “Sarah’s Secret”
My grandfather’s hidden life intrigued me. I began a search to uncover the roots of our family secrets. When I couldn’t find answers to all the questions about my grandfather in my genealogy research, the idea of writing the story as fiction began to take hold. Sarah’s Secret is the result. I also wrote a free e-book, Searching […]
Hope for the Future
This story inspired me and touched my heart. It tells about the amazing accomplishments of the man who serves as mayor of the capital of Montana. Not only is Montana my home state, but it also holds the distinction of never before having a black mayor since it became a state. Read more here: “How a refugee turned mayor seeks to transcend politics of […]
Book Review: “Sold on a Monday” by Kristina McMorris
Book Reviewed by Bev Scott Sold on a Monday is inspired by a photograph of children with the sign “2 Children for Sale” from 1948 which the author Kristina McMorris stumbled upon. The story challenges journalistic integrity, tugs at your heartstrings and offers a sweet love story. Ellis, an aspiring newspaper reporter in the early […]
