Reviewed by Bev Scott What is story power? The power of story is articulated in the foreword written by Susan Wittig Albert and guided by the examples, the process and the steps described by the author, Kate Farrell. Storytelling is so much apart of our lives as we share experiences, give advice and educate our children. We […]
Book Review: “Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, De Gaulle and Von Choltitz Saved the City of Light” by Jean Edward Smith
Reviewed by Bev Scott Liberation of Paris by historian Jean Edward Smith, tells a fascinating story of the efforts of three key men that resulted in the liberation of Paris in World War II. The Allies swept across northern France after they broke through the German lines in Normandy. They were pursuing the German army intending to […]
Book Review: “Inheritance, a Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love” by Dani Shapiro
Reviewed by Bev Scott Inheritance by Dani Shapiro, describes her emotional journey when she discovered through DNA testing that she was not related to her older sister, Susie. Susie was the daughter of her father from an earlier marriage. The older sister looked like her Jewish father who Shapiro always revered. Instead, she was different…pale skin, blond […]
Book Review: “The Secrets of Mary Bowser: A Novel” by Lois Leveen
Reviewed by Bev Scott Mary Bowser was born into slavery in Richmond, Virginia before the Civil War. She fortunately grew up knowing both of her parents. Her mother worked as a house slave in the Van Lews mansion. Her father lived nearby, working as a blacksmith. Also fortunate, Bet, the daughter of the Van Lews, saw […]
Book Review: “Last Boat Out of Shanghai” by Helen Zia
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 […]
