Harriet Beamer Takes The Bus

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. (publisher's description)

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I must admit, this book was a fun read. Harriet accepted the changes she was having to make in her life, but didn't just give up when she gave in. As she packed her beloved salt and pepper shaker collection, she realized that they were all gifts from friend's from places they had visited, except for the one set she bought from the only place she and Max ever went to on vacation. Realizing that this was her last opportunity to fulfill her dream of visiting The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum of Gatlinburg, TN (yes, it is a real place!), Harriet chooses to travel her way. Sometimes she had to compromise or readjust, but she handled it all with grace and style, undaunted by the challenges and remaining true to her core beliefs. The adventures Harriet has along the way, and the interesting characters she meets, made me giggle more than once.

The book is also a reminder to not give up on dreams. I tend to be more pragmatic about possibilities & probabilities, but the story captivated my imagination, held my interest, and encouraged me to do my best to live my life in a way that leaves fewer regrets. Harriet is a person I would like to be when I grow up!! I certainly want to read more of Joyce Magnin's books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."