Book Review of Beatrice Munson by Lorena Bathey

By: Melissa

   I try to my hardest to be sure that my reviews don't lean more towards men or women, so I'll apologize in advance because this review will be more female based. That being said, if you're a guy that does not mean you can't read this book and learn more about the female, and even male, psyche.

   Lorena Bathey has successfully woven a magical, heartwarming story of the changes and joy that one person can bring to one beige neighborhood and a few unsuspecting woman. She starts off by introducing the character of Marissa, stuck in a hum-drum midlife crisis after a recent divorce. Then we're lucky enough to be introduced to Beatrice, Marissa's high school rival. Soon, though, Marissa learns that Beatrice is nothing that she believed. Beatrice is quick to take over the neighborhood at a friendly Bunko game and inject just a little bit of her character into all the woman stuck in the world of beige and cookie-cutter houses.

   Beatrice quickly changes the lives of many woman, all for the better. Marissa is introduced to her love-extraordinaire. Andrea, Marissa's best friend, Deidre and Lily are all given a burst of Beatrice's power and change their lives for the better. There is, as with any good book, two large twists to the story. Come on now, it can't all be sunshine and rainbows. I'll leave those two cliffhangers out of this, so you'll have a surprise or two to read about.

   As a woman with a few very close friends, and as a woman who sometimes lives in a beige neighborhood, who suffers from low self esteem, this book was magical to me. I found myself laughing, crying, praying for a Beatrice to enter my life, and even a little empowered to make a few changes. This is one of those books that is well written, wraps you up in the story and has you missing the characters and contemplating your life, when the story ends.

   In closing, if you're in need of a boost, a laugh, a cry or just a good read, I highly suggest visiting this little beige neighborhood and seeing the changes one person can bring. Enjoy the story, call your friend, have a glass of wine, but just imagine yourself with some color in your world. Thanks for reading!

"Don't worry, be happy!"

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