by MarianBeaman | Jul 1, 2026 | blog, book review, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, Memory, Novel writing, Reflection, Uncategorized
“I don’t drink coffee,” Alex said. “Then who drinks coffee at your house?” I replied, eying the coffee-themed plaques on her kitchen wall. Her quick answer, “Oh, Andy does, and I liked organizing the coffee display on my...
by MarianBeaman | Jun 17, 2026 | Award, blog, book review, Coming of Age, Education, Lists, Literature, Novel writing, Novel writing, Quotations, Tips, Uncategorized
My book reviews are getting shorter and shorter. Why is that? you ask. One reason could be this—-I review every book I read. I think ir’s a good idea to condense my reviews. I hope it’s good for you too, dear reader. Here are a few book...
by MarianBeaman | Feb 25, 2026 | blog, book review, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, Memory, neighborhood, Novel writing, Quotations, Uncategorized
January and February this year have been cold, at least for Florida. Our usual temps alternate from 45 in the morning to 65 or 70 degrees mid-afternoon. This winter has been an exception: 20 days freezing (or below) in January and at least one near-freezing day in...
by MarianBeaman | Feb 11, 2026 | blog, book review, Conflict, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, meditation, Novel writing, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” So says cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. Advertisers use Valentine’s Day to promote cards, chocolates, candlelight and roses–even expensive jewelry. Today, Valentine’s Day is...
by MarianBeaman | Jan 28, 2026 | blog, book review, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, Mennonite Lore, Novel writing, Novel writing, Quotations, Uncategorized
One Way to Stay Sane The author of Cherry Cola Book Club remarks, “Going to the library to check out my novels has always been my great escape. I get to explore someone else’s mind for a while. It’s a very sane exercise.” 219 Of course, you can find great...
by MarianBeaman | Nov 12, 2025 | blog, book review, Conflict, Memory, popular culture, Quotations, Uncategorized
What’s Too Hot to Handle? The horror of books ablaze in a library. That’s what! Susan Orleans’ The Library Book (2018) is a portmanteau of story, true crime, and riveting journalism Before the Great Fire of April 1986, the Central Library of Los...
