Title: Moving On / Never Leaving
Author: Martha Beimer
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-5245-5147-6
Pages: 144
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: CC Thomas
Pacific Book Review
Martha Beimer’s Moving On / Never Leaving centers on the character of Gail. When the narrative begins, Gail is a small child who moves constantly, but finally finds a friend in her neighbor Connie. Gail recounts many happy childhood memories with Connie and considers her a true anchor in her ever-changing life. Gail’s young life, though, is destined to be one of moving on. She does not let such transiency upset her, however. When their next move is to a huge mansion, Gail’s family looks to make more special memories and Gail describes pleasant afternoons helping her mother pick strawberries and cook in the huge kitchen.
The plotline centers around Gail’s life of moving around and making a new home and new friends in each new environment. Gail’s young life is one new town after another, but the author writes about each new experience with such detail and care that the reader can picture exactly the setting and each new character introduced in the story. The historical setting of the Ozarks in Arkansas includes period facts and descriptions that make the reader feel part of every scene, watching trains clatter through the fall leaves and waiting with anticipation for the upcoming traveling circus. When the family moves once again, this time to Texas, the reader better understands how a new scene is hard for the young girl and misses, along with Gail, her beautiful life. The author does not shy away from controversy of the race relations during America’s history, but instead uses the young girl’s musings to show that every person is a treasure with unique gifts to share.
While the main title of the story is Moving On, the subtitle of Never Leaving is also an important part of the plot and development of young Gail’s character. When Gail does have to move she makes sure to always remember the treasures of her memories and the friends she has made in each place. This allows her to look back on her life and see what a blessing each new experience and person brought her. These blessed memories carry Gail through many struggles and challenges, but her focus on the positives helps her faith to grow and allows her to mature into a positive and vibrant young woman.
Beimer’s Moving On / Never Leaving focuses on the very best message: to look beyond life’s current challenges and appreciate each person who comes into your life. Every person will bring a blessing or a lesson and will add a richness to the friendships and memories you make. It’s a sweet reminder to slow down and remember that life is a journey made easier with those you care for.
