Beach Chair Diaries

Summer Tales from Maine to Maui

Fiction - Humor/Comedy
172 Pages
Reviewed on 04/30/2009
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

I recently picked up a copy of Beach Chair Diaries. I was transported back to the first time I saw the ocean. I could feel the power of the waves calling to me. I could not wait; I kicked off my shoes and ran toward the incoming waves. It was a hot summer day but the salt water was surprisingly cool. There were jelly fish lying on the beach. Little birds ran helter shelter picking at the sand looking a morsel to eat. I could see a family playing in the surf. a dog catching a Frisbee, a surfer catching a wave and fishing lines were dangling from the pier. I knew I was home. I don’t live close to a beach at this time. My dream is to live on the beach someday.

Jane E. Spur shares her humor and her love for the beach with readers. She writes in a conversational style. I could picture myself sitting across a patio table from her, sipping a drink with a tiny umbrella, while we discussed her latest beach escapade. I was laughing aloud at her story of the blow up boat. I could see her blowing up that boat. The story about the surfing lesson is a classic. Spur must be a hoot to be around. She is the kind of friend we all need, one that will make us laugh even if it takes black shoe polish. Beach Chair Diaries is a must-read.

Angelleaping

I met Janet at the Maui Writers Conference in 2004. I have come to know Janet as a really funny person. As I read "Beach Chair Diaries" the memories of Maui and time spent with Janet came flooding back. Janet is a natural story teller. The stories of Maine, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard as well as Maui and beach chair therapy are well written. I recommend "Beach Chair Therapy". It has made me go on-line to see how much airline tickets are going for these days. I really long for my own beach chair therapy.

Lori Robson

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a beach person. I love being near a city, the accessibility to so many opportunities and activities, the busyness of it all...but I will also admit that this book has made me appreciate the beauty and calm of a beautiful, water-edged beach.

In each short recollection, Spurr takes the reader to a world of no worries or cares, telling tales of humor, sorrow and relaxation. A quick read, Spurr's "Diaries" will allow you to bookmark after each memory and explore the beach yourself. Short questionnaries and tips at the end of each chapter will further aid you in your adventures as you make memories of your own along the shores of your own nearby beach...or just in your mind. While the book is centralized on the topic of beaches, even those nowhere near a beach can enjoy it (myself included) and take advantage of its tips and suggestions (ice cream and online shopping, anyone?).

An excellent, calming read.

Sally Reader

Beach Chair Diaries is a delightful read for anyone who needs a lift and a laugh. Even if you never sun on the sand, you'll appreciate Janet Spurr's playful spirit, sense of humor and zest for life. She makes every experience special-from feasting on ice cream to hosting a lobster dinner and surfing the Pacific. So read it in your favorite chair-and enjoy!

Frank Caruso

What a wonderful book! Janet Spurr lures the reader into a state of euphoria and relaxation with "Beach Chair Diaries." With the turn of every page, she will take you on a journey to her best kept summer-time secrets. Buy a copy for yourself and then buy one for a friend who loves the beach as much, if not more, than you do. Then sit back, relax, and be delighted with a great read!

K. Steward

Spurr has always been one of the funnier people that I know and this book brings her humor right to the page. While reading the book from the comfort of my couch, I was immediately transported back to a beach in Maine that I spend time on each June. The lobster stories are spot-on and I could totally see myself being in her place for the blow-up dinghy story!
I hope she's writes another book:)

mmr

Whether you're on your favorite beach or planning your next trip back, this book is for you! Janet Spurr's beautifully told stories are funny and poignant, thoughtful and hilarious. Whether you dream of riding the Pacific's waves, splashing about in the choppy Atlantic, or swimming in your favorite inland waters, take along Beach Chair Diaries.

Dorothy L. Stephens

Janet Spurr's new book, Beach Chair Diaries, is the perfect companion to take along to the beach this summer. You can feast your eyes on the alluring cover, and then plunge right in to enjoy Janet's adventures on beaches near and far. Your will laugh and flinch as you read about her valiant attempt to become "Surfer Girl," and celebrate along with her when she achieves her dream of attending the Maui Writers Conference in "paradise." Even when you can't visit a beach yourself, you have the luxury of being on one with Janet and sharing her beach-lover's passion.