Bess: A Pioneer Woman's Journey of Courage, Grit and Love

Bess: A Pioneer Woman's Journey of Courage, Grit and Love by Charles Cranston Jett

Frontier life would be difficult for a man or a family, but for the collective imagination to conceive of a lone woman braving such a stark and unforgiving land is nearly impossible. This is an engrossing tale about Bess, a highly motivated and determined young woman who lives on the frontier. The entire historical narrative is accurate and enthralling. There is something quite remarkable about Bess, she stands apart from the traditional pioneer woman. The lone image of Bess on the cover is suffused with a brave solitude that resounds within the pages of the story.

Charles Cranston Jett has created a phenomenal storyline that offers a radical challenge in disproving the stereotypical prototype of a woman in the early 1900's. The reader will follow the emotional roller coaster of the heroine's struggle in combating the tremendous changes throughout her journey.

"She lay in bed for a moment, taking deep breaths. Today is the day I will be leaving my home in search of another, she thought. She took a deep breath—and the thought did not frighten her—it excited her."

The research that Jett has done breathes a dual tone of truth and fantasy for the reader.

"Doc went inside the house and came out with the 30-30 rifle, but by the time he started down toward them, the coyotes had already run off. What was left of the sheep was mostly the hindquarters, so Doc brought the carcass back to the homestead and severed the hind legs because they had been untouched and could be used by the family."

There is an abundant cluster of hope and joy that the reader will hold close to his or her heart when reading this book.

"Afterwards, they held a social gathering right in the middle of the street in town. Everyone could get something to eat from the food that members of the audience had brought for all to share. It had been a great day in Haley. Life on the prairie is good. Thought Bess."

I was surprised at the way this book gripped my attention. The author allows for a sustaining exuberance and expressed devotion in his creative diction. There is a reminder of the legacy of traditions, principles, and commitments that exist in our history. This inspirational story engenders all readers to pursuing their dreams and evokes subtle reminders of the human struggle that never ends.

Charles Cranston Jett is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Harvard Graduate School of Business. He is the author of two other new books: "Wanted: Critical Skills!" and "Career Crises and the Doom Loop".

Bess: A Pioneer Woman's Journey of Courage, Grit and Love by Charles Cranston Jett, 2017 ISBN 978-1-4787-6486-1, 978-1-4787-6517-2