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Beany Malone #4
Beany and the Beckoning Road
Beany believes that she has lost Norbett to another—Cynthia. She and Johnny plan to drive from Denver to California to return their nephew to his parents and advertise for passengers to share the travel expenses. What a surprise for Beany when she discovers that one of the passengers is Cynthia. What will happen to a mismatched set of passengers with very little money and a tomato plant in the back seat?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1952
4 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Lenora Mattingly Weber
43 books56 followersLenora Mattingly, though born in Missouri, lived most of her life in Denver, Colorado. In 1916 she married Albert Herman Weber and was the mother of six children.
Weber's first book, Wind on the Prairie, was published in 1929. From 1930 through 1962 she wrote short stories for magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, McCall's, and Good Housekeeping. Her last book was published posthumously in 1972.
Lenora Mattingly Weber’s favorite topics included the Denver area, horses, and teenage girls. In 1943 the first Beany Malone book, Meet the Malones, was published. Beany Malone became Weber's most well-known creation, featured in 14 books and appearing as a minor character in the Katie Rose Belford and Stacy Belford series.
Weber's first book, Wind on the Prairie, was published in 1929. From 1930 through 1962 she wrote short stories for magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, McCall's, and Good Housekeeping. Her last book was published posthumously in 1972.
Lenora Mattingly Weber’s favorite topics included the Denver area, horses, and teenage girls. In 1943 the first Beany Malone book, Meet the Malones, was published. Beany Malone became Weber's most well-known creation, featured in 14 books and appearing as a minor character in the Katie Rose Belford and Stacy Belford series.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 23, 2007
This was the very first Lenora Mattingly Weber book I read. I must have been about 12, and we were on a family trip somewhere; I found a used paperback copy in a box of for-sale books at a gas station and paid about a dime for it. I read it over and over and was thrilled to find that she had written an entire series of books not only about Beany and her family, but also about the Belfords. I own all of them in hardcover now, and Weber's books rank right up there with the books of Maud Hart Lovelace as my favorites. But "Beany and the Beckoning Road" will always be right at the top of the list, because it was first.
August 25, 2022
That was one heck of a road trip! I sincerely doubted at times if Beany, Johnny, and the crew would make it to Oceanside, CA. (After all, this was before our super efficient freeway system!) The road trip idea started out simple enough but it got really complicated really fast, and I was confused for a while about which characters to trust and stressed about the horse and the money and the car holding up. 😆
I think it would read more cohesively on a re-read for me. Some chapters were five stars, some were two, so maybe a four star rating is too much. But since I could easily give Miss Opal five stars, Beany and Johnny’s relationship five stars, and Johnny five stars, I guess four is good!
Did I mention Johnny? If he was real and I was in high school and not in my 30s (or maybe even now in my 30s…), I would have a big crush on him. I mean, come on: “Johnny of the warm heart, the high heart. Johnny, so sincere and chivalrous and generous and guileless that trickery would always be a blow to him” (261).
Beany’s romantic troubles are very teenager-ish. But she is 16 and I was equally absurd at that age. I do think that all the main characters had real character growth (Beany, Johnny, Cynthia, Norbett, even Miss Opal), so that’s another reason for the four stars even if parts of this book stretched my imagination a little too far. The Malones are certainly never dull, and I do so love reading about a family that is known for their infectious laughter and warm hearts.
I think it would read more cohesively on a re-read for me. Some chapters were five stars, some were two, so maybe a four star rating is too much. But since I could easily give Miss Opal five stars, Beany and Johnny’s relationship five stars, and Johnny five stars, I guess four is good!
Did I mention Johnny? If he was real and I was in high school and not in my 30s (or maybe even now in my 30s…), I would have a big crush on him. I mean, come on: “Johnny of the warm heart, the high heart. Johnny, so sincere and chivalrous and generous and guileless that trickery would always be a blow to him” (261).
Beany’s romantic troubles are very teenager-ish. But she is 16 and I was equally absurd at that age. I do think that all the main characters had real character growth (Beany, Johnny, Cynthia, Norbett, even Miss Opal), so that’s another reason for the four stars even if parts of this book stretched my imagination a little too far. The Malones are certainly never dull, and I do so love reading about a family that is known for their infectious laughter and warm hearts.
July 22, 2020
Another charming story in the Malone series. A road trip to California seems exciting to Beany but the actual trip - counting pennies for travel and repairs, meeting new and unusual people and worrying about loved ones back home - is much different. I travel by car across half the United States to visit family every year but this old-time version full of take-along picnics instead of fast food, conversations instead of podcasts and bedrolls instead of hotel room beds almost seems as fun. Although - thank god for the installation of air conditioning!
September 20, 2020
Teenage heartbreak and a ridiculously exasperating road trip
November 5, 2008
Norbett makes me SO IRRITATED. I hope Beany leaves his little dumb butt behind and finds someone nicer.
December 26, 2018
Every time I read a Beany book, I'm amazed at Lenora Weber's ability to create intricate subplots for all the Malone children that integrate into one larger plot. This book has a "meet cute" in the middle that isn't probable, but it is necessary to put all the other pieces together. You just have to gulp a bit during it and then continue on ignoring its improbability. All the adventures on the beckoning road are worth it.
Can't wait for the next Beany book on order at the library!
Can't wait for the next Beany book on order at the library!
July 25, 2022
Despite the fact that everything seems to go wrong on this road trip to get away from it all, there's a vicarious satisfaction in seeing the travelers surviving the hardships, making-do with what they had, and coming out the better for it. I love all the vintage details of road tripping in the 50s. Kind of makes me want to stay at a cottage court complete with lavender sponge!
February 16, 2008
Although this book is dated and filled with wild improbabilities, it is such a period piece -- complete with descriptions of the classic motels -- that I love it. Makes you want to get in your merry oldsmobile and head out on Route 66!
July 17, 2022
This was the perfect book to read while sick in bed…it even brought an unexpected tear to my eye at the end. I keep thinking I’ll be let down by the next Beany Malone book if I liked the previous ones so much, but so far they’ve all been chicken soup for the soul.
May 25, 2021
Every so often I want to dip into old-time nostalgia. I vaguely remembered reading this book a long time ago. It's a good reminder of what ordinary life was like not that long ago. No cell phones! Unreliable cars! Girls wearing dresses! Nobody swears, smokes, drinks or gets beyond chaste kissing.
This book tosses a bunch of challenges at the resourceful, practical Beany. It's hard to believe a high school girl could handle so many different things. The Malones seem chronically short of money, too, although presumably their father earns a decent salary.
There were quite a few things that didn't ring true. Could these young kids handle a horse? Driving with a horse trailer isn't easy even with a modern car; how did they do it?
Most bizarre, there is a reference to bringing 5 chickens - cooked chickens, no less! There's no mention of a cooler so how did they keep from being spoiled?
This book tosses a bunch of challenges at the resourceful, practical Beany. It's hard to believe a high school girl could handle so many different things. The Malones seem chronically short of money, too, although presumably their father earns a decent salary.
There were quite a few things that didn't ring true. Could these young kids handle a horse? Driving with a horse trailer isn't easy even with a modern car; how did they do it?
Most bizarre, there is a reference to bringing 5 chickens - cooked chickens, no less! There's no mention of a cooler so how did they keep from being spoiled?
August 8, 2022
It was maybe Too Soon to read this book after the disastrous road trip my family took in May, which involved a flat tire on the way there, a flat tire on the way back, no sleep for over twenty-four hours both ways, and a lot of inconvenience and angst. However, even though reading about the Malone's road trip was rather stressful, the book made me laugh out loud repeatedly, and I enjoyed the vivid characters and unexpected twists.
This comedy of errors has lots of delightful moments, and it's also fun to read about a thoroughly vintage road trip, and the many logistics that the characters worked through to make it happen. It's an interesting glimpse into a part of the past that was ordinary at the time, but which is now exceptional simply because it's so different.
This comedy of errors has lots of delightful moments, and it's also fun to read about a thoroughly vintage road trip, and the many logistics that the characters worked through to make it happen. It's an interesting glimpse into a part of the past that was ordinary at the time, but which is now exceptional simply because it's so different.
May 2, 2013
Quick dip into nostalgia - oh, how I used to love Beany and the Malone family! This was a fun read and I enjoyed the interaction of the characters and the ways in which the plot developed. It was exactly what I expected and exactly what I needed to read at the time.
In short, Beany is on summer vacation has crossed wires with her regularly guy and takes advantage of an opportunity to take a road trip from Denver to California - on a tight budget, with brother, nephew and two human tag-alongs (and a horse) for the ride. Short funds and other problems plague them on the way but *of course* Beany comes through with flying colours in the end.
In short, Beany is on summer vacation has crossed wires with her regularly guy and takes advantage of an opportunity to take a road trip from Denver to California - on a tight budget, with brother, nephew and two human tag-alongs (and a horse) for the ride. Short funds and other problems plague them on the way but *of course* Beany comes through with flying colours in the end.
May 10, 2009
Though times, technology, and music have changed, these books share stories teenaged girls from any era can relate to because there are some things that every girl experiences as she becomes a woman. Though I read these books 25 years ago, a part of my heart is still at home with this wacky, lovable, and compassionate family. The books were written shortly after World War II and feature Beany Malone and her family as they live during the early 1940s. If you have a tween or teen girl at home, these are the kind of books that let her explore her heart and feel good about being a girl.
June 25, 2011
This book was good. I enjoyed the road trip aspect of it a lot, but I did feel sorry for poor Beany again. Also, having Cynthia turn out to have a heart of gold seems really similar to Kay and Sheila in previous books. There were also some really predictable elements—I knew that Cynthia would take the belt and I knew that the ‘mystery boy’ would be Norbett. Also, some things are a bit improbable. Like Quaker just happening to run into Ander. But, really, it was a fun book. I can’t complain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Cynthia and her white dress and gold sandals. That's what I remembered the most from this book.
It's an exciting read as they travel cross country - truly sticking their neck out for Ander and Mary Fred. It's really our last quality association with Ander, sadly.
For some reason, I didn't remember Norbett at all from my initial reads - or maybe I tried to forget him.
It was a perfect summer read, as they take a trip during the summer.
It's an exciting read as they travel cross country - truly sticking their neck out for Ander and Mary Fred. It's really our last quality association with Ander, sadly.
For some reason, I didn't remember Norbett at all from my initial reads - or maybe I tried to forget him.
It was a perfect summer read, as they take a trip during the summer.
January 2, 2021
3.5
driving trip from Denver to Laramie and on to Oceanside, California
A realistic tale typical of the times.
No magic, no high adventure.
Wholesome kids who shoulder responsibilities.
Almost orphans -- Mom died 4 yrs earlier; Dad is often away on work assignments.
Slow start. I'd read more in this series if I happen across them.
LM Weber was a friend of my grandfather's.
driving trip from Denver to Laramie and on to Oceanside, California
A realistic tale typical of the times.
No magic, no high adventure.
Wholesome kids who shoulder responsibilities.
Almost orphans -- Mom died 4 yrs earlier; Dad is often away on work assignments.
Slow start. I'd read more in this series if I happen across them.
LM Weber was a friend of my grandfather's.
September 21, 2016
Another warm, cozy comfort read in this series I discovered only recently. I'll be sad when they're all done. This one is about a motley crew of Malones and friends taking a road trip to San Diego from Denver.
November 21, 2019
My favorite Beany Malone book!
So happy I found this! I’ve been searching for the book about teenagers driving out west and running out of money and thinking the police are after them!
Quite a plot for 1952.
So happy I found this! I’ve been searching for the book about teenagers driving out west and running out of money and thinking the police are after them!
Quite a plot for 1952.
September 21, 2019
I read these books as a teen in the sixties and throughly enjoyed but was never able to read the whole series. So! Started reading the first one, “Meet the Malone’s” and became addicted! So, I’ll keep adding to my list until the last one is read!
October 31, 2009
Somehow the innocence of this fiction series manages to fill me with peace, and restores my sense of trust in people's goodness...a last nudge from Miss Opal?
May 1, 2020
Beany really, really needs to dump the obnoxious, whiney Norbett.
June 23, 2024
Beany and the rest of the Malone family are back in this fourth entry in the fourteen-volume Beany Malone series, and this time they're taking to the road. With father Martie Malone off again, reporting on a hot story at the state penitentiary, Elizabeth out in California while husband Don is in the VA hospital, and Mary Fred working at a dude ranch in Wyoming for the summer, Beany and Johnny are holding down the fort, while taking care of their nephew, little Martie. After becoming convinced that her boyfriend Norbett is sneaking around behind her back with another girl, Beany wishes she too could escape, and the opportunity comes when Elizabeth asks her to accompany little Martie to California. Deciding to take the car with Johnny, who needs to visit a nearby town for research into his latest historical project, Beany also finds herself with some unexpected passengers. These include Quaker, a horse they are trying to reunited with Mary Fred's boyfriend Ander; a kindhearted older lady named Miss Opal, determined to get to California to fulfill the promise she made to a dying friend; and Cynthia, the very girl Beany believes has stolen Norbett's heart. Between the personal drama and all kinds of mishaps, will the group ever get to Oceanside...?
This being a Beany Malone story, there's never much doubt of a happy ending, but it is still a pleasant ride, following along as our heroine goes through ups and downs along the way. Road trip stories are usually entertaining—they're really just a modern update on the quest/travel narrative—and Beany and the Beckoning Road is no exception! I particularly enjoyed the picture that author Lenora Mattingly Weber painted of the roads and roadside stops along the route from Denver to California, in the early 1950s. The holiday cabin rest-stops, the motels and diners, and the etiquette of the road—all fascinating stuff! The central crisis experienced by our heroine is never much of a mystery, as any attentive reader will immediately realize that Norbett's meeting with Cynthia, seen by Beany and interpreted as romantic, is nothing of the kind, and is related to his search for a newspaper story (something he mentions working on). Still, Beany wouldn't be Beany if she weren't jumping to conclusions, and sincerely flying off the handle into misunderstanding and hurt. I enjoyed this entry in the series quite a bit, and look forward to the next, which apparently brings some significant changes to the Malone family circle. Recommended to any reader who has enjoyed the previous books about Beany and her family.
This being a Beany Malone story, there's never much doubt of a happy ending, but it is still a pleasant ride, following along as our heroine goes through ups and downs along the way. Road trip stories are usually entertaining—they're really just a modern update on the quest/travel narrative—and Beany and the Beckoning Road is no exception! I particularly enjoyed the picture that author Lenora Mattingly Weber painted of the roads and roadside stops along the route from Denver to California, in the early 1950s. The holiday cabin rest-stops, the motels and diners, and the etiquette of the road—all fascinating stuff! The central crisis experienced by our heroine is never much of a mystery, as any attentive reader will immediately realize that Norbett's meeting with Cynthia, seen by Beany and interpreted as romantic, is nothing of the kind, and is related to his search for a newspaper story (something he mentions working on). Still, Beany wouldn't be Beany if she weren't jumping to conclusions, and sincerely flying off the handle into misunderstanding and hurt. I enjoyed this entry in the series quite a bit, and look forward to the next, which apparently brings some significant changes to the Malone family circle. Recommended to any reader who has enjoyed the previous books about Beany and her family.
October 1, 2024
I intended to read the entire Malone series, but I’m stopping with this book. To begin with, I read the first four books when I was a teenager, and so the nostalgia stops here. Secondly, I looked at the summaries of the books remaining and it’s just up and down teenage drama (mostly boyfriend drama). I’m just not interested in continuing, but I did enjoy my time in the books I read.
January 28, 2024
Beany and her brother Johnny drive young Martie McCallin across the countryside to his parents. Miss Opal and Quaker join the hullabaloo. Norbett Rhodes and a mysterious girl Beany's age add to Beany's journey.
July 19, 2017
This was better than the previous book in the series. The Malone kids go on a road trip from Colorado to San Diego, California. Beany flies off the handle one time too many for my taste but whatever. Three stars. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to continue with the Malone family.
August 10, 2024
This one kind of stressed me out- road trip books where things go wrong tend to do that.
November 27, 2025
The first Beany book I read. For a long time, it was also the only one, because our library didn't have any others. Reading this is like wrapping myself in a warm, comforting blanket of nostalgia for a time that I never experienced.
July 26, 2018
A wonderful summer story to read & re-read!
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November 24, 2018Re-read this Fall.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews