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Beyond Reflection: A collaborative novel by BWB Book Club of Vancouver
In the upstart post–Expo Vancouver of 1987, Jane Stewart receives a marriage proposal that has the potential to up-end her carefully curated life as a single woman dedicated to a career as a research biologist. At age 31, she has no wish to lose control of her life. The shock of Julian’s proposal triggers a buried trauma and a re-visiting of events in 1968. Jane, as an adventurous youth, is found navigating the forested trails of North Vancouver, as well as the shifting landscape of unsettling family dynamics, intense friendships, and physical and emotional challenges. Will the reawakening of Jane’s adolescent mind weaken or strengthen the mature woman's autonomy?
"Beyond Reflection is an unforgettable coming-of age story set against the backdrop of Vancouver's North Shore during the turbulent 1960s. Through a collaborative narrative built upon individual experiences, the BWB Book Club has crafted a heartfelt, often humourous, exploration of the vibrancy and vulnerability of youth."
- Susan Steeves, Interior Designer/ Businesswoman
"The Stewart family's story is fresh and imaginative yet familiar in ways that had me reliving my own youth in the 1960s and reflecting on the interactions with family and friends that shaped the adult I became. Book club members especially are sure to engage in lively discussions about the antics of the heroine and her family, and will enjoy lots of belly laughs if they dare to share their own “coming of age” stories."
- Jane Rogerson, retired teacher/principal and director of the Calgary Board of Education
"Beyond Reflection is an unforgettable coming-of age story set against the backdrop of Vancouver's North Shore during the turbulent 1960s. Through a collaborative narrative built upon individual experiences, the BWB Book Club has crafted a heartfelt, often humourous, exploration of the vibrancy and vulnerability of youth."
- Susan Steeves, Interior Designer/ Businesswoman
"The Stewart family's story is fresh and imaginative yet familiar in ways that had me reliving my own youth in the 1960s and reflecting on the interactions with family and friends that shaped the adult I became. Book club members especially are sure to engage in lively discussions about the antics of the heroine and her family, and will enjoy lots of belly laughs if they dare to share their own “coming of age” stories."
- Jane Rogerson, retired teacher/principal and director of the Calgary Board of Education
216 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 16, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Brought back childhood memories of Avon, camping, and general freedom. It is well written and a fun read!
December 10, 2025
2.75/5
😬 This was kind of hard for me to get through. It felt a liiiitle disjointed, and the jump from present to past and back to present felt confusing. I kind of don't know how the part of the past that we visited (which was the biggest chunk of the story) related to the current situation in the present. Maybe it's just me? I kind of feel like this book may have been better if it removed the present entirely and focused itself as a coming-of-age story... I liked Jane and I really liked Scott too... I don't want to give any spoilers but I never stopped liking Scott and I feel like I was supposed to? I don't know, I guess the characters just weren't fleshed out enough for me to really figure that out for myself. Except Doreen...I felt like I got quite a bit of her character and I loved her.
😬 This was kind of hard for me to get through. It felt a liiiitle disjointed, and the jump from present to past and back to present felt confusing. I kind of don't know how the part of the past that we visited (which was the biggest chunk of the story) related to the current situation in the present. Maybe it's just me? I kind of feel like this book may have been better if it removed the present entirely and focused itself as a coming-of-age story... I liked Jane and I really liked Scott too... I don't want to give any spoilers but I never stopped liking Scott and I feel like I was supposed to? I don't know, I guess the characters just weren't fleshed out enough for me to really figure that out for myself. Except Doreen...I felt like I got quite a bit of her character and I loved her.
November 10, 2025
Coming of age novel set in North Vancouver, the story starts with a women facing a pivotal life decision , that conflicts with everything she knows about herself. The narrative then takes you on a rich flashback vividly exploring the experiences that forged her identity during her early teenage years, in 1968. Fun humorous and highly recommended, it is an insightful read about the enduring influence of our early lives on the women we become.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews