Early Books
"It’s a beautifully crafted, carefully researched historical novel that captures the essence of a single historic event while exploring the universality of love, grief, guilt, and the mysterious twin connection." — Booklist, Hot Teen Title for Fall 2010
"Ultimately, it is through chance meetings with “dangerous neighbors” and caring strangers that Katherine begins to consider the possibilities of her own life going forward. Her forgiveness of Bennett and herself gives birth to a sense of hope and helps this tenderly crafted story end with a positive spin. Kephart has painted a vivid picture of the Exhibition. Readers can practically smell the roasted peanuts and feel the bruise of crowds shoving by as she creates a lively setting against which a quiet, desperate struggle is played out.–Karen Elliott, Grafton High School, WI"—School Library Journal
"... While the story is compelling enough for readers who enjoy historical fiction, this books’ excellence lies in the subtle descriptions nestled in Kephart’s writing. It is a book beautifully done, the complex human emotions of heartbreak and hope exquisitely intertwined." — Library Media Connection
"... While the story is compelling enough for readers who enjoy historical fiction, this books’ excellence lies in the subtle descriptions nestled in Kephart’s writing. It is a book beautifully done, the complex human emotions of heartbreak and hope exquisitely intertwined." — Library Media Connection
"... a tender, quiet work of historical fiction...exquisitely crafted...as lovely in its imagery as it is tragic..." — Kirkus
"The tension between past and future is what really makes this novel shine. Readers will find themselves immersed in the 1800s, captivated by Kephart's writing, and rooting for Katherine the whole way."— Mandy King, The Boulder Book Store, Autumn 2010 Indiebound Children's Indie Next List
"Kephart never once underestimates her audience." — In Bed With Books
"A multitude of themes are packed into this short novel – grief, sibling rivalry and responsibility, parent/child relationships, young love, and teen suicide – themes we’re accustomed to reading about in modern literature settings, but not quite as often in historical novels. Kephart creates the perfect emotional portrait of her characters, and invites her readers to study it to discover all their delicate nuances. Dangerous Neighbors speaks to readers of all ages in its look at some very universal human emotions and situations." — Bookstack
"Recommended for: fans of literary fiction, spectacular young adult literature, history, tragedy, deliverance, and descriptions so well rendered that they seem tinged with the magical."—Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia
"For me, DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS is like that first secret crush, or the meeting of hands, when you know that you've met your soulmate. I think this book is going to stay in my head, and in my heart for a very long time." — Read My Mind
"I’ve yet to encounter another novel that so perfectly captures the painful, heartache-inducing way in which sisters must grapple with one another moving forward in their lives — and, in the process, pulling away from one another." — Write Meg!
When I finished Dangerous Neighbors, I recognized the feeling inside of me..that I had been on a journey and come out on the side of hope. I have felt this way before, many times, but always always when finishing a story by Beth Kephart." — My Friend Amy
"Your writing style is one completely original to the world of young-adult books, and it’s beautiful. So beautiful. I read this book very slowly just to absorb the meaning of everything. Every passage flowed and ebbed with emotion and depth. This is the type of book that proves that the young-adult genre is more than just a commercial one."—Dear Author
"Different from anything I have ever read before, Beth Kephart raises the bar on Young Adult novels. She proves that you don't need vampires and werewolves to capture this audience's attention, and bring them on a journey they will not soon forget."—Alison's Book Marks
"The writing was simply exquisite. I've read almost all of Kephart's work and believe that she is a pure word poet. The scenes flow into one another seamlessly and the descriptive words that she used invoked quite sharp and vivid pictures in my mind!"—Life in the Thumb
"Kephart is a writer who writes from the heart. Her prose is poetic and finely wrought; her eye for detail lovingly observed. She effortlessly brings to life a time in history when the future held great promise and mystery which blends perfectly with the central theme of the novel … that we live in a dangerous, yet exciting world, and the future (no matter how unpredictable) is before us."—Caribousmom
"Another family full of secrets can be found in Beth Kephart’s latest, Dangerous Neighbors, her most beautifully written YA novel to date."—Colleen Mondor, Bookslut
"But "Dangerous Neighbors" should be read and hand-sold by booksellers, and sold by word of mouth promotion. It's very, very good, and this novel could definitely work well in a writing class--showing young writers what can be done with words. Kephart is clearly a writing talent who not only deftly imagines but also really works at getting the details right." — Pretty Freaky
This book is full of love, loss, guilt, and peace. This is a tall order to fill but Kephart's writing brings it all together into 192 pages. Yes, 192 pages can you believe it?—Jenny Loves to Read
"Dangerous Neighbors is a quietly powerful and poignant novel that kept me enthralled the whole time. It's a lot shorter than I expected it to be - only 166 pages - but I feel that its brevity only enriched the story. Once again, the main thing that stands out in this novel - and all of Beth Kephart's novels - is the writing. All of the words were so deliberately picked, the descriptions were like poetry, and awkward phrases were nonexistent. Kephart can put things into words that the rest of us cannot, and in such a beautiful and touching way as well."—Book Crumbs
"However even with the shortness of the book, Kephart still packs a mighty heavy punch with this book. It is deeply engrossing and very emotional. There needs to be more YA like this and I really do like YA historical fiction. Here's to another beautiful read from Beth Kephart and I'm looking forward to more from her." — Books, Movies, and Chinese Food
"Dangerous Neighbors includes all of the elements from Kephart's dream. Having made an impression with several beautifully-written, deeply-felt novels about contemporary teens for the YA market, this is the author's first work of historical fiction. However, even with the change in time period and the use of third-person narration (also a first in Kephart's fiction), this is clearly a Beth Kephart work - beautifully written and deeply felt."—Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness
"It is a beautiful, so beautiful, story of one’s unravelling, of sour realisation and self-awareness: it begins with a fragmented Katherine and ends with a Katherine in the way to putting the pieces back together (although not all pieces). This is a precious little gem, and I loved it." — The Book Smugglers
"In the end, this is a novel about betrayal and guilt, hope and despair, love, loss, and new beginnings. And it's beautifully written. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy well written novels that stay with you for a time after reading. Haunting. Yes, I think Katherine and her journey will stick with me for some time."—Amy's Book Obsession
"Beth's claim to fame is her poetic prose, and there is no shortage of it here. I like to mark memorable passages as I'm reading, but I might as well have marked the entire book." — You've GOTTA Read This!
"Despite its brevity, though, Dangerous Neighbors is never quick or flippant. It plumbs the depths of real emotion and rests there. In a more shallow vein, I did enjoy the encounter with the Centennial Fair, which brought to mind pleasant memories of other World’s Fair encounters I’ve had."—Word Lily
"Since the author, Beth Kephart, is a friend and marvelous writer who has published numerous memoirs and other works for big folks, the book’s vividness and delightful style were just what I expected; she brings the Centennial era startlingly to life. I’ve known, too, that recent books for teens offer edgy content. The surprise, for me, was the level of maturity with which Beth felt she could treat the theme without losing her audience. The book does have a happy ending, of course. Lovely young Katherine does not jump off the tower."—Sam Gridley
"So carefully, so elegantly, [Kephart] brings a mature literary sensibility to the teenage world. Her books are objects of both beauty and worth; small things, like the young girls who populate them, that nonetheless carry great value. For all the quiet ones out there, she is not to be missed." — Colleen Mondor, Bookslut
"Nuanced characterizations and lyrical writing distinguish Beth Kephart's oeuvre...." — Mary Quattlebaum, Washington Post Book World
"The writing is vivid. Readers will visualize Anapra’s desolation and hope. They will feel the dust storms. They will relate to the teens.... Beth Kephart is a must read YA author.” — Starred Review, VOYA
“Kephart's writing sings a quiet, contemplative song, a song vividly conscious of the world around it (as is Georgia, who lives behind a camera for part of this book).” — Word Lily
“The Heart is Not a Size is a book that will make you want to go out in the world and do something that matters. It will take you into a community that you likely will never visit, and it will make you think about how much you have and what you really need. No surprise that the writer behind this inspiring and thought-provoking novel is Beth Kephart.” — Shelf Elf
“The style is elegantly polished yet tender, with the book deftly illuminating complicated emotions and relationships in quick flashes of interaction...”
— Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books, Starred Review
“The lovely things in these characters' lives—pebble gardens and groves of apple trees, an old painting of "a metropolis" that her father restores (or, as he says, "resolves") late at night in his studio-shed, an honest-to-goodness riddle-filled mystery—are like something from a dream, but Kephart's writing isn't what you'd call dreamy, poetic as it is. It's solid and serviceable, beautiful in its well-madeness like an antique chair.” —Katie Haegle, Philadelphia Inquirer
"Kephart’s language is diamond-sharp and bright." — Liz Rosenberg, Boston Globe
"Beth Kephart’s dazzling new novel is wise and wonderful, certain to be a revelation for young adult readers." —Ellen Trachtenberg, Book Page
"...what stands out in this introspective novel is the sheer loveliness of its prose." — Kirkus, Starred Review
"Poetically expressed memories and moving dialogue both anchor and amplify the characters’ emotions." —Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review
"... the piercing emotions and family situations, described with lyrical beauty, will hit home with readers who enjoy gentle, emotional journeys, such as Lynne Rae Perkins’ Newbery Medal–winner Criss Cross (1995)."— Booklist
“Through Elisa’s poems, letters, and descriptions, Kephart perfectly plumbs the thoughts and feelings of an adolescent girl.” — Kirkus, Starred Review
“An unusual story, beautifully told.” —Kliatt
“… readers will fall easily into the compelling premise and Elisa’s memorable, graceful voice, and have no trouble recognizing the teen’s quiet courage as she leaves her comfortable isolation, claims her own talents, and embraces the people who matter most.” — Booklist, Starred Review
“Neatly balancing action and contemplation, Kephart offers a plethora of images, ideas about literature and even some well-known poems along with a plot that will speak to many teens.” — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“... this is a book that no serious-minded teen will want to miss, and high-school teachers may also take note as it has a well-crafted and highly teachable text.” — School Library Journal, Starred Review
“An unusual story, beautifully told.” —Kliatt
“Flow is seductive, thrilling, irresistible, life-changing. You cannot help but be swept away.” — Sy Montgomery
“ Flow adapts the river’s motion, winding past local events and retelling them with an imaginative and poignant voice.” —Main Line Today Magazine
“Most autobiographies are a shameful, voyeuristic addiction of the public (thanks Paris, Monica L. and Jenna). But when a river—yes, a free flowing watercourse—releases an autobiography, it goes proudly on your coffee table to advertise your intelligent indie reading. Flow: The Life and Times of Philadelphia's Schuylkill River is chock full of memories and moments from the river's lifetime. Okay, so it was penned by Beth Kephart, a regional writer whose résumé overflows with awards. But the powerful words and imaginative musings come directly from the rises of the river, with retellings from poignant events dating back to the colonial era.” — AroundPhilly.com
"Kephart is a master not only of descriptive memory, but of constructing an existential vocabulary. Thus the river is born, becomes aware, is besieged, comes to terms with abuse, half-wishes to be abandoned, and nearly loses hope." —Nathaniel Popkin, City Paper
“Zenobia…could be the most enjoyable, readable business book in recent memory”
— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Zenobia is an engrossing read that provides readers with honest enjoyment. The concepts it presents are often astonishing in their simplicity. Logically, we all understand that in order to succeed we must first have a plan and then be prepared to follow it. Most of us can expound on the virtue of being a good listener. However, the authors reveal the importance of these concepts not as declamations from business gurus but rather as lessons from an engaging heroine on a unique journey.
"Zenobia is a book for anyone who has lost his or her way in the business world, who feels stalled or who just needs a little inspiration. Moira’s story is a reminder of what can be achieved in business and in life when we aren’t afraid to take risks and show some courage."
— Soundview Executive Book Summaries
ADDITIONAL PRAISE
Beth Kephart… is a gifted, even poetic writer.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“It’s nearly impossible for an evocation of a garden, of flowers and air and branches and breath, to move itself to paper, but in (Ghosts in the Garden), with gorgeous prose and startling imagery by Beth Kephart, and with intimate, striking photography by William Sulit. A garden and a life are captured.”
—Susan Straight
“(Seeing Past Z) is about the power and the necessity of the imagination…. Kephart’s writing is so clear, so nonpreachy, that you just want to jump in and join her.”
—Los Angeles Times Book Review
“Seeing Past Z is a moving, beautifully evoked reminder of what it means to be truly present as a parent, so that our children can someday leave us, whole and wholly themselves.”
— Kate Moses
“Richly evocative prose that can only be called masterful…a revelation and a feast.”
— Andre Dubus III
“As lush as the mountainous rain it depicts, Still Love is a poetic evocation of Salvadoran life, its magic and tragedies.”
—Bernadette Murphy, Los Angeles Times
“Writing as brilliantly as she does about love might have been enough even for someone of her intelligence and depth. But in this memoir she demonstrates that she can go further. Kephart is able to generalize from her personal experience to the greater human one.”
—Wendy Gimble, Washington Post
“This luminous memoir (goes) deep into the territory of her marriage, and straight to the heart of the embattled, beautiful country her husband calls home.”
— Katrina Kenison
“For Beth Kephart, friendship is more than casual sociability: it’s a gift, it’s an art form, it’s a righteous cause, and it’s civilization’s unifying force. She writes with winning passion; her sentences are crafted from measured complements of love and intelligence.”
— Ken Kalfus
Kephart’s prose is luminous, her story so moving that I savored it, read and reread it within days. It is a powerful testimony—a hope-giving book.
— The Sun
— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Zenobia is an engrossing read that provides readers with honest enjoyment. The concepts it presents are often astonishing in their simplicity. Logically, we all understand that in order to succeed we must first have a plan and then be prepared to follow it. Most of us can expound on the virtue of being a good listener. However, the authors reveal the importance of these concepts not as declamations from business gurus but rather as lessons from an engaging heroine on a unique journey.
"Zenobia is a book for anyone who has lost his or her way in the business world, who feels stalled or who just needs a little inspiration. Moira’s story is a reminder of what can be achieved in business and in life when we aren’t afraid to take risks and show some courage."
— Soundview Executive Book Summaries
ADDITIONAL PRAISE
Beth Kephart… is a gifted, even poetic writer.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“It’s nearly impossible for an evocation of a garden, of flowers and air and branches and breath, to move itself to paper, but in (Ghosts in the Garden), with gorgeous prose and startling imagery by Beth Kephart, and with intimate, striking photography by William Sulit. A garden and a life are captured.”
—Susan Straight
“(Seeing Past Z) is about the power and the necessity of the imagination…. Kephart’s writing is so clear, so nonpreachy, that you just want to jump in and join her.”
—Los Angeles Times Book Review
“Seeing Past Z is a moving, beautifully evoked reminder of what it means to be truly present as a parent, so that our children can someday leave us, whole and wholly themselves.”
— Kate Moses
“Richly evocative prose that can only be called masterful…a revelation and a feast.”
— Andre Dubus III
“As lush as the mountainous rain it depicts, Still Love is a poetic evocation of Salvadoran life, its magic and tragedies.”
—Bernadette Murphy, Los Angeles Times
“Writing as brilliantly as she does about love might have been enough even for someone of her intelligence and depth. But in this memoir she demonstrates that she can go further. Kephart is able to generalize from her personal experience to the greater human one.”
—Wendy Gimble, Washington Post
“This luminous memoir (goes) deep into the territory of her marriage, and straight to the heart of the embattled, beautiful country her husband calls home.”
— Katrina Kenison
“For Beth Kephart, friendship is more than casual sociability: it’s a gift, it’s an art form, it’s a righteous cause, and it’s civilization’s unifying force. She writes with winning passion; her sentences are crafted from measured complements of love and intelligence.”
— Ken Kalfus
Kephart’s prose is luminous, her story so moving that I savored it, read and reread it within days. It is a powerful testimony—a hope-giving book.
— The Sun
