Continue with Herb as he leaves behind his untethered boyhood and journeys on to the adventure called life.
In this second installment of his humorous and heartfelt memoir, Herb Bryce leaves the cottonwood trees of his youth behind to begin a new adventure. No longer a child, he discovers the beauty and hardships of adulthood.
As he bids high school farewell, Herb revels in a carefree summer. He then experiences the joys of being a young man in college, from football scholarships to falling in love. When Herb is drafted into the Korean War, however, he must join the Navy to fulfill his duty—and grow up in the process. During this time, Herb meets and begins a family with Joyce, with whom he has five children. They eventually settle in the Pacific Northwest where, for many years, Herb lives the all-American dream. But that’s not where his story ends.
Though their life seems perfect, Herb and Joyce must reckon with a failing marriage that eventually cracks. Untethered once again, Herb is thrust into the bachelor lifestyle. He discovers a whole new world: women’s liberation and the civil rights movement are in full swing, Herb has long ago left behind his religious lifestyle, and social mores have drastically changed. Then enters Gloria, a free and independent spirit with a big heart. Together they take on the world and follow their dreams.
Filled with love, laughs, and tears, Herb’s story is a nostalgic look at an era of great change and upheaval. Beyond the Cottonwood Trees is both a reflection on and an adventure through this silly little thing called life.
Read an Excerpt
“Barbara and I said our goodbyes while the bus driver loaded my seabag into the luggage bay. He boarded and, after a moment, tooted the horn. I kissed Barbara for the last time and tried to memorize her face as I gave her hand a squeeze. My heartstrings were tugging at me, telling me to stay. My mind was telling me that I had to go, that I belonged to Uncle Sam now.
I found a window seat on the right-hand side of the bus so I could get one last look at Barbara. She waved as we pulled out of the station, her smile belying the sadness in her eyes.”
Reviews
“He joined the Navy during the Korean War, started a career as a chemist just as Sputnik was changing America’s commitment to science, and trained a German shepherd to be a remarkable rescue dog in the Cascade Mountains. Herb Bryce relates a fascinating life trajectory that moves from rural Arizona to college professor in Seattle, but his memoir is more than that. In the end, this is a heartfelt, joyous, compelling love story. That's why you should read this book.”
—Thomas D. Bird, MD, professor emeritus, Department of Neurology, University of Washington
“A must read! Follow Herb’s life from his high school graduation to the present. His writing style is so comfortable that the reader can ‘see’ Herb as he tackles the road of adulthood. Be sure also to read Me and the Cottonwood Tree, Herb’s first book, and you will understand the wonderful life he enjoyed and the contributions he has made to our world. I loved the book!”
—Francine Gobatie
“In his most recent memoir, Beyond the Cottonwood Trees, Herb Bryce brings us on more adventures from his life filled with curiosity, relationships, and love. Beyond the Cottonwood Trees seamlessly takes you from the youthful events of Herb’s first book, Me and the Cottonwood Tree, into adulthood.
“Herb is a remarkable storyteller. His honesty and observations on life will touch your heart and let you feel as if you know him personally. Along the way, you’ll laugh right along with him on the rollercoaster that is his life.
“If you grew up listening to your elders spin tales of their youth, Herb’s books will take you straight back to that time. A true treasure.”
—L. Clothier
“Herb’s story is a delightful read, all about his life. It is written as though you are sitting together, and he is telling you the story in a very thoughtful way, simply weaving together science, history, passion, and love.”
—Bob Pfeiffer
“A touching memoir of a well-lived, well-loved, and wide-ranging life. This sequel to his first book covers his eventful adulthood, from the 1950s to the present, then concludes with a heartfelt description of the years with his wife, Gloria. Some people can honestly claim they have lived a full life. Herb Bryce is one of them. Recommended with a big smile.”
—Jenny Hill
“Herb Bryce is an engaging storyteller! Me and the Cottonwood Trees was his first book. I laughed and laughed at some of his antics. His second book, Beyond the Cottonwood Trees, about his life as an adult, is just as enjoyable. College years, work, and providing for an ever-growing family provide fodder for such wonderful stories. Herb is an intelligent man with a natural ability to find ways to make things happen, thus making his stories very realistic. Thanks, Herb, for sharing your life story!”
—Jan M.
“It could be argued that a life well lived is part science and part magic. To use Herb Bryce’s definitions, ‘If you don’t know why or what made it happen, then it’s magic. If you know why or what made it happen, then it’s science.’
“Having rules to live by can be explained, and Herb offers these pearls of wisdom beautifully and clearly in both of his Cottonwood Tree memoirs. Through his engaging stories, readers will be reminded that living each day with integrity, kindness, and hard work are acts of true heroism. There’s a science to living meaningfully, and, throughout his life, Herb has understood that more than most. Holding that wisdom, however, didn’t mean his path has been smooth and easy. On the contrary, it has been jagged, full of twists, plunges, and ascents. But with cleverness, courage, and love, Herb has navigated a wide spectrum of adventures, learning important lessons all along the way.
“And then, there are his stories of coincidences and good fortune that made his life truly extraordinary. Yes, magic exists! Some things just can’t be explained, and sometimes you just get lucky crossing paths (or parking spots) with someone special.
“If you’ve ever seen cottonwood trees shedding their seeds, like fluffy snowflakes dancing in the wind, you’ll find that Herb’s stories are just as mesmerizing, magical, and lovely.”
—Aurora de la Cruz