Despite planning to read just a chapter or two before bed, I devoured the entire book in one sitting. Lundquist perfectly weaves together culture, literary theory, and the story of both her marriage and finding herself in a way that flows freely without feeling forced. I related greatly to her desire to dive into research and literature that would give greater understanding to the events occurring in and around her life. I laughed aloud at some parts and sobbed uncontrollably at others, but through it all I was amazed at the strength and grace with which she faced so much uncertainty. I admire her willingness to share her story, one that while unique in so many ways also feels relatable and familiar. It’s also beautifully written.

When Kelly Foster Lundquist met her husband at summer camp, she knew she had finally met someone who just got her. She thought she got him too, but there was a major part of him that even he didn't get yet. With humor, insight, and compassion Lundquist looks back on her marriage and the discovery that her husband was cheating on her with other men. She considers her role as his beard, and how she managed to be the last to know. She invites us into the devastation of losing the man she loved, the man who loved her, but she also brings us into the redemption that has come about over the last 20 years. I received an ARC of this book from Publisher's Weekly's Grab a Galley Giveaway, and I appreciated the opportunity to see inside a complex relationship that is often deeply misunderstood.

A very real reflection of a larger chapter in Lundquist life. Written with honestly and tenderness, Lundquist share, reflects, and brings the reader along for the ride.

Kelly Foster Lundquist's "Beard" is a memoir that surprised me because of its overwhelming compassion. Going in, I expected an exploration of pain, identity, and betrayal. What I found instead was a story steeped in tenderness and empathy not just for the author herself, but for her ex-husband, Devin, and the complex world they inhabited together.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Beard" and was moved by its honesty and heart. It is a standout memoir that deserves a place in library collections, particularly for readers interested in LGBTQ+ lives, religious trauma, and memoirs that balance insight with grace. Highly recommend.