Bessie

A Novel

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Pub Date 12 Sep 2023 | Archive Date 30 Aug 2023

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Description

Just days after the close of World War II, Bess Myerson, the daughter of poor Russian Jewish immigrants living in the Bronx, is competing in the Miss America pageant. At stake: a $5,000 scholarship. The tension and excitement in Atlantic City's Warner Theatre are palpable, especially for traumatized Jews rooting for one of their own. So begins Bessie.

Drawing on biographical and historical sources, Bessie reimagines the early life of Bess Myerson, who, in 1945 at age twenty-one, remarkably rises to become one of the most famous women in America. This intimate fictional portrait reveals the transformation of the nearly six-foot-tall, self-deprecating yet talented preteen into an exemplar of beauty, a peripheral quality in her world, where success is measured by intellectual attainment. Yet it is the focus on her beauty, and the secular world of pageantry, that she must choose to escape her roots and fulfill her fierce desire to achieve and become someone for whom great things happen.

Bessie is a tender study of a bold young woman living at a precarious moment in our cultural history as she searches for love and acceptance, eager to make her mark on the world.

Just days after the close of World War II, Bess Myerson, the daughter of poor Russian Jewish immigrants living in the Bronx, is competing in the Miss America pageant. At stake: a $5,000 scholarship...


A Note From the Publisher

LINDA KASS is the author of two historical novels, Tasa’s Song (2016) and A Ritchie Boy (2020). She began her career as a magazine journalist and correspondent for regional and national publications. She is the founder and owner of Gramercy Books, an independent bookstore in Columbus, Ohio. Find her online at lindakass.com

LINDA KASS is the author of two historical novels, Tasa’s Song (2016) and A Ritchie Boy (2020). She began her career as a magazine journalist and correspondent for regional and national publications...


Advance Praise

". . . a poignant origin story, a fascinating window into mid-century American life, and a compelling case for Myerson as an authentic American heroine."

—Louis Bayard, Washington Post bestselling author of Jackie & Me and The Pale Blue Eye

“. . . a detailed, fascinating profile of the early years of the former Miss America that explores the themes of prejudice, beauty, and self-worth. Insightful and eye-opening.”

—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace

". . . a tender, sensitive, and well-researched exploration of the inner life of a legendary beauty who was fighting personal battles the world never saw."

—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The Book of Lost Names

“I loved Linda Kass’s Bessie, which brought to vivid life the coming-of-age of the remarkable Bess Myerson, who may be known for being Miss America, but who truly was so much more: a brilliant young scholar, a musical prodigy, and a woman who stood tall against the antisemitism, sexism, and injustice of her era. Kass is a superbly talented writer, and in her hands, Bess Myerson becomes every woman, and the amazing story of her time becomes the story of our time, too. Brava!

—Lisa Scottoline, #1 bestselling author of Eternal and Loyalty

"With Bessie, her third work of historical fiction, Linda Kass creatively melds deep research with the breath of life from her own rich imagination. Here is a deft and touching portrait of a shy, nerdy, nearly six-foot tall young girl – one Bessie Myerson – who rides the waves of her arresting beauty to become the first Jewish woman to win the Miss America title. Kass offers a careful understanding of what made this female pioneer in broadcasting, advocacy, and government tick."

—Helen Schulman, New York Times bestselling author of Come with Me and This Beautiful Life

“Abundant in graceful storytelling and vivid historical detail, Bessie is a fascinating portrait of a woman who was so much more than a beauty queen. Bess Myerson’s persistence against antisemitism and her determination to use her fame to speak out against prejudice resonate strongly in our own challenging times.”

—Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Switchboard Soldiers

Bessie makes the first and only Jewish woman to become Miss America, Bess Myerson, come alive in a way her celebrity status never fully allowed. Linda Kass builds the character of Bessie through the complicated layers of all Bess Myerson carried with her—her dreams of being a composer, her longing to be loved by her joyless and demanding mother, the pain she felt over racial inequality, and everything she had to tolerate in order to find the platform for her voice, a voice she was determined to use to make a difference in the world. The true beauty of this novel is Linda Kass’s artistry. She’s created a loving and honest portrait of a woman who meant so much to so many.”

—Lee Martin, author of the Pulitzer Prize Finalist, The Bright Forever

"Like all celebrities, Bess Myerson seemed to come from out of nowhere; a bright meteor suddenly streaking across the night sky. But in this evocative new book by Linda Kass, we learn the backstory of Myerson, the first Jewish woman to be crowned Miss America, whose looks and talent captivated the mid-20th century world. Bessie reveals the passions that propelled her and the insecurities that haunted her. Along the way, it puts this complex woman where she belongs: back in the spotlight, with all eyes upon her.

—Julia Keller, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author of A Killing in the Hills

“Incredibly well-researched, Bessie is an engaging historical novel that examines the bigotry and biases experienced by Bess Myerson, the first Jewish woman to become Miss America—with parallels to the incessant prejudices present in our contemporary life. Inspiring and thought-provoking!

—Patrick Losinski, CEO, Columbus Metropolitan Library

“Readers are fortunate to have novelist Linda Kass bring forth the hidden stories of American women. Bess Myerson was the first Jewish woman to win the Miss America title, but she was so much more than a beauty queen. . . . Myerson was an inspiration for women in the post WWII years and her story needs to be remembered. Bessie deserves a crown.”

—Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller


". . . a poignant origin story, a fascinating window into mid-century American life, and a compelling case for Myerson as an authentic American heroine."

—Louis Bayard, Washington Post bestselling...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781647425951
PRICE $28.00 (USD)
PAGES 240

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Featured Reviews

I did not know what to expect starting this book that is written about a real woman - but I was not disappointed. This book is a diamond about a diamond - a fascinating look at what it meant to be a beautiful woman who tries to become her true self while competing in the Miss America Pageant. This was a fascinating portrayal of a fierce, determined woman who became something more than she was 'supposed' to be. Flawless and riveting, I enjoyed every page and will continue reading this author.

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Linda Kass' wonderful story of a Bess Myerson who most only know as Miss America. In Bessie we learn about a brave and bold young woman. This is a story that I think young women should read. It's more than just beauty.

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Bess Myerson was the first college educated, Jewish Miss America. She was bright, beautiful and talented. She studied music at the High School for Music and Art in New York, a school for artistically gifted students. She was an accomplished pianist and also learned to play the flute while at the prestigious school.

Her parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia. Her mother was strict, always making sure Bess practiced her music and studied hard. But when Bess’ sister, Sylvia, sent in an application for Bess to enter the Miss America contest, Bess decided the $5000 prize could help her family and decided to do it. She despised showing off her body and never thought she was beautiful, though she embraced this venture knowing the money was needed. She was crowned Miss America and her duties entailed public appearances where she was gawked at, encountered much bigotry and was paraded around like an animal. She despised it. She eventually joined the Anti-Defamation League and became an activist for equality and inclusion.

This book was well researched and very informative. I became interested enough in Bess Myerson to look her up on Google. She was an impressive woman and this book does her justice.

I give this very well written book 4 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and She Writes Press for the advanced copy.

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