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Through her compelling novels and screenplays, Beverly Gandara, an award-winning author and screenwriter, crafts stories that resonate with heart and humanity, providing a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.
Beverly explores various themes and genres. "When Did You Know and Who Did You Tell?" delves into the lives of 25 LGBTQAI+ role models, offering a poignant look at their journeys to authenticity against societal prejudices. Her book, "Women, Work, and Triumph," presents interviews with 26 diverse women from 5 countries in different professions, sharing their unique stories of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of acceptance and respect. Gandara ventures into suspense and thriller with "Soaring in Silence," featuring a resourceful handicapped woman facing a dangerous retiree with a hidden criminal past, showcasing Beverly's skill in crafting gripping narratives. Beverly's ability to weave suspenseful narratives keeps readers on the edge of their seats. "Concrete Wings," a historical fiction and coming-of-age story, takes readers on a journey from Cuba to New York City at the height of the sexual revolution. This novel, inspired by her husband Armando's experiences, has been recognized with multiple awards and has a screenplay attached, exemplifying Beverly's versatility in storytelling across mediums.
Her screenplays, such as "Rent Money," a comedy set in 1965 Manhattan, and "While I Wait," a drama based on true events during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, further illustrate her wide-ranging talent. These works, along with others like "Misinformed Heart" and "Unprotected Witness," highlight her skill in creating engaging, thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences.
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
In When Did You Know and Who Did You Tell? by Beverly Gandara, the author shows how people from all walks of life feel the need to hide who they are for so many reasons. Some people stay in the closet due to religion, work, family, or out of plain old fear. The crude comments made in a small group meeting can deter someone from speaking up just as effectively as being bullied by family, friends, and peers. Other than ridicule, one of the biggest fears in the LGBTQAI+ community is personal safety. Words can indeed cut like a knife. Yet, the threat of bodily harm from others is just as real as the suicidal thoughts and attempts that present themselves, sometimes at a very young age.
I thoroughly enjoyed When Did You Know and Who Did You Tell? It is inspiring how every person in this book found the courage to come forward and live life on their terms. The courage it took for these people to speak up is absolutely remarkable. I find it sad that anyone should ever feel the need to hide who they truly are, regardless of social status, career choice, religion, or any of the ridicule that makes them feel that they are less than amazing. This book highlights the truths about the pain and fear that the LGBTQAI+ community faces daily and how they rose above and allowed themselves to be who they were meant to be. I recommend When Did You Know and Who Did You Tell? by Beverly Gandara to anyone who enjoys true stories about the lives of others who find their way in the world, regardless of the obstacles in their paths.
