The author, born in Tennessee, had such a pronounced Southern accent as a child that she needed a tutor to help her master "Yankee English" in order to fit in with her Ohio classmates. That challenge sparked a lifelong fascination with language. Her passion is tested when she marries Paul Pimsleur, a rising star French professor. She is expected to master multiple new tongues as they travel to Greece, Germany, France, and Africa to create what became the renowned Pimsleur language programs. The couple's life of international work is cut short by her husband's unexpected and untimely death. But Beverly's story doesn't end with loss. As a young widow with two small children, she continues to play a pivotal role in the success of the family business and even risks starting a business of her own. She meets a new romantic partner, moves to France, and returns to New York after her companion's death to create a language teaching system for children with her daughter. REPEAT AFTER ME is the portrayal of a woman who turned obstacles into opportunities and never lost her joie de vivre. More than a memoir, this is a behind the scenes look at the making of a global legacy. It's a great read, even if you've never tried to speak a foreign language, and will appeal to anyone who has had to overcome hardships seeking to live a life full to the brim. Written with candor and humor against the background of key political events of her day, this is the story of a woman who helped change how the world learns languages. Readers will discover a narrative as captivating as it is inspiring—and one that just might change the way they see their own.
