Professional & Editorial Reviews
~ PHILIP CAPUTO, Pulitzer Prize winner in journalism and New York Times bestselling author of 18 books, including the newest, Memory and Desire, and A Rumor of War, published in 1977 and now considered t
“Martha Marks’s Betting on Bernie is an engaging, heartfelt memoir of a rare thing—a long and successful marriage. At its beginning, this union of two very different people from very different backgrounds wasn’t supposed to last; and yet it did, against all odds, for more than half a century. The marriage was not without its rough patches; one or two were very rough for the author, but the bond between her and Bernard Marks was too strong to be severed by anything short of death. And that is what ended their life together. Bernie passed away following a severe illness that made their golden years less than golden, underscoring the tragedy that lies at the heart of almost every love story.“
~ KIRKUS REVIEWS — Our Verdict 
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“Marks’ memoir offers an account of the joys and hardships of a more than five-decades-long marriage…
“Readers come to know the couple quite well, and even become acquainted with their pet cats over the years. Although some aspects of their professional lives make for less compelling reading, they effectively provide context before the difficult chapters in the book’s later portions. The author’s struggle to care for Bernie as he confronted various neurological problems will be particularly poignant for those who have gone through similar situations and will be edifying for those who have not. Overall, this is a memorable and touching account.
“An intimate, honest remembrance of a long relationship and its difficult conclusion.”
~ GRANT LEISHMAN, a New Zealander who is the author of 10+ fiction and non-fiction books. Rated 5 of 5
“Betting on Bernie is a simple story of life, love, and loss beautifully told by author Martha Marks, whose deep love for her husband shines through every chapter. What I particularly appreciated about this story was Martha’s determination to take that bet on Bernie despite everyone assuring her it was the wrong thing to do; that “it would never last.” Well, Martha and Bernie certainly got the last laugh on that assertion. Only Bernie’s health crisis could ultimately tip the scales of luck against their happiness.
“I was so moved and impressed by the author’s commitment to her husband after his illness and her determination to make Bernie’s life as happy and as productive as it possibly could be despite the serious issues he faced. This is a story about love but, more than that, it is about commitment and the willingness to deal with whatever fate hands us. As a tribute to Bernie, this is a warm, loving, quirky story that the author should be immensely proud of and for that reason, I highly recommend this read.”
~ BERNADETTE LONG, an editorial reviewer for the Readers’ Favorite website. Rated 5 of 5
“In Betting on Bernie, Martha Marks has written a most beautiful and inspiring memoir about her life with her husband Bernie. The author starts at the very beginning of their journey together, a journey of discovery that will have the reader smiling and laughing at times. The pictures that appear throughout the book make the story even more real to the reader.
“This is a book that is well worth more than one read and should be passed on to anyone who is helping to nurse or look after someone who has suffered an injury to their brain. The author does not hide anything and makes the reader realize how someone in their own lives could [be] helped in so many ways.
“The author brings the story to a conclusion that is unexpected but so emotional that you feel as if you are there. The twist is how the author gives you a glimpse of what is waiting after. Thank you for a beautiful book.”
~ CRAIG JONES, editorial reviewer for IndieReader. Rated 4.6 of 5
“Betting on Bernie, A Memoir of a Marriage is that rare kind of memoir that knows how to tug on the heartstrings while avoiding the saccharine sentimentalism of the airport bookshelf. Martha Marks’s account of her half-century of marriage to her late husband Bernie is affectionate, moving, and beautifully written.
“Marks is an effortless writer. Her voice is assured and compelling, and she understands—as so many memoirists do not—that few peoples’ lives are so uniformly interesting that they can withstand blow-by-blow scrutiny. Marks wisely slows down the narrative for the moments that defined the couple’s journey together, and speeds up for the less-noteworthy ones…
“More sincere and self-assured than most memoirs, this work is a testament to love’s complexity and beauty.”
~ SHIRLEY RUEDY, retired columnist at The Gazette (Sioux City, Iowa) and author of Finally, A Manual on How to Handle Cancer: Rated 5 of 5
“This is a remarkable memoir of a marriage that only shattered with death. It chronicles—sometimes in painful honesty—the many phases of a marriage, this one between two extraordinary human beings. You can bet it is a good read!”
~ KC FINN, an author, educator, consultant and editorial reviewer for the Readers’ Favorite website. Rated 5 of 5
“Author Martha Marks holds nothing back in crafting this deeply touching memoir of the heartwarming and inspiring relationship between her and Bernie…
“The narrative offers a lot of Martha’s natural warmth right from the start. I enjoyed reading about their professional successes and the joy they found in their travels, which painted the picture of a couple truly living life to the fullest and making every moment together count. The intimate tone made me feel connected to their journey, especially in its more harrowing moments, and it always felt like Martha was addressing the reader like a beloved friend in whom she could confide.
“The story is a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability and the strength required to face sudden adversity. Martha’s candid reflection on their not-so-golden years was particularly moving, evoking a range of emotions from laughter to tears. Overall, Betting on Bernie is a highly recommended memoir that beautifully illustrates the enduring power of love and the inevitable trials that test its strength.”
~ DOREEN CHOMBU, an editorial reviewer for the Readers’ Favorite website. Rated 5 of 5
“Betting on Bernie is one of those stories that tugs at your heartstrings and shows the imperfections and challenges of building a life together. Martha’s honesty about their flaws and vulnerabilities makes the memoir even more authentic and endearing, and her courage in sharing such a personal and nostalgic story is truly admirable.
“I was captivated from start to finish, and the inclusion of historical tidbits made it helpful in gaining a better understanding of the social context. The book is well organized with sections and pictures that perfectly correspond with the narration. This is a must-read for anyone who loves well-written memoirs about relationships, love, life, ambitions, grief, heartache, and celebrating the beauty of the natural world.”