Dr. Bethesda Vernon, a 30ish year old college professor has lived half a life since the death of Enoch, her Marine Corps husband, in an auto accident in the backcountry of Westchester, NY. His death had devastated Beth. They were married for only four years. After two years of unspeakable grief and mourning, Beth buried herself in teaching her Marriage and Family Relations courses at Queens College. When she had time she traveled to far away places and also mourned Enoch there. One summer day while in Bermuda enjoying the sun, Cedric Philippe simply walked into her life. Cedric was Ambassador of Sierra Leone, West Africa to the United Nations. He called her 'MyBeth' the moment they met--now she belonged to someone again--Beth called him, 'Phillip'. Their affair began despite her knowing he was married and that his wife and two teenage sons lived in London. She was becoming 'the other woman'--a bittersweet role. One ordinary day, Beth wakes herself up from her foolishness and decides ..".it is over." Then enters Dr. Jesse Butler, who joins the Queens College Family Science Department. Jesse and Beth marry after a two year courtship. Later, he accepts ''the call' to preach. Without warning 'old secrets' creep back into their lives--even the secrets of Jesse''s daughter, Lilliclaire, and Sara, Jesse''s former wife. Their individual secrets although deeply hidden, return and the nightmare begins.

Marguerite Tiggs Birt, author of this real-life narrative, set in Savannah, GA, during her formative years (1939-1958) begins the story when she is six. The title, Mockingbird, Is That You? piques reader interest to discover whether someone is talking to a person or to a mockingbird? Cousin Bob and Cousin Liz are Marguerite's favorite cousins because she writes '...they always do things with me...' 8-13 year old readers. and those older will be comfortable with rich, descriptive text and poignant illustrations by noted artist, Peggy Blood, PhD. The author and artist provide images that nurture imagination as readers are taken to bygone times and places. Some of the author's memories are about her 'nickname', and that scenic cruise on Captain Sam's boat to Daufuski Island, SC, and while there eating foods prepared by eighth generation 'Gullah-speaking' descendants of Yoruba People. She remembers walking with Cousin Liz in her garden while she cuts roses and honeysuckles for Marguerite's mother. Some children in nuclear families may lack such family relations because their grandparents, aunts, or cousin live far away. Through engaging language and vivid imagery, the author brings young readers along to share in her experiences. This non-fiction story is carthargic and entertaining. As time pass Cousin Bob's life-altering episode occurs and the story becomes somber. Maximum reader interest continues as he responds to crisises with dignity.

Dr. Bethesda Vernon, a 30ish year old college professor has lived half a life since the death of Enoch, her Marine Corps husband, in an auto accident in the backcountry of Westchester, NY. His death had devastated Beth. They were married for only four years. After two years of unspeakable grief and mourning, Beth buried herself in teaching her Marriage and Family Relations courses at Queens College. When she had time she traveled to far away places and also mourned Enoch there. One summer day while in Bermuda enjoying the sun, Cedric Philippe simply walked into her life. Cedric was Ambassador of Sierra Leone, West Africa to the United Nations. He called her 'MyBeth' the moment they met--now she belonged to someone again--Beth called him, 'Phillip'. Their affair began despite her knowing he was married and that his wife and two teenage sons lived in London. She was becoming 'the other woman'--a bittersweet role. One ordinary day, Beth wakes herself up from her foolishness and decides .,."it is over." Then enters Dr. Jesse Butler, who joins the Queens College Family Science Department. Jesse and Beth marry after a two year courtship. Later, he accepts ''the call' to preach. Without warning 'old secrets' creep back into their lives--even the secrets of Jesse''s daughter, Lilliclaire, and Sara, Jesse''s former wife. Their individual secrets although deeply hidden, return and the nightmare begins.