Book Review: GEMS: An Introduction to Canadian Buddhism for Young People and the Young at Heart
Kimberly Beek
24 May 2023
A new book by three veteran Canadian Buddhist teachers contextualizing the Buddhist diffusion through Canada
Kimberly Beek
Kimberly Beek is a Canadian mother, life partner, scholar, travel enthusiast, former singer, and creator of the Buddhist Fiction Blog. She embarked on a scholarly career path as a mature student after retiring from service in the Canadian military. Her doctoral research focuses on contemporary fiction with a Buddhist worldview.
Between 2015 and 2022, Kimberly and her family lived as expats in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where she witnessed considerable cultural change, spent time writing in the dappled light of the beautiful Princess Nourah Women’s University Library, performed as a singer at Riyadh embassies, traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe, started a feral cat caretaking group, and watched her teenaged children transform into young adult global citizens. These expat experiences reconfirmed her belief in the efficacy of compassion to bridge cultural divides. Currently resettling in Ottawa, Canada, Kimberly is grateful for her adventures and eager to resume her scholarly journey with the enriched framework that expat life provided.
Between 2015 and 2022, Kimberly and her family lived as expats in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where she witnessed considerable cultural change, spent time writing in the dappled light of the beautiful Princess Nourah Women’s University Library, performed as a singer at Riyadh embassies, traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe, started a feral cat caretaking group, and watched her teenaged children transform into young adult global citizens. These expat experiences reconfirmed her belief in the efficacy of compassion to bridge cultural divides. Currently resettling in Ottawa, Canada, Kimberly is grateful for her adventures and eager to resume her scholarly journey with the enriched framework that expat life provided.