Two Hundred Tuesdays: What a Pearl Harbor Survivor Taught Me about Life, Love, and Faith

by Dianne Derby, T.L. Heyer (Primary Contributor)

This is the story of how casual Tuesday meetings about friendship, leadership, mentoring, parenting, and marriage―and the sacred thread through it all―led to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Dianne Derby arrived as a news anchor in Colorado Springs, she was hungry for approval, affirmation, and connections. She raced from one event to the next, capturing stories and sound bites. Everything changed when she met centenarian Jim Downing at a luncheon for World War II veterans. At the time, Jim was the second-oldest living survivor of Pearl Harbor. Jim asked Dianne an important “Would you like to meet the most fulfilled person you’ll ever know? You’re looking at him.”

Dianne and Jim began meeting on Tuesdays, where eventually she invited her followers into their dialogues with dozens of videos on Facebook Live, where viewers could learn from Jim just as she had. With thousands of views, the chats struck a chord with people who were hungry for a meaningful life. Over the course of five years, Jim Downing taught Dianne Derby to slow down; to embrace only what is true, real, and good; and to live a life of significance. She delivered a eulogy at his funeral, a memorial service that was broadcast for the world. His lessons live on in her stories, her friendships, and the significance of her work as a journalist, a mother, a wife, and a follower of Christ.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2022

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this one -- insights from a military vet who served at Pearl Harbor during WWII sounded really good! Those parts were, and I couldn't help but be charmed by Jim Downing, a 100-year-old who offered to meet each Tuesday for several years with news anchor Dianne Derby, who was new to the Colorado area where he lived.

The book is really more focused on Derby and her life. We learn many small things about her (she loves to eat, is a big fan of the snooze button on her alarm, etc), but some of the big things are inexplicably vague. The book opens with her driving away from an anchor job in South Carolina, where her exit was "unpleasant and unexpected." She tells us that she had to choose her job or her integrity, and that her voice had been silenced -- wow, I was dying to know more here!

She enjoys attending Downing's 100th birthday party with her husband, and then boom -- the next chapter opens with her admitting to cheating on her husband. He is not heard from again, and she tells Downing about her impending divorce, although she can never admit her affair to him. She says "I didn't change overnight when I started following Jesus," yet, to me at least, to have an affair in the midst of a serious study of the Bible is just odd and needs a bit more explanation.

Downing died at 104 and I'm sorry about that; he sounds like a wonderful Christian man who spent much time giving to others. You will hear a bit of his story here, but really more of Derby's.

[Jim D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of one woman's encounter and how it changed her life. The author is a tv newscaster in Colorado Springs. The story is about how her encounter with an elderly Pearl Harbor survivor changed her life . The book is her personal journey from the time of her arrival in the city, just before a massive wildfire destroyed 300 homes and forced the evacuation of 30000 residents. While she touches on being in a network newsroom, the heart of the story is her faith journey after meeting Jim Downing, the survivor. It is very personal as Dianne describes crises in her life that many of us would never address publicly: divorce, illnesses, guilt, loss, doubt. With the help of Downing, a Christian missionary, she is able to navigate these issues and discover fullfillment . This is a short but powerful and moving book. I heartily recommend it and commend the author for opening her heart and soul to the reader.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book was short and simply written, the vulnerability and authenticity of the author are what give it four stars. She embraces her shortcomings and is truthful in her questioning and growth as a Christian. I think my greatest takeaway is that one single person has the power to make such an impact on another’s life. It’s inspiring to consider how being intentional and investing in others while remaining focused on Jesus is what leads to a fulfilling life. It’s clear that the author’s life was forever changed through her relationship with Jim, and that encourages me to be the kind of person who could have some sort of positive impact on those around me.

Thank you to my sweet friend who gifted this book to me.

[Robin Bermel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading it and couldn't put it down.

Two Hundred Tuesdays is so easy to read because it's so enjoyable and life-giving. In a world where "no news is good news," this TV anchor delivers a message of hope. It's an unlikely friendship between a 100-year-old World War II vet and an up-and-coming news professional who is in the spotlight. There are so many good lessons to learn here. Loved every minute of this read!

[Krystal Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. I loved being a part of Diannes journey. She may have been reluctant to start at first but grabbed on with both hands to start her journey with Jim and the Bible. The story is raw, admitting she had an affair with her marriage ending and then finding love again. Scary pregnancy but faith in thr Lord helped her through it all and in the end everything was fine with her baby Claire. I could easily listen to this book again.

[George Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting! An unexpected spiritual journey--I expected memories, insights and words of wisdom from a WWII veteran. I got that, and much more--an author's own brutally honest assessment of her life and faith. It clearly took Dianne tremendous courage to share herself so honestly and vulnerably. Her religion may not be yours, but this book has something for anyone exploring who they are and who they want to be.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been in a reading slump, but this was an easy read that I was able to finish fairly quickly. I used to work with the author, so it was interesting to hear her take on some of the events we both experienced, as well as learn more about parts of her life I wasn’t aware of. This book truly shows the impact one person can have on others, which I think is a good lesson for us all.

[Alicia Schulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and hearing about Jim's story (and want to read his autobiography). I also appreciated reading Dianne's story, and I get how she talks about Jim and how he led her to have a relationship with Christ.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

While very short, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun listen as I got caught up on pre-Christmas prep, but I wish it had had a bit more depth. It felt like we jumped from an introductory lunch to in-depth bible study with at least one reluctant participant without any preamble.

[Thomas Sauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about how one man made an impact on the author's life.

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me cry throughout the whole book!

[Karen Peyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book showing how a person with true faith lives. I found it interesting due to it based in Colorado Springs where I spent many years.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful autobiography reminding us all of the beauty of life together- intentionally sharing the most important things we value, nurturing & building up one another.

[Kristie Uhren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me in every way I needed past, present and future. Thank you bff or creating such an important book.

[Rebecca D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Jim sounds like an amazing friend, full of wisdom and love.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated the lessons the author learned from Jim Downing. What a life! He was almost 100 years old and he is studying the Bible with someone who is not a believer yet and is the age of his grandchildren

I appreciated what he taught her about marriage. He was very loyal to his wife and considerate, just like the Bible encourages.

[Andrea McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read when I needed to read something uplifting and pure. I enjoyed learning about the author’s unexpected friendship. I appreciate her honesty while maintaining integrity. I loved reading about Glen Eyrie. I’ve been there a few times and it is a very special place.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. I look forward to reading it.

updated 1/21/2024 - I do appreciate the photos at the end of the book. Thank you.