bentleyc's review
1.0
Unfortunately, throughout most of the book I felt there was a generation gap. This book could potentially be helpful for women in the same generation as the author, but I am not sure as there were also other issues for me. I had problems connecting with the author, who uses many personal examples, as I don’t think the author is a typical American woman as she describes herself. There were also times in which I felt the author’s narrative comes through too strongly on personal morals and ethics that I personally didn’t feel allowed for the wide swath of women’s experiences.
pamiverson's review against another edition
4.0
Thought-provoking look at issues for women as we age -- relationships with other women, partners, children; health; finding meaning. Lots of stories, a nice way to illustrate her points. Probably one I will read again, since at this point I don't feel so old (retired, yes, but my body generally works well...)
dixiet's review
3.0
I would give this book 3-1/2 stars if I could. It was worth reading and had some good insights. But on this topic, I prefer "Lighter as We Go: Virtues, Character Strengths, and Aging" by Mindy Greenstein and Jimmie Holland.
brontherun's review
3.0
I think this book is about how the author (and other women) learned to make smarter decisions about emotions, health, and relationships. It provides good reminders about being present and having perspective, but nothing particularly new or ground breaking.
Based on her reminiscing and targeting an Elder audience this feels like Pipher's final attempt to shape her own narrative, as well as document the stories of other women. In fact, part of the book seemed particularly to indicate this, at least to me:
"We could define wisdom as the capacity to skillfully select our narratives. When we do this, we experience our lives as filled with meaning. Every present-day event resonates with the decades of past events. We can be grateful for everything that led us to the moment we are inhabiting. This is how life becomes sacred. It is hallowed by story."
It is a quick and easy read, so in that sense you can enjoy it like you might a casual conversation with a friend. But if you are looking for more of a self-help or guidance on aging, this doesn't do much in that vein.
Based on her reminiscing and targeting an Elder audience this feels like Pipher's final attempt to shape her own narrative, as well as document the stories of other women. In fact, part of the book seemed particularly to indicate this, at least to me:
"We could define wisdom as the capacity to skillfully select our narratives. When we do this, we experience our lives as filled with meaning. Every present-day event resonates with the decades of past events. We can be grateful for everything that led us to the moment we are inhabiting. This is how life becomes sacred. It is hallowed by story."
It is a quick and easy read, so in that sense you can enjoy it like you might a casual conversation with a friend. But if you are looking for more of a self-help or guidance on aging, this doesn't do much in that vein.
slhandy45's review
3.0
My husband asked where they were rowing to. I think I would have enjoyed that book more.
nursenell's review
5.0
Our book club read this and we universally found it spoke to us, a group of women all older and retired.
susieq17's review
Wonderful book full of real information for women. Pleasant to read.
plaidpladd's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not the intended audience for this book (women 60+), but I will be one day, and I know lots of women in that category, so I thought this would be an interesting read. I really liked it at the beginning. Some of the insights actually did apply to my own life, especially the health problems I've been having. But after a while the chapters all started to sound the same. It was too long and should have been tightened up and edited better. The stories started to seem trite and inspiration-porny. Plus, the entire time I was thinking "This only apply to baby boomers; my generation will not have the luxury of aging in this way."
bekasimila's review
This seemed like an interesting read on women aging and how that looks and what it affects. Though I’m not the target demographic (I’m mid twenties), I enjoyed cherry picking some chapters to read. I enjoyed Pipher’s writing style, this just wasn’t a book that applies to my life at this time so I did not finish for that reason.