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Summary: We will forever be Unfinished
Review: After attending 2 weekend retreats with Joan Anderson and reading all 3 of her books, I truly know we will always be unfinished. This is the best of the best of books. You will not be able to put this down. I have gone back and re read so much of it. It gives us the strength to be who we are. Everyone comes into our lives for a reason and Joan Erikson coming into Joan Anderson's life was a gift. The unknown is "just there for the taking". Their relationship was more than a friendship, it was a true bonding.
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Summary: A Walk Worth Taking
Review: Anderson's latest literary work is one of her best to date. Full of imagery, humor, and wisdom, A Walk on the Beach will touch your senses and awaken your true self in ways you thought might not happen. As her mentor, Joan Erikson reminded the author, the importance of continuing to learn, grow, change and play as one ages, as well as to be surprised by life and where it leads are the keys to a fulfilling and enriching life. Not just for women, it is a book for all who struggle at times with thoughts and feelings of purpose and significance. Also recommended: Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson An Unfinished Marriage by Joan Anderson Wisdom and the Senses: The Way of Creativity by Joan M. Erikson
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Summary: Weaving of Shared Wisdom
Review: Another thought provoking book by Joan Anderson. How fortunate for both Joans to have met on a cold, foggy Cape Cod beach on a day when few people were venturing out to the dunes. This chance meeting was the beginning of a strong friendship where Joan Erikson shared her appreciation and zest for life with Joan Anderson who so generously shares those feelings, as well as her own unique experiences, with her readers.
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Summary: Don't Keep it to Yourself - A Walk on the Beach is Fabulous!
Review: As a former manager of an independent bookstore, Joan Anderson's books, especially Year by the Sea practically jumped into our customer's arms. We sold thousands of copies of her books and Joan's readers were not disappointed. Some of our customer's attended her Weekend by the Sea (including myself) and returned changed for the better. I had my highlighter ready and used it generously while reading A Walk on the Beach. The friendship between Joan Anderson (age 50) and Joan Erickson (age 90) is powerful, exciting, magical, invigorating, and there is much wisdom imparted. It's hard to believe Joan Erickson is 90. She has such a zest for life which hasn't diminished just because she's old. She enjoys each day, has fun and is playful and most importantly she believes in sharing what you know. Like A Year by the Sea, A Walk on the Beach can be read and then reread. You'll always learn something new. This book belongs on every woman's bookshelf.
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Summary: The need for mentors
Review: From the stranger on the shore to becoming the beloved mentor, JOAN ERIKSON, is the driving force that allows Joan Anderson to truly push the boundaries further from the traditional role she played, to unveiling the ?unconventional woman? that Joan is today. The book is perhaps a tribute and ?thank you? to her playful and witty friend who helped Joan weave her way and; in turn, provide the gift of ?unconventional wisdom? that she received ~ to women curious enough to seek. Joan's writings are always enticing, and she continues to expose her frailties, as well as her triumphs, in ?A Walk on the Beach."
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Summary: Wrap up of Trilogy
Review: Having read Year by the Sea and Unfinished Marriage, A Walk on the Beach is the perfect wrap up. It pulls the wit and wisdom of all 3 together. Like the other 2 books it is an inspiring read causing the reader to look inside oneself and also look more closely at the relationships we form, what we bring to them and get from them. Having participated in a Weekend by the Sea retreat with Joan and preparing to go again in 3 weeks, I look forward to how she will bring all the "new" information into the weeknd. I also will be sharing this book with others as I have with the other 2.
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Summary: Outstanding!
Review: I just finished this book, and found myself slowing down as I reached the final chapter, not wanting it to end. But of course a work such as this never ends, as I have all the beauty and wisdom I derived from it to nourish and guide me. I have loved all of Joan's books, but this one by far was the most personal for me.
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Summary: The need for mentors
Review: In an era of quick-fix motivational workshops and buzz words like "Life Coaching", this wise and soothing book stands as a strong reminder that we need SO MUCH MORE than weekend workshops and spiritual retreats to regain our balance or redirect our life's course. We need real mentors and ongoing friendships with seasoned women who can show us the way. At some point in midlife, many women (and men) experience a career crisis or crisis of faith, and are desperately in need of guidance. Joan Anderson was lucky enough to find an incredible mentor to show the way, demonstrating how "elderly" friends are essential to our growth. I believe many of us remain stuck with only peer relationships, and don't take time to seek out the untapped wisdom of older people in our communities and congregations. Joan's book is a marvelous blueprint for anyone who craves companionship with the older and wiser -- or women of experience. As we read this sweet book, we are also called to treasure -- or initiate -- friendships with real women of experience in our midst. Thank you, Joan!
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Summary: An Inspiring Woman
Review: Joan Anderson follows up (or expands) her story of a year alone by the sea with this engaging, easy read. It chronicles in more detail her friendship with Joan Erikson, whom she meets one foggy morning on the beach at Cape Cod. Joan Erikson is such a beautiful, inspiring, and thoughtful woman. It really makes you take stock, live every day to the fullest, and give back what you can. Though I did find it a bit slow in some places (such as Anderson's trip to Macchu Pichu), overall this book is a quick read you won't want to put down. You'll feel as though you've spent the day with a remarkable friend.
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Summary: Great Inspiration
Review: Joan Anderson's latest book, A Walk on the Beach, is terrific. I have read all of her other books, and have been at her Weekend by the Sea retreat, and I was so envious of her relationship with Joan Erikson. Now anyone reading this latest book can have their own relationship with Joan Erikson. While the experience will be different since it will be through print and somewhat indirect, Joan Anderson has a wonderful way of describing the experience that makes it so tangible that the differences seem insignificant. And Joan Anderson's descriptions in her books of her own expereinces makes her as much a mentor to us as readers as Joan Erikson was to her. It is a great read - and one that you will underline and reread and ponder and talk about for a long time. Definitely inspiring.
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