Gift from the Sea

Rating:
Summary: A true gem!!
Review: I had no idea, when I found this book in a little beach bookstore recently, that it was written in 1955. Had I known, it probably would have dissuaded me from buying it. I now know how fortunate I am to have not known!

I believe that books, words and people come into our lives at the time they are most needed, and Gift from the Sea certainly fits that bill for me. While small bits of it may be dated, most of it speaks as clearly and truly to modern day woman as it would have to 1950s women. In fact, with so many women in search of their most authentic self these days, it may even be MORE relevant to today's woman! It is a delicate and thoughtful essay on solitude, couplehood, inner peace and the wonder of nature. I can't imagine anyone not being inspired and uplifted by reading it. Truly, a gift for the soul.

Rating:
Summary: A Book That One Can Read Again and Again...
Review: I have read this book at least twice and find that each time I pick it up, although in a different stage of my life, I extract a whole different meaning. It's beautifully written by an elegant, educated woman who dared to speak the truth long before saying exactly how you feel was fashionable. She dared to elegantly express her feelings knowing full well what the ramifications for doing so could be. This book is a treasure and a wonderful gift that continues to give every time its' pages are turned. Enjoy!!!

Rating:
Summary: A great book for women in every stage of life
Review: I keep re-reading this book and find something new in it every time. It is a wonderful book about life and how to stay centered through the many stages and changes that come our way. It is a must read for all women.

Rating:
Summary: still looking for my gift
Review: I loved this book, however, I know I will read it again when I am older with my own family, it will mean a lot more to me. It is a book I had to read slow. I learned I need to be patient and wait for my "Gift from the Sea".

Rating:
Summary: the wisdom that we are meant to be
Review: I picked up Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "Gift From the Sea" with a good deal of trepidation. The Oprahfication of America has too often brought the sexes into warring opposition. So much so that when men or women write about what it means to be men and women, they can't seem to resist taking backhanded swipes at the value of one another. At the time, I did not know that "Gift From the Sea" was so old...I figured it would be the same stuff we see too much of today rehashed in pleasant warm-fuzzy, faux spiritual fashion to fit the market. I stand corrected.

Mrs. Lindbergh shows herself to be an author of deep insight, intellectual honesty and true caring. As she reflected on each shell she found on the beach and related them to life not only as a woman (although it is a central theme) but as a human in our modern times (it still fits--even fifty years later), I was swept up into her thoughts and dazzled by her soul.

Lindbergh finds much worth in what we are when all the noise of our surroundings is stripped away. She seeks to cling to this essence and bring it to bear as she reenters to tempest of everyday life. I can relate to this.

"Gift From the Sea" reminds me forcefully of what David said in the seventeenth Psalm. He cries out to the one who has made him. He asks that God keep him as the apple of his eye--to allow him to seek shelter in shadow of his wings. This is a cry for protection but also for a wholeness we all lack, whatever the age we live in. I believe Morrow Lindbergh's words echo this. David concludes with these words:

"And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness" (v. 15).

May we all! I recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: An annual reading ritual for me!
Review: I read this book at least once a year. It is a part of my summer time vacation ritual. I received my first copy of this book from my sister and let it sit on my shelf for years before cracking it open. I had no idea the treasure I had sitting on my bookshelf. I have given it as a gift a number of times since. It is amazingly relevant to today's woman even though it was written over forty years ago. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: I took this book with me on a trip..I was intrigued by the title.I didn't really know what is was about.I was struck by the wisdom of the contents and the beautiful way it was written.It's definitely a book that I will go back to over and over.I have even bought the audiobook version of"gift".It's great to listen in the car,and it's unabridged.I was so impressed by the author that I am now reading another of her books;"North to the Orient"

Rating:
Summary: A book to read over and over
Review: I try to read this book every year or so, and have done so the past 5 years. I am amazed at how true Mrs. Lindburgh's insights continue to be! This is an important book for women (and enlightened men) to read and absorb today, even though it was written decades ago. She will restore your soul.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Spiritual Guide
Review: I very much enjoyed reading A Gift from the Sea. I agree that we need time alone, to ponder the small miracles of life. We need to keep our lives simple and unburdened. While that is a goal that no one could or should always have it is important to regenerate ourselves with simplicity. The beach is a great space to do that in.

Rating:
Summary: A Map for Every Woman's Life
Review: I was first introduced to "Gift from the Sea" as a gift from my college sorority big sister in 1968. In an all female college and a world that was both torn apart and boiling with changing roles, I found solice and an inner peace with the words that I must have read dozens of times that first year. Our challenge was to enter a world that required all the inner balance that we could achieve. The book for more than 35 years has been an inspiration and emotional challenge to me.

I used the book's message as a theme, and quotes from it as chapter markers in the yearbook I edited for my college and it has been a standard 'right of passage' high school graduation gift to every special young lady in our family and among our friends. For a number of very personal reasons, it will be included with all the essentials for a beach vacation week in the early spring that my closest girlfriends and I share every year....... I feel so blessed to be able to share this true "gift" with these very special women ......... and with you.