Rating: 
Summary: Thoughts of an Unfinished Man
Review: A female friend suggested I read a new book by Joan Anderson if I wanted to get a notion of the female psyche going through a sort of mid-life crisis. Admittedly, there may be a general con- sensus that only males, and then only some of us, experience this life phenomenon, that women some- how don't or, worse, shouldn't. They, in fact, have their own rite of passage...menopause. So, without a lot of enthusiasm, I got my hands on a copy of this autobiographical book and began reading. A Year by the Sea is another in the long line of twentienth century self-help books which present themselves with modern answers to modern dilemmas. The problem with Anderson's book, like so many of its type, is that it presupposes a problem, in fact, creates a problem so that it has something to solve. Anderson makes no sound case in describing a married life that demanded rescuing. She alludes to one or two instances of insensitivity on her husband's part, but even these are not of a magnitude to justify in most people's minds the compelling need to abandon the nest and strike out on one's own. If anything, her marriage may have become stale, or predictable, at least as she briefly describes it. It would seem then that her motivation was questionable, even if her intentions were sincere. The conclusion in the twelve month chronicle comes quickly and is more than a bit unsatisfying. Whether the newly reborn couple will live happily ever after we will never know, at least not based on the 195th page. Anderson's solution to her marital dissatisfaction is to escape to the sea...a primal drive to return to one's roots. What she fails to acknowledge, however, is that in seeking to uncover herself, she cannot bury her past.
Rating: 
Summary: A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman
Review: This is the most enlightening book I have ever read! It is all women who are encompassed in this awakening of the inner self which shows each individual's own capabilities to be everything they can in life -- to be open to all that surrounds them and learn how to learn from the experiences one encounters in everyday occurences.I would like to thank the writer, Joan Lee Anderson, for giving this book to all women to see outselves in, and to have opened up the possibilities of change in one's life as being a "good" thing -- an opportunity for acceptance of ourselves by ourselves exactly as we are! This book shows you there is am ongoing state of "finishing" available to all people, both men as well as women, regardless of age, state of mind, or physical size and shape. This book was truly one of life's little "unexpected" treasures! I recommend this book to anyone who feels "unfinished" ... because once you read the book you will realize it is o.k. to be "unfinished"!!! Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. Sincerely, Diane P. Hefter
Rating:
Summary: Put YOUR oxygen mask on first before helping someone else!
Review: Though some reviewers have focused their ridicule of this book on the author's opportunities, economic status, and the fact that she doesn't linger on any catastrophes in her life (jealousy, no doubt), I find her honest memoir to be very useful to my own life--one very different to her's. I'm a happily married, penny pinching, thirty something with a young child, and trying to balance my home, family and love life with my efforts to start a business. There is no shame in any woman admitting that she has neglected her personal needs, and deciding to commit herself to a more fulfilling life. Her attention to her own needs only benefits those whose life she touches. Much like exercising creates more physical energy, renewing oneself creates more energy for giving to others. What the other reviewers neglect to observe is that it is only by attending to one's own need for renewal--whether one hour, one day or one year--that we can give well and fully to others. Joan was in the fortunate position to allow a year for her reflection. Why do flight attendants tell caregivers to put on their OWN OXYGEN mask first before placing the mask on a child or elderly person? Because you can not help someone else if you're passed out from smoke inhalation or lack of oxygen. Apparently, some other reviewers do not understand this concept. This book is about ONE WOMAN'S time of renewal. She does not suggest that you follow her path. It's a memoir. Her story. However, I would suggest that reading her story can help open up a reader's thoughts about her own renewal--a path only she can find for herself. Another GREAT book about renewal for women is Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Timelessly pertinent.
Rating: 
Summary: A beautifully written book (autobiographical maybe? )
Review: This short, easy to read book jumped out at me at the local library, possibly because of its fashionably small size. The story inside is definitely not small in any way! Joan Anderson tells an emotionally-captivating tale of a very self-conscious woman who suffers from low self-esteem. Her kids are grown, her husband boring. The story that evolves touches even the inner pinings of me--a happily-married 28-year old with no children. I think every giving wife and mother feels the way Joan does, yet the vast majority never have the guts to make the life-changing decision she did. Those of us without her resolve can live vicariously through her, and it's still a wonderful, worthwhile journey.
Rating:
Summary: A n Enlightening Journey -- for Every Woman
Review: A true and empowering story of a woman's inward search for independence and automony during a period of unhappiness with herself and her marriage. Joan Anderson shares the personal and intimate details of her struggle to find meaning in her life, and takes the reader along on her journey of spiritual and physical self discovery. This book forces the reader to think about her own life and offers insight on taking risks, and evoking changes within yourself. A year by the Sea is a book for every woman to read, and for every woman to share with other women in her life.
Rating:
Summary: STOP THE WORLD and take this one in!
Review: I loved this book. So much of what Joan wrote that she thought and felt.....so much of how she viewed certain things, I relate to. This book is NOT just for older, married women with children. I am only 34, not married and have no children and Joan's words still awaken my yearning for freedom that she experienced. She is a brave heart. She told of the easy flowing good things and her battles with difficult times...with money and relationships and feelings of sexual desire and aloneness. This story is real. This woman is real and her story is one to be savored every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your experience, Joan. I hope the women who read it find strength and courage to explore deeper realms of their lives just like Joan did. It has certainly stimulated a passion in my life that I buried long ago and now feel ready to touch and feel.
Can't wait to read An Unfinished Marriage. Good luck, Joan. Keep them coming!
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: How many of us have wished for a year of solitude with Nature in order to reflect, learn and grow. By reading this little book, we can at least share Anderson's experiences. So many of her thoughts and emotions reflect what many of us feel, especially at that age and point in life. Kids are grown and have become independent, our traditional role in life is over and we're not quite sure where we belong anymore. Excellent read!
Rating:
Summary: A Book For All Women to Enjoy and Relish Each Chapter!
Review: I loved this book. It is so "real". I wish I could go away for a year to "find myself". Swimming with sea lions, working in a fish market to earn $ to fix her hot water heater, I could only dream about this adventure! After reading this book - I rushed out in search of her second book - An Unfinished Marriage. I cannot wait to read all 3 of her books! I own all of them and will begin the second book as soon as I have some free time. I wish we could have a book discussion at *Bucks on these books!
Rating: 
Summary: Not for me
Review: Although I appreciate the author's view that she, and all of us really, are "unfinished", I felt little connection with her. Of course, I am a different person ... single or rather longtime divorced with no children and have been able to focus on what I, as an individual, wants from life. I believe the book simply skimmed the surface of her life and, for me, had little depth. However, I understand why some women would find it appealing or possibly even inspiring.
Rating: 
Summary: Self-indulgent, self-pitying twaddle
Review: No doubt Joan Anderson was serious when she wrote this silly book about "discovering herself" but really, she is so smug and self-centered that her troubles are laughably trivial. I just hated the way she congratulated herself every few paragraphs for her fake humility or for some trite insight she had. She keeps telling us how "selfless" she is, but folks that's the lie of the century. This woman's ego is HUGE. It's all about poor, pitiful, martyred Joan and her 25 cent "insights."
|
