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Summary: This book changed my life!
Review: I bought this book by accident really, but all things happen for a reason. After reading A Year By the Sea, much soul searching that the book inspired and attending Joan's seminar, I took the plunge. I left a high paying executive position that made me miserable to pursue graduate work in what I really love -- anthropology. Despite the loss of income my husband and I have never been happier, healthier, more fulfilled or more alive. Joan's courage inspires the rest of us to say "I can do it". This is a book you can't put down and, if you have the courage, will change your life for the better and for always.
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Summary: A Must Read For Every Woman
Review: This book was a real page turner for me. The writer is extremely honest and describes truthfully her thoughts about herself, her life, marriage and sons. She truly writes from the heart. I think every woman should read this book at least once a year and remember the things that all women should cherish. Enjoy!
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Summary: Magic
Review: Joan, you captured my heart, and warmed my soul.
I've sent a email to every woman I know....they must read this very special book, written by a very special woman.
I can hardly wait for a "Weekend by the Sea".
Thank you.
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Summary: A book as timeless as the Sea.
Review: I've never felt the need to "thank" an author for her book, but in this case I know that I must. Joan, your story has not only inspired my soul, but it has also ignited my creative muse and nourished the metaphors in my own life. Your words echo throughout my days, and I find I am a zestier writer, wife, daughter, friend and unfinished woman because of it. This is a timeless story that I intend to share with all the beloved women in my life. Something that I will pass down to my own daughters if that day ever comes. Readers are certain to come away from this journey able to breathe new life into their relationships, careers, dreams and spirits.
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Summary: Great Read - Keeps You Longing For More and Happy at the End
Review: What a nice book! Very easy to read, but not so simple to
dismiss. This book had me thinking about my life as well and
how I related to Jane, the main character. I suggest this book
to any female!!!
Rating:
Summary: Seeking through the seasons by the sea
Review: This little book is a simple tale of self-discovery by a versatile and talented writer who certainly can turn a phrase. The subject is classic -- a woman going through a mid-life crisis and seeking to "find" herself. The middle-aged woman, of course, has a much better chance at finding someone when she searches herself than a younger one. We create ourselves, day-by-day, whether we are aware of it or not, and a search too soon is a fruitless one.That said, Anderson "finds" what she's searching for and she expresses both the search and the discovery (which, actually, takes her back where she started in the first place)in delightfully descriptive and easy prose. The reader won't find any earthshaking "truths" here. Indeed, it's doubtful that such "truths" even exists -- but he or she will find a charming and delightful experience of a year by the sea in Cape Cod. Reading this little volume turned out to be a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
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Summary: Mid Life Crisis or Transformation?
Review: Joan Anderson writes a beautiful memoir of a year in her life in which she struggles with her path and the changes she feels are necessary for her growth. Some people may view this book as a selfish and indulgent mid life crisis episode and others, including myself, may view it as a wonderful transformative experience to be envied and learned from. How you feel about this book is dependent on your view.
When her husband arrives home one day excited over the news that he has taken a new job in another state, Joan decides that she would rather strike out on her own. Although not divorced the couple agree to separate, Joan moving into their Cape Cod residence and her husband moving to the new state to undertake the job.
What Joan discovers, is a new self, one that enjoys nature, being independant and a woman who is not afraid of new experiences. Each chapter relates to a season and in them, she describes her jobs, friends, problems and insights in an informal way that makes the reader feel as if she's sipping a cup of coffee and listening to Joan herself. In the end, the time apart from her husband enrichs their relationship in a way that is unexpected. A Year by the Sea is about the longing most people have to answer the question "What's life really all about?" Anderson chooses to act on this question and her life is beautifully chonicled in this little novel with a spirit that most of us can identify with.
Rating: 
Summary: Skip this one.
Review: After reading several reviews about this book I sat down to listen with great anticipation, unfortunately, I was greatly disappointed. Instead of coming across as a women who is coming into her own, I found her to be shallow and vacuous. Her stories about her life are embarrassing. There are no revelations here.
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Summary: I would love a year by the sea....
Review: I thought this book was wonderful. As a child we went to the cape every year. I was too young then to appreciate the peace and beauty of the Cape. This book is enjoyable for those that know the Cape and others that dream of visiting. I enjoyed Joan's hunt to uncover and explore herself. The Cape is definitly one of the better places to do just that. I look forward to reading Joan's next book, An Unfinished Marriage.
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Summary: Insightful and courageous; author regains identity & power
Review: Very interesting, especially for an older woman who has been married and had children, then finds herself completely devoid of personal identity and angry at everyone else because of it. I don't know if Joan Anderson qualifies as co-dependent in her marriage or not, but she has been the one taking care of everyone and everything and finally realizes how unfulfilled she is. I had a similar experience in my marriage. Didn't take a year by the sea to figure it out, just a pregnancy full of complications including a severe bout of depression -- try wrestling with that with an unsupportive, noncommunicative husband who thinks you will attend to everything just as his mother always did. As is the basis of this book, if/when you come out the other side and realize you can take care of yourself, financially and emotionally, then you have real strength and power. FYI - she swims with SEALS not dolphins (I think the seals deserve appropriate credit).
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