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Summary: Reclaimed Time and Moments
Review: I read this book over a weekend and feel that the reading of it and the resulting positive impact on my behavior and attitude has acted like a salve to my psyche. It provided me a much-needed mental spring cleaning. I am indebted to Ms. Anderson for courageously sharing her personal journey and transformation as she tried new ways to live, listened to the wise counsel of friends, and shared her deep thoughts. A classic, healing-type book to be read again and again.
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Summary: Just for Me, By the Sea
Review: Joan Anderson wrote this book just for me!! How could she have known her message was so perfect? Her subtitle might be, "Thoughts of Unfinished Women". How many of us yearn for the pleasure and enchantment of solitude? No one can know unless we "unfinished women" let our thoughts be known.I am pleased for her that she and her husband reunited after a year of soul searching. Such was not the case for me, but I am pleased to be a "free spirit" expressing my thoughts in poetry. Each day presents a smorgasbord of jewels to be taken in and savored. Please let me know how I may get in touch with Joan to experience a "Weekend by the Sea". What a precious treat!!
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Summary: A YEAR BY THE SEA
Review: This book spoke to my very being! It touched my soul and heart, and made me realize the importance of getting in touch with who I really am and always have been. Joan Anderson had the courage to find her true self, and the graciousness to share that journey with her readers. She has moments of self doubt,but carries on despite the circumstances. It appears she dug deep within her soul and unlocked resources that had been trapped within for years. There is something about the sea - its ever changing forms - its constant ebb and flow, and its ability to soothe. Ms. Anderson seems to seek answers about life while by the sea. In her writing, the inhabitants of that seaside area - both human and animal - are so well characterized and developed, the reader actually comes away with a feeling of "being there". Her well described relationship with seals,for example, presents the reader with a sense of fulfillment and spiritual awakening. I shall read the book a second time(and perhaps more). I am already sharing it with friends. Joan Anderson, through this book, has made me realize how very important it is to "get away" - take time for yourself - so you can share with others the "REAL YOU". It also confirms my belief in the healing qualities the sea holds for the human race. It soothes the soul, and truly gets us in touch with ourselves and nature.
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Summary: Life Changing for a 29 year old too!
Review: I checked this book out from the library after seeing Joan Anderson on Oprah. I read it in a day and a half saving the ending for that second day because I was so moved. I went out the next day and bought a copy for myself so I could highlight. I then bought 15 more for a total of 16 to give as a gift to every woman I knew from 17 to 76 years old. I then read it again. I then tracked Joan Anderson herself down and flew to Cape Cod to meet her for my 30th birthday by myself. No girlfriends, siblings, or husband. You do not have to be wealthy to do this, I'm certainly not. I went myself for my own week by the sea and again met this magical woman. I've never had such an experience in my life and probably never will. Buy the book - buy many and give them to everyone you know. I was 29 when I read it and found myself becoming the author in a few years time. What a blessed woman, what a blessed place, what a blessed book. Amazing.
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Summary: Reader from Central PA
Review: Not usually a non-fiction reader, I was struck by the title and description at the book store, bought it, and couldn't put it down. It was amazing to identify with so many "after the children are raised" feelings as well as have my life long drawings to nature validated. Its been a very long time since I've been so mesmerized by an author, so immersed in her bravery to face new experiences and in awe of her ability to share her most intimate thoughts with others. I feel like I know her, but I want to know her more, much more. This book needs to be shared.
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Summary: CAPTIVATING FROM THE FIRST PAGE
Review: This memoir was so beautifully done it simply captivates you from the first page. As you journey with Joan on her adventure of claiming self after years of being a "good woman" (i.e. being selfless, giving all of your best to everyone around you, ignoring your feelings to make sure others are having a good time, etc.)you find your heart opening. I am giving a copy of this book to all of those nurturing women in my life who tends to forget to nurture herself. Thank you Joan for sharing this LOVEly piece.
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Summary: Incredibly insightful ...
Review: Ms. Anderson has written an extraordinary book for married women of all ages. I intended to highlight my favorite passages, then realized I'd end up highlighting almost the entire book! She is so insightful and manages to perfectly verbalize what many of us are thinking and feeling. Thank you, Ms. Anderson, for a truly inspiring work! You have given this reader a lot to ponder ...
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Summary: A Story for Every Woman
Review: Being a woman in my early twenties, I was at first tentative to delve into a story of a woman who had lived and experienced so much of life (ie., motherhood, a long-standing marriage, personal accomplishment). However, I appreciated every thought presented in this book; there truly is a plethora of wisdom for a woman at any stage of her life to uncover. Not only was I reminded that life can be full of enchantment and discovery beyond "youth," but that self-discovery is a life-long process in which each day must be treasured. This was a real joy to read. I encourage anyone to take the plunge into the eternal truths this book offers.
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Summary: Wonderful...a must read for anyone over 50
Review: I bought this book when I saw this author on Oprah. Didn't think I would like it as much as I did. I purposely read it slowly because I didn't want it to end. It is a great book and a must read for anyone over 50. Never thought that there were other women out there, who had the same frustrations as I have had. I did pass this book on...no use keeping a good book on the shelf. My Friend also thought it was a marvelous book and passed it on to her sister. Who, with a little hope, will do the same.
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Summary: A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman
Review: I bought this book on a Saturday afternoon and finished by by Sunday morning. This is a great little book for any woman who wonders about who they are, and where are they going from here. Are we just going in circles, are we still playful, do we love ourselves, do we love life? This book shares the authors thoughts of what happened to her over the time period of one year, alone, all alone in a small family cottage by the sea. If you want to be inspired to think of yourself first so you have something to give to others this is the book for you.
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