The basis for the major motion picture of the same name. An entrancing memoir of how one woman’s journey of self-discovery gave her the courage to persevere in re-creating her life. Life is a work in progress, as ever-changing as a sandy shoreline along the beach. During the years Joan Anderson was a loving wife and supportive mother, she had slowly and unconsciously replaced her own dreams with … her own dreams with the needs of her family. With her sons grown, however, she realized that the family no longer centered on the home she provided, and her relationship with her husband had become stagnant. Like many women in her situation, Joan realized that she had neglected to nurture herself and, worse, to envision fulfilling goals for her future. As her husband received a wonderful job opportunity out-of-state, it seemed that the best part of her own life was finished. Shocking both of them, she refused to follow him to his new job and decided to retreat to a family cottage on Cape Cod. At first casting about for direction, Joan soon began to take pleasure in her surroundings and call on resources she didn’t realize she had. Over the course of a year, she gradually discovered that her life as an “unfinished woman” was full of possibilities. Out of that magical, difficult, transformative year came A Year by the Sea, a record of her experiences and a treasury of wisdom for readers.
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I read this book because I envision doing something similar–taking a year, or six months or two weeks to restart or at least adapt to my life.
Often Joan’s experiences are interesting and thought provoking, but often unrealistic. She finds the perfect mentor early in the story who helps her evolve. Her analysis of every experience is often …
Show’s there’s always HOPE if you try. But CHANGE has to come from WITHIN YOURSELF FIRST!!!!!!! BEAUTIFULY TOLD
Eye opener on looking at life from a different perspective and reflection.
I really enjoyed this book. I hadn’t heard about it at all so came at it with fresh eyes. Not only did I find it refreshing and heartfelt the way her “story” played out was wonderfully unpredictable. Stayed with me long after which is always a good sign.
Thought provoking book, great insights and honest look into emotional growth and self acceptance. Beautifully written. I read this initially as a Kindle book, then ordered the hard copy because this is a book to highlight, underline and notate.
I enjoyed the insights and descriptions of this authors “world.”
This book hit me at a cross-roads in my own life, so it was easy for me to identify with the main character. Wonderful depth of character with the subject, ultimately inspiring and encouraging, with good insights that resonated with my own current experience and challenges in a marriage as we age and the struggle to find ways to grow back together …
A great book when questioning your life.
Wonderful insight into the empty nest middle age woman.
I loved this book, it kept my interest. Loved the setting in Cape Cod.
Dull
Made me think about where I am in my life and relationship. Probably the only time I have noted a passage on my Kindle. It spoke to me.
I really enjoyed it. It was very thoughtfully written and I couldn’t put it down.
The author is able to carry the reader through the growth and change of the heroine. Women of a certain age will identify with her journey.
Excellent read
Aging is just another phase of life. Women need to embrace this period in life and be kind to oneself.
Very well written. A thought-provoking look into the authors life, prompting introspection into the reader’s as well.