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.
more
I was not expecting to love this book. I thought it was another book of an empty nester, second chapter of their life kind of story. It was more than that… it was touching in a way that lingers beyond the last page. I don’t typically take notes from books I read for entertainment. I took pages and pages of notes on thoughts and ideas that …
Good read. Seeing the changes, feeling the emotions of the main character made for a very interesting read.
I thought the book was boring. It is rare for me to not finish a book . I stopped reading about half way through.
not really a strong story – no conclusion in the end. I did enjoy though.
This is a good story about a woman coming to terms with the third third of life.
I admire the way she took responsibility for herself and created a year on her own in another environment. Helpful to those in similar life stage and to those who love them.
This book was truly inspirational. I loved it and all that it represented. Sad beginning, perfect ending and so much to learn in between. I seldom give a 5 star rating on any book but to me, this book certainly deserves it.
Coming from the Cape area, and being a senior woman I related to this story. I loved some of Joan’s exploits! Great read!
every woman should read this as it is a reminder to also invest time in ourselves while we are busy caring for home and family.
A well-written, inspiring story of one mid-life woman’s search for self-identity in a year away from her traditional marriage.
It was entertaining.
I admire the narrator for putting herself in situations she was not at ease in initially. Her challenge to discover who she is outside of a wife of many years and a mother of grown children is one I bet many women think of doing. But it is not realistic for most women to do.
This book hit a chord that sent music to my heart. Don’t be stuck in a place you don’t want to be, go out with the intention that you can do it. Too many of us stay stagnate because we are afraid.
A thoughtful and rather inspiring memoir.
Joan Anderson really hits home about how some women feel at a certain age in life.
Insightful and real, love all the quotes and words of inspiration
Slow and predictable. Didn’t care to finish
I thought it was a very unique story.
A finding yourself mid-life change story. With an empty nest and a husband transferring to a new job, she spends time at the beach house re-learning who she is and what she wants out of life.
Enjoyed the first few chapters but than I think it became to unrealistic. Main character had everything just fall into place so that life on the cape was easy
Very well-written and very easy to read. At times poignant and other times amusing.
I gave it 3 starts only because, despite being well-written, I felt this book was basically about nothing. No real insights learned nor revealed by the author.