Read Online In the Fullness of Time 32 Women on Life After 50 Emily W Upham Linda Gravenson 9781439109236 Books

Product details Paperback 276 pages Publisher Atria Books; 1 edition (April 27, 2010) Language English ISBN-10 1439109230

In the Fullness of Time 32 Women on Life After 50 Emily W Upham Linda Gravenson 9781439109236 Books Reviews

• Great women over 50 dish the straight scoop
  
  This book is like talking to a woman you've always admired but never hoped to meet. Everyone has the experience of fretting over something and then feeling better after talking with a friend about it. That is the feeling this book gives you. Many of the pieces are funny, like the poem by Sharon Olds about pubic hair. (If you have no full-length mirrors, better get one...) Not funny like Maxine, who can get tiresome, but funny like Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler. These are terrific women. Anything they have to say about aging is worth hearing because we all struggle with these issues. And I promise you, there is not a single self-help cliche in this book. Why struggle alone? It's too scary to think about aging, loss of loved ones, dealing with illness and dying. These woman make it less scary and definitely easier to face. Who can resist hearing the thoughts of Gail Godwin, Marta Casals Istomin, Claire Bloom, Jane Alexander, Erica Jong, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Vivian Gornick on losing the privileges of being young and pretty--this book is worth it for that alone. Not to mention Emily Upham's piece--this book was her idea, and how she coaxed these women into contributing AND having their pictures taken is a miracle. I hate having my picture taken now--I don't look 35 any more, dammit. And neither do they. But they look as if they know a lot, and they do.
• In the Fulness of Time is a collection of 32 women's writing. As I was captivated by their stories, I became a quiet listener. I felt as if I was there face to face. Their voices were genuine and each emanated a strength that was not boisterous yet sustained and powerful. I enjoyed their insight, wisdom and humor, that have arrived through embracing life. The book provides a rare opportunity to read a collection of writings of women who are protagonists in their own lives. They are not trying to teach us anything, there is no agenda, just reflections on living. Not often does one get to have this kind of time with another. Reading the book was like having a cup of tea with a person who lived their life passionately and with courage. It is a wonderful book, highly recommended for women and men, young and old. All people should read it.
• I have just reread IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME 32 WOMEN ON LIFE AFTER 50, edited by Emily Upham and Linda Gravenson. The anthology is by such generous and insightful human beings that the experience was almost new, and certainly richer. I laughed louder, was moved more deeply, and saw myself in times past and present and perhaps future. With these guides, that future is enticing. They tell of life's flow, with all the surprises, welcome and not; throughout, their reflections speak of life's fullness.
  
  It's a great gift-- to oneself as well as to friends.
• Docked two stars Because of the bargain price and because new copies do not appear to be available, I am not returning this book. However, my book has slightly soiled cover both front and back, the black used-book mark on page edges, and some pages have been dog-eared and then unbent. I have been buying from a long time, many many books, and know the company normally treats its customers well so this is uncharacteristic. Some individual jerk in the organization must be responsible for this. However, I hope someone there will take note of my comments and one other person's comments and at least add 'used' to the description.
  
  Otherwise it would be four stars, maybe five for content. As for the negative reviews of content, this book is not for those who want one of the many RAH RAH Ain't Old Age Grand books - I've read a few of those and sometimes can't finish them because I can't find a thing to relate to. Several are by well-to-do women who have no financial or employment worries and no health worries either. These essays tell it like it is and it ain't always pretty, but it's not over-ridingly 'depressing' and 'negative' either - just reality based. The last item in the book, in fact, is a poem by a woman of 101 celebrating her joy at still being able to make her own bed every day. I think at 101 that's something to celebrate.
• What a wonderful collection of essays!
  The editors have gathered a group of women who have shared a wide variety of experiences, emotions and thoughts on "life for women after 50".
  It is a joyous and solemn book. I found myself laughing hilariously out loud as well as shedding some tears.
  As a reader and as a woman who is traveling along the latter part of her life, it is uplifting to read of women who have experienced things that I have and also things that I fear and things that I aspire to and the manner in which they describe surviving and in some cases flourishing is very inspiring to me.
  The women essayists represent all that is special and good about writers.
  I think it is a must read for all women as they approach or are in the fullness of their time.
• very well written
  true to life
• This is a good, realistic book on women's experiences with aging.
• Great essays from a group of terrific women. You can learn a great deal from the wisdom of others. Thoroughly enjoyed.