If you’ve ever wondered how other women face the challenges and weirdness of aging, this book is for you. It’s a reassuring read.
Know that I am objective. I paid to hear Renee Fisher speak, and I also paid for my copy of the book.
It was only after I left the event and read the book that I realized what a gem I’d purchased.
I am a little obsessed by the process of aging, in case you hadn’t noticed, so a lot of books on the subject have crossed my desk. Many are very good. I referenced a few of those good books at the end of this post about how Jane Fonda is afraid of the aging process (but not afraid to sell us a book about how to be brave and authentic.)
In Saving, Renee, Jean and Joyce are not unafraid, but they are smart and tough enough to face it with their eyes open and then come back to tell us about it. They are thoughtful and introspective.
The book is structured in a very useful way. Each of the chapters begins with information about a particular topic and then all three of them write about their personal experiences with it. Examples of chapters are Rational Women Repeating Irrational Patterns, Our Mothers, Dating and Mating, and Sexuality and the Big Five-Oh! At the end of each chapter are exercises you can do individually or with friends, maybe even a book club, to explore that issue and how it is affecting you. I gather from listening to Renee that this is a good way to find yourself, or the pieces of yourself that went missing in your early years. When you find those pieces, they aren’t always pretty or smooth, but they’re valuable for self-discovery.
Because of this book I was able to ask my mom some sensitive questions about body functions and how she has aged, and thus what I might expect. We also laughed when I read some bits out loud, like when a lover fondled Joyce’s mastectomy prosthesis. It didn’t do a thing for Joyce, but the lover got all excited. Luckily they laughed about it.
From that example you can tell that these authors pull no punches. Aging can be scary and isolating, but they lay out their experiences for you and invite you to join in. It’s entertaining and informative. I laughed and I cried, literally.
Joyce, Renee and Jean did us all a favor by writing this book. You might want to do yourself a favor and read it.
Kindle readers can email me at Lmspreen@gmail.com
As always, Lynne, your style is engaging — witty and wise! Thanks for the book top … I refuse to think about life in terms of “age” and arbitrary markers but … I’m sure there is merit in “going there.” All best! –Daisy
“book tip,” that is …
Lynne, Thanks so much for sharing this review. It’s so nice to know there is a guidebook for us as we reach a “certain age.” Lovely to share this inevitable process with so many other women. Thanks for all you do to make that happen 🙂
Cindy, Pat and Vonnie, I should have asked for a cut, huh? But seriously, it’s a wise, funny, and informative read. You’ll feel more powerful about the whole situation of aging. Let me know later what you liked about it, or what resonated.
Thanks for recommending this book, Lynne. I trust your judgement so my next click will be over to Amazon check it out. 🙂
Thanks Lynne! I am going to buy the book on my next trip to the States. Since I am the oldest, my younger sisters always want me to answer the aging questions…but I don’t have a clue. What I do know is this–move it or lose it! ha ha
Thanks, Lynn (and Joyce, Renee and Jean!) My sister and I are always talking about all the “weird” age-related things that NO ONE ever told us about! There’s so much more to aging than hot flashes! I’m going to buy the book!
Cindy
Jean, Joyce and Renee, what you wrote is a guidebook for the rest of us. I’m the one who is grateful! Stop by AST any time. Any further comments will go up instantly without moderation.
oh my gosh. Thanks you Lynn. You should know that the day the book came out, both Joyce and I felt ill with the realization that other people were going to read what we wrote, and any masks we had developed to cover our vulnerability were gone forever. Only later did we realize the freedom that losing the masks gave us. I’m so grateful.
Lynn, thank you so much for this post! It’s a joy to know that we can connect and make a difference with women everywhere.
I’m overwhelmed to see this post, Lynn, and so very grateful. Joyce, Jean, and I continue to be nurtured and energized by the community of women. Changing the “conversation” about aging has been our passion and our vision. And being able to connect with women such as yourself is a joy beyond measure.