My life continues to change as I grow older. The changes are usually unexpected. I had the feeling that the author was preaching to me that life could have been better for me and I missed the boat!
If you like to read little stories about others, this is for you.

DNF

It has been a while since I got this book and unfortunately I don’t really have any interest in reading the book anymore. I am also now a lot more picky with the books I request and choose to read.

I have been discussing WOMEN ROWING NORTH by Mary Pipher (Reviving Ophelia) with several staff members recently. Most of us had also read her piece, "The Joy of Being a Woman in Her 70s," in The New York Times. There, she writes about the decades we have had to build resilience, noting, "Our happiness is built by attitude and intention." Similar reflections appear in WOMEN ROWING NORTH which is subtitled "Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing as We Age." Pipher's advice includes the importance of gratitude and fighting isolation by finding meaning in one's life. She says, for example, "Our growth requires us to become skilled in perspective taking, in managing our emotions, in crafting positive narratives, and in forming intimate relationships. ... building joy, gratitude, and meaning into every day."

In a recent Wall Street Journal interview about her new book, Pipher comments that "in the title of the book, 'north' refers to winter and 'rowing' refers to the fact that it's an effort, and if you are going to stay on course at this age you have to work hard. ... If we don't add new chunks of identity, if we don't grow better, we grow bitter." WOMEN ROWING NORTH received starred reviews from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly ("a work chock-full of wisdom and consoling messages"). Oh, and look for an updated (25th anniversary!) edition of Reviving Ophelia which is scheduled for release in June, 2019.

Throughout Women Rowing North… author Mary Pipher, who has a PhD in clinical psychology, explores some of the cultural, social, personal, and emotional issues facing women as they age. She weaves the experiences of women, from a number of backgrounds and facing a variety of struggles, throughout the book. Along the way, she offers some solid advice for living a happy life including self-acceptance, authenticity, and community.

Pipher presents what seems to be sound, practical advice as well as real-life role models for women facing a new situation or life change. Her tone is conversational and instilled confidence and hope. Perhaps due to different experiences, I did not find much of the information relevant or new as much as I expect others might. I believe there is an audience for this book particularly women with long-term partners and/or children.

Women Rowing North: Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age by Mary Pipher is a highly recommended examination of the issues facing aging women.

Pipher tackles the cultural, personal, social, and developmental issues and challenges women face as they age and explores ways women can cultivate happiness through their responses. She shares stories from women in a variety of circumstances, backgrounds, and economic circumstances, and demonstrates how their struggles result in them becoming authentic, empathetic, and wise people. The summary of her encouraging advice is that happiness is a choice and skill set you can develop as you live a life of authenticity, gratitude, and adapting

In Women Rowing North Pipher doesn't shy away from the problems older women face, including health issues, ageism, loneliness, misogyny, lookism, caregiving, and loss. She notes that: "Old women in America suffer a social disease. For us, ageism may be an even more serious challenge than aging." She offers practical advice and suggestions as she shares the stories of the various women interviewed and featured along with her own personal journey in the book. She purposes that: "One of the great gifts of our later years is the possibility of authenticity....which comes from growing out of fears into wholeness."

She divides the book into three sections. The first section deals with the challenges that may face aging women. The second discusses the skills women need to navigate aging, with the ability to adapt being pivotal. The third section discusses the importance of relationships. Pipher realistically points out that, "We do not need to like all of our family members. Who does? Especially as we get older, we can select the people who we want to consider as family....No matter what our families are like or how difficult people are to get along with, we can almost always find at least one person to love."

Pipher has a calm, affirming writing style and this book should have a wide appeal to women approaching or in their sixties and beyond. While her advice won't apply to every aging woman, it does provide a platform for individuals to chart their own course, set boundaries, confront obstacles, and make their way through this time of life. "We can set priorities and separate the essential from the nonessential. We can ask, 'Am I spending my time in accordance with my values?'... Each of us has the freedom to decide what is essential."

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bloomsbury via Netgalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/01/women-rowing-north.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2667592868
https://www.librarything.com/work/21834464/reviews/164331393
https://twitter.com/SheTreadsSoftly/status/1083424577232035843

Shows cultural and other issues that women growing older face. Struggles but also gratitude and happiness to help women as they age become who they want to be.

I was happy to see a new book by this author -- as an educator, I found that her book, Reviving Ophelia, helped me to understand many of the young women I work with. Now, as a woman who is in the target age of Women Rowing North, this wonderful author is helping me to understand myself and the journey into older age that I am beginning. Lots here to think about. Mary Pipher's observations and advice are intelligent and wise. I recommend this to all women, whether or not they are conflicted or fearful of aging. This is a perfect title to recommend for anyone seeking New Year's inspiration and a fresh start.

A guide for all women especially those reaching a certain age a journey into the world of being a senior. Mary Pipher wise excellent book shows us how to cope how to continue to enjoy life.As women age and we are no longer noticed for our looks no whistles on the street women grow in their identities find strength in their bonding with other women strong friendships are very life enhancing.
A book to share with your girlfriends especially those who are heading to this next life episode.#netgally @Bloomsburybooks for this advance copy,