On Women Turning 60 : Embracing the Age of Fulfillment

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Summary: On Women Turning 60 by Cathleen Rountree
Review: I loved this book! It was an inspiring addition to Cathleen Rountree's series of "On Women Turning..." books - my favorite so far. The diverse group of women selected included some of my personal (s)heros - Marion Woodman and Jane Goodall - as well as a number of women I did not know of, but was pleased to be introduced to. The women's stories, the author's questions and commentary all interweave seemlessly. The photos are fabulous as well - capturing something of the essence of each woman. The topic of aging is handled honestly and openly, and I am left with a vastly different perspective than the negative view of aging most common in our society.

Rating:
Summary: On Women Turning 60 by Cathleen Rountree
Review: I was disappointed in this book. It detailed the thoughts of women turning 60 who had many advantages in life, in terms of education, family help and encouragement, the luck to connect with the right mentor at the right time. I would have been much more interested in the thoughts of less privileged women, more ordinary women. I couldn't help thinking that it may be easier to have a positive view of aging if you are already a woman of accomplishment by the time you hit your forties. For some, the greatest accomplishement of their lives may be successfully raising a family, completing an advanced education later in life or simply a life devoted to volunteerism. I'd be interested in their thoughts. That's what I thought I was getting, at least in part. A nice mixture of women from different socio-economic groups would have been most welcome.

Rating:
Summary: An O.K. book for reading about privileged people aging.
Review: I was disappointed in this book. It detailed the thoughts of women turning 60 who had many advantages in life, in terms of education, family help and encouragement, the luck to connect with the right mentor at the right time. I would have been much more interested in the thoughts of less privileged women, more ordinary women. I couldn't help thinking that it may be easier to have a positive view of aging if you are already a woman of accomplishment by the time you hit your forties. For some, the greatest accomplishement of their lives may be successfully raising a family, completing an advanced education later in life or simply a life devoted to volunteerism. I'd be interested in their thoughts. That's what I thought I was getting, at least in part. A nice mixture of women from different socio-economic groups would have been most welcome.