A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman

This book was fantastic! I couldn't put it down and although I am only in my 20s I could relate to so much of what she was writting. Once I finished the book I promptly lent it to my mother and she also loves it! A great read for anyone wanting to learn more about women's stories and their experiences.

Joan Anderson details her experience of separating from her husband and retreating to Cape Cod for a year. She is so out-of-touch with herself and her needs that even in this year of self-discovery, she flounders and at times seems wimpy and lost. It's inspiring, as it shows that you don't have to be super-woman to make changes in your life.
Ideas that seep into my mind as I read include:
*It's never too late to tune into your real self
*Solitude and interaction with nature help free you to think
*Getting your hands dirty releases inhibitions
*We are all unfinished women (and men) but often don't let ourselves grow
Although some passages seemed banal as you read them, the overall revitalization and insight that the author experiences strike a spark. I I imagine we all need some time to recharge and reconnect with ourselves, but rarely have that luxury. We also fill our lives too much with the daily demands and aren't willing to listen to our minds and bodies rebelling or quietly suffocating.

I found this book to be quite an interesting read. I like Joan's writing style and her bravery in facing situations that came her way. She tells of the creative solutions she came up with to patch up her cabin, her relationships and, ultimately, her own psyche. She stepped out in faith and is an adventurous inspiration to me. I especially loved her interactions with the seals. A quick and enjoyable read!

This is one of the best books I've ever read - and I read a lot! If you want to read something that will really stir your heart and move your soul, this is the book. In this true story, Joan Anderson speaks to any woman who has ever wondered "is this all there is?" as she shares her experience of spending a year alone in her family's cottage at a point in her life when she is no longer willing to just go along with her husband's career or what she's "supposed to do". She writes of the emotional, physical, spiritual and financial challenges she faces and how she deals with each. After reading this book, you will want to read more of Joan Anderson!

Joan Anderson writes with clarity and touches the heart and soul with her honesty and tenderness. She offers possibilities not considered before -- especially to women of my era (a child of the 50s) and reminds us that we are women of dignity and honor. This is definitely one of my guidebooks that will be re-read and shared with my sisters.