A Year By The Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman

I loved this book. So much of what Joan wrote that she thought and felt.....so much of how she viewed certain things, I relate to. This book is NOT just for older, married women with children. I am only 34, not married and have no children and Joan's words still awaken my yearning for freedom that she experienced. She is a brave heart. She told of the easy flowing good things and her battles with difficult times...with money and relationships and feelings of sexual desire and aloneness. This story is real. This woman is real and her story is one to be savored every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your experience, Joan. I hope the women who read it find strength and courage to explore deeper realms of their lives just like Joan did. It has certainly stimulated a passion in my life that I buried long ago and now feel ready to touch and feel.Can't wait to read An Unfinished Marriage. Good luck, Joan. Keep them coming!

I checked this book out from the library after seeing Joan Anderson on Oprah. I read it in a day and a half saving the ending for that second day because I was so moved. I went out the next day and bought a copy for myself so I could highlight. I then bought 15 more for a total of 16 to give as a gift to every woman I knew from 17 to 76 years old. I then read it again. I then tracked Joan Anderson herself down and flew to Cape Cod to meet her for my 30th birthday by myself. No girlfriends, siblings, or husband. You do not have to be wealthy to do this, I'm certainly not. I went myself for my own week by the sea and again met this magical woman. I've never had such an experience in my life and probably never will. Buy the book - buy many and give them to everyone you know. I was 29 when I read it and found myself becoming the author in a few years time. What a blessed woman, what a blessed place, what a blessed book. Amazing.

Not usually a non-fiction reader, I was struck by the title and description at the book store, bought it, and couldn't put it down. It was amazing to identify with so many "after the children are raised" feelings as well as have my life long drawings to nature validated. Its been a very long time since I've been so mesmerized by an author, so immersed in her bravery to face new experiences and in awe of her ability to share her most intimate thoughts with others. I feel like I know her, but I want to know her more, much more. This book needs to be shared.

I bought this book on a Saturday afternoon and finished by by Sunday morning.This is a great little book for any woman who wonders about who they are, and where are they going from here. Are we just going in circles, are we still playful, do we love ourselves, do we love life?This book shares the authors thoughts of what happened to her over the time period of one year, alone, all alone in a small family cottage by the sea.If you want to be inspired to think of yourself first so you have something to give to others this is the book for you.