The Art of Growing Up: Simple Ways to Be Yourself at Last

As so many other young women, I dread growing old and losing IT (if I have it, otherwise losing the possibility of ever getting IT). However, after reading this book I felt much calmer on the subject. The author speaks to the reader like a friend, and teaches that there are many ages in a woman's life, where different styles and attitudes are appropriate. Old can be chic! Young does not necessarily equal chic!

Once upon a time, I owned this shirt that said, "I may grow older, but I refuse to grow up!" I thought I would never give up that shirt. I wanted to stay a child forever. Now, at a youthful 26, it was only a year ago that I started to accept that I was going to "grow up." When I was thirteen, this was a bad thing. Like all of Veronique Viennes books, she shows you the good side of things that are seen by society as bad. (getting older, imperfection, doing nothing.) I have finally learned that getting older is great! It does get harder of course because there are so many more decisions to make, but I wouldn't trade that for wisdom, intelligence, and the fact that I am the one who gets to make those decisions! The pictures in this book were taken by her daughter, Jeanne Lipsy, a photographer and camera assistant in her own right. They are black and white in style with a brown tint that brings an old fashioned look to it. I think her next title should be "the art of eating ice cream while laying in bed and reading books and watching movies." :)We need to teach young women that "old" and "young" are just attitudes, not numbers! Read this book!

I love this book:-) I keep it in my handbag and read and reread it every chance I get. I have ordered copies for all of my friends ( especially male friends) to help them get more enjoyment from there lives....I will be 60 in June and this book has helped me look forward to that big birthday with pleasure.

This book is for women of all ages. As soon as we realize our own importance and comfort, we can share this book's humor. I am 35 years old and still not a mother, but I would love to have children, and one day have this book read to me. Oh, how I wish to tell all my friends of this book!

For those of you who are approaching a milestone birthday, this book is a must. I purchased this book and read it on my own birthday, and found myself embracing my new age. I found every page inspiring. And while the book is not very long, it's packed with wisdom.In addition to making the reader feel better (not older) the book is beautifully written. The photographs are also quite lovely. Generally, when I read a good book, I loan it to all my friends..but this one's different. I'll keep this one right on my shelf, so I can reach for it again and again.