The Girls with the Grandmother Faces: A Celebration of Life's Potential For Those Over 55

by Frances Weaver

The author of I'm Not As Old As I Used to Be uses humor and homespun wisdom to share her practical and inspirational advice for women over fifty-five, challenging women to keep their freedom, independence, imagination, and curiosity.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, it was okay, not really speaking to me because I am not a widow. But then she started talking about doing things to enrich your life, which you can do whether you're a widow or just being retired. Things she talked about included travel, and how to do it inexpensively; continueing education for seniors; group tours(which could include your local bridge/hearts/canasta group, local book club/volunteerr group, whatever). All kinds of things to not just fill up your days, but to make your life more interesting, to meet interesting people, to take you out of your comfort zone (which is probably on the sofa, watching TV). Is that where your kids/neighbors are going to find you? This book throws all kinds of things at you that you probably hadn't even thought of. I recommend this book not just for widows, but for anyone who needs a shot of inspiration in their life...."I just don't know what to do with myself anymore. Frank/Tom/Dave/Joe just doesn't want to go out anywhere anymore and I don't want to leave him at home by himself. God knows what he'll do." Say this with the whiny voice you know with which it would be accompanied. If the aforementioned man doesn't want to go out, put a beer in his hand, give hime the remote and take off. He won't even know that you've gone until you return; maybe not even then. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Oh, p.s. she mentions several other books by different authors and I believe she has some other books of her own as well. This one is a keeper.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this book was not written with me in mind. While I am over 55 and I am a girl with a “grandmother face” this book was written for sad and lonely widows with time on their hands and money for travel.

I am 71 and married. I have a large, loving family. Obviously, I’m not widowed, I’m not lonely or bored. I don’t have a lot of free time or a lot of money. I do have hobbies i enjoy and groups I belong to.

All that being said, I learned from this book and it made me laugh out loud in places. It’s about learning to accept change and move not.

I would recommend it to over 55, widowed women who are sad, lonely, bored and have time and money for travel.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was among books a family friend gave to my parents while I visited. As I am nearing 55, it caught my attention. However it is geared to a slightly different audience. The book is 30 years old and the author is from my grandparents generation. She is also widowed with adult children. That said, there are some ideas that transcend time and it was an enjoyable quick read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly I am a latecomer to this author's writings...especially since she is no longer with us. But I so enjoyed this book, one that I randomly chose from the library shelf entirely for it's title!

I love her humor and wit in this book...and her caution that being old nowadays is not for sissies. You're never too old to learn something new or explore new things.

One quote from this book that I love: "family life cannot go on in the same old way anymore than any other drama can, once the cast of characters changes!"

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! You can sit at home and rust or mold if you wish, But isn’t it better to get out there and do something with the rest of your life? The author became a widow in her 50s and decided she was not going to sit and vegetate the rest of her life. Her book is an inspiration and really a testament that you are only as young or as old as you want to feel.

[Catherine O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very good advice for ladies of a certain age. It is a bit dated at this point with suggestions to local newspapers [which many areas no longer have] and to write to certain groups [vs. go to their website]. However, a quick google will get you there! I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Rosemarie Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's well written but the title threw me, I thought it was a book of stories about grandmothers who never let age define them, instead it's a book about widowhood and travel, I recommend it if you're a widow who likes to travel.

[CapnKath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Ths woman tells of her life after 60, her husband's death, her travels and advice.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just alright.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that were really great and reaffirming to read. I found myself getting a bit distracted by some of the underlines etc that were in the text from a previous reader, so probably didn't read it as thoroughly as I should have.

I have loaned it to two friends. One predictably, loved it, the other, just as predictably didn't. One thought it heartwarming, the other thought it gooey and overly sentimental. One has daughters, one has sons. One voted for Kerry, one for Bush.

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew better. Of course I did. But my copy didn't have the subtitle, just a lovely illustration of four little girls and four old women, presumably the same persons separated by time. But I knew before I was a chapter in that what I was getting was heartwarming, wholesome, and largely jocular advice on how to be a spunky old woman. There were parts that I enjoyed, but overall I found it too sticky, too gooey, too... traditionally grandmotherly. Here, have a nice cup of tea, dearie. Oops, I spilled it on this book. Darn.

[Suzyberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from the perfect title to the honest revelations of growing older. Frances Weaver said what is in many of our hearts as we are known as Grandmothers but still feel like 'girls'...and we still are. It's a joyful book to open your eyes to the blessings and adventures of aging...and it's a bit of a kick-in-the-pants to any of us who need to realize all these truths and 'own' them. There is always more life to be lived!

[Tamra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author really needed a good editor. She goes on and on. Very one sided view of how to handle being a widow. Her solution is to travel to every corner of the earth. She is the widow of a doctor and doesn't seem to grasp that not everyone has that kind of cash. I, obviously, did not like this book very much.

[Sheri Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those of us who are grandmothers over 55, The Girls with the Grandmother Faces reminds us that our lives still have enormous potential. Regardless of where we are in life, we can open our eyes to the wonderful possibilities that life still offers and survive the struggles that life may throw our way.

[Jeanne Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and inspirational book for women... I'd almost say of all ages. Let's face it many women will find themselves living alone and this book made me step back a bit and look at what it's like for "older" women who find themselves alone for whatever the reason is. Full of ideas and energy and a great book if you are looking for an interesting book that's not your typical self-help type read.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm only in my forties but I thought this book had a lot of good things to say about just getting out there and embracing life--no matter your circumstances. I'd recommend this book for anyone about 45 and older. I felt inspired to get up and get living.

[Florence Primrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides suggestions for celebrations of life for women (could be men) over 55. There are excellent suggestions for moving on in life as a single person and making changes. And there are excellent ideas for any person over 55 to enrich her life.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't decide between 2 or 3 stars. It was interesting for ideas on how to live on your own and get out more. Neither are a problem for me so it might have been better if it was more useful. There are funny sections tho.

[Terimorse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Makes you think about how you can make your life more enjoyable as you get older, rather than sitting around doing nothing.

[Kathy Dalmia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, sensible ideas, got a little "preachy" at the end/

[Jakki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great travel ideas and coping positively with being a widow.

The author went back to college at 59 - what an inspiration.

The Title of the book is my favorite part.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of enjoying a new chapter of your life. I felt her life experiences were insightful.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very dated in a lot of ways, and all of her advice I wouldn’t necessarily agree with, but she does give some good tips.

[Nancy Barta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good advice to love and live life especially as we age.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book if you're stagnant and want to get yourself doing different activities, maybe adventures that you only dreamed about! A bit dated, written in 1998, I think, but this woman was suddenly alone, did the most amazing things, and is still alive today!