Shine On: How To Grow Awesome Instead of Old

by Claire Cook

“Claire Cook just gets it.” -Meg Cabot

If you're a forty-to-forever woman who's interested in aging well, don't miss this motivating and inspiring book.

Join New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Amazon bestselling author Claire Cook on a transformative journey that will help you shake off all those worries about getting older and embrace what can be the most vibrant, creative and empowering chapter of your life.

Claire wrote her first book in her minivan at 45. At 50, she walked the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the adaptation of her novel, Must Love Dogs, starring Diane Lane and John Cusack. With another milestone birthday on the horizon, she was old enough to know the signs: "It was time to get my act together. Again."

Shine On: How To Grow Awesome Instead of Old speaks to midlife women everywhere and is filled with Claire's trademark humor, heart, honesty and encouragement.

“Cook's penchant for hitting the emotional sore spot and combining it with humor hits the mark.” -New York Journal of Books

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

310 pages, Paperback

Published December 18, 2015

About the author

CLAIRE COOK wrote her first book in her minivan at 45. At 50, she walked the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the adaptation of her novel Must Love Dogs, starring Diane Lane and John Cusack, which is now an 8-book series. Claire is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 25 books for 40-to-forever women, including her latest series, Bonus Time.

If you have a buried dream, take it from Claire, It's Never Too Late to Shine On!

Stay in the loop for new releases, giveaways, inspiration and insider extras at ClaireCook.com.

Read excerpts at ClaireCook.com/books/

Connect with Claire:
Instagram.com/ClaireCookwrite
Facebook.com/ClaireCookauthorpage
Linkedin.com/in/clairecookwrite/
BookBub.com/authors/claire-cook
Goodreads.com/clairecook

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shine On is the Self-Help Book I’ve Been Waiting For!

I have reinvented myself many times, and just when I think, “This is it!” something new comes along and it’s time to change direction again. Thank goodness Claire Cook managed to show up just in the nick of time to help guide me through the next transition!

In a world that tends to be extremely youth-centric, Claire Cook is a positive voice for grabbing mid-life with both hands, and not buying into the belief that life is over at 50, 60 or even 70.

“Shine On,” is a fun read, but more than that you feel like you have a buddy who is changing their life right along with you. Claire Cook is open about her own challenges - from leaving her NYC publisher to strike out on her own, to deciding to completely change her diet to feel better and lose some unwanted weight, she’s right there with you. So often books designed to help me make me feel like I’m not enough, and the author seems to be talking down to me, not so in “Shine On.” Claire Cook is warm, non-judgemental and encouraging. Written as a series of bite-sized chapters, it’s more conversational, less rigid how-to.

The book offers lots of practical steps and examples that helped me break through many of the blocks I’d created, and made me feel reaching my goals is really possible.

More than anything however, it just made me feel better about myself. Knowing even best-selling authors have their struggles, many the same as mine, made me feel less alone. Reading the steps Cook took to make her life brighter gave me the kick in the pants I needed to “Shine On” in my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need to SHINE ON. The way Claire Cook shares her personal journey is uplifting, humorous, humble, and encouraging to any woman who yearns to make positive life changes but who also tends to stall out.

With her trademark wit and honesty, Claire helps us move from good intentions to positive results. And she reveals her own setbacks and success, as well as her tried and true methods of how to set and meet manageable goals. By taking chances (both small and big), this book helps us discover pathways to better physical, emotional, and spiritual health so we can live more fully and embrace life at any age. I’m going to share this wonderful little book with my girlfriends so they can SHINE ON, too!

[Sharon Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Claire Cook gives us tips to get to know, accept and love ourselves in mid life or whatever stage of life we may embrace. Whether she's giving us tips on makeup, hobbies, exercise or finding our "thing", Claire speaks to us as a girlfriend, not as some expert with 12 initials after their names. She gives us suggestions to consider in a way that very often had me laughing because I saw myself in the situations. In finding our awesomeness two hints are to learn to say no and to take care of ourselves sometimes instead of everyone else in our lives. Whether you are in the "forty to forever" age group or it's in your future, read "Shine On" for insight into your own awesomeness. I'm keeping it on my nightstand as my awesomeness reference guide.

[Stephanie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

As readers, we can be so lucky to encounter that “right book at the right time” experience. That happened to me last year when I read Claire Cook’s Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention and I couldn’t stop singing its praises. (I still can’t. Seriously. Read this book!) Now, on the cusp of the new year, Claire has done it again with Shine On: How to Grow Awesome Instead of Old, and let me tell you, people: if you're in the market for a bubbly bottle of inspiration, you can’t afford to miss this book.

Dedicated to “forty-to-forever women,” Shine On offers sage advice not just on aging well, but living well. With her trademark wit and honesty, Claire Cook covers everything from big picture motivation on following your dreams and remembering to have fun, to practical, hands-on tips on fitness, healthy eating, her favorite beauty products, and the many wonders of coconut oil. (Note to self: Must remember to pick up some coconut oil. Who knew it can be used for almost anything?) Sharing deeply personal stories about her successes, mistakes, and set-backs, Cook reminds us that even on days when it might not seem like it, there are opportunities to embrace our own awesomeness around every corner.

Claire Cook’s wisdom, candor, and effervescent enthusiasm shine on in every word she writes. When reading her books, you feel like she’s sitting across from you, talking about what she’s up to, what she’s learned, and that really cool thing that happened to her the other day. Even when offering advice, she acknowledges that what works for her might not work for everyone, and she shares pointers on how we can define and create our own versions of awesome. As someone in my thirties, I may not be the exact target audience for this book, but it absolutely hit home, and each delicious chapter filled me with more and more inspiration. Honestly, who among us doesn’t need a boost every now and then, a cheerleader reminding us to be our very most fabulous selves?

For those who consider Never Too Late a personal roadmap, Shine On makes the perfect successor. This book is a great motivator not just to the fantastic forty-to-forever women it’s dedicated to, but to anyone looking to add a little more sparkle to their lives.

Full review on bookperfume.com

[Nancy Carty Lepri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many women who are entering or are now into the mid-life years or past, fret over their age. Either they regret the things they wanted to do but failed to accomplish, put aside doing, or believe they are too old for new undertakings.

This latest non-fiction release is a must read for those who may experience sadness over unfilled dreams or for one looking for a new outlook on life as we become older. Humor and sensitivity abound in this captivating book. The premise is…you are never too old to try new adventures, learn new areas of interest or simply be the person you want to be. You need not berate yourself for desiring more out of life, something a lot of us fear for many were conditioned to think of others before ourselves.

For years, our lives centered on husbands, children, jobs and possibly aging parents--anything where we came in last. Now we CAN care for our families or work and still make time to enjoy doing things we love and want to do without suffering guilt. Perhaps you always longed to paint, sky dive, write a book, or do something you fancy yet are afraid of looking foolish or of failing. Now is the time to “Just do it!”

“Shine On: How to Grow Awesome Instead of Old” contains quotes from various celebrities and writers, as well as comments from the author’s friends and fans, showing evidence of the intense research undertaken for this book. Ms. Cook includes anecdotes from her life incorporating touches of wit as she depicts some of her human foibles sure to resonate with the reader.

Some of the several subjects deal with diets and losing weight, which make-up is good for mature skin, should you color your hair or go natural, try different endeavors or do whatever your desire and more. Everybody will find something to which you can relate. This exciting narrative offers a “guide” to keep and refer to continuously if not for advice and suggestions, but for a downright enjoyable read.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shine On: How to grow Awesome Instead of Old is the second non-fiction book by Claire Cook. Reading this book feels more like a conversation with a good friend. Full of tips and practical advice on dealing with midlife, this book also shares stories; some funny and some very personal. From make-up and diets to setting priorities and achieving your goals, Claire Cook is open and honest as she shares what she has learned and offers encouragement for her readers to ‘shine on’ too.

As a big fan of Claire Cook, I always enjoy her stories full of women with spunk, who are ready to challenge whatever is the next step in their life, and it is clear after reading this book that Claire Cook is not just writing about reinvention - she is living it.

I had so much fun visualizing Claire walking her tape balance beam down the hall. I giggled as she described Kayaking down the river, only to realize that she was in water only a few inches deep. I love how Claire confronts challenges head on, and if she realizes that something isn't for her, she is able to simply move on. At times while reading this book, I felt like we were so much alike, from a tendency to walk around barefoot, to the struggles of trying to appreciate yoga, and failing to enjoy the experience, it often feels like she is describing me and my life.

Full of inspirational quotes as well as practical suggestions, this is a perfect book to begin a new year on the right foot.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Cook does it again! I loved this book as a 40 to forever woman, although I think younger women would also get a lot out of it. Claire's voice jumps off the page, so you feel as if she is your best friend
talking to you. Claire covers subjects ranging from a traumatic experience, to mid-life invisibility, to what is her favorite candy bar, which we share, Almond Joy. Claire's research informs her actions, and she includes just enough to educate without being boring. This is a book I already want to go back and re-read, maybe focusing on one thing, and going back later for something else. There is a chapter on fun, and because of that, I already signed up for ballroom dancing lessons. Of course, expect to laugh our loud, because Claire always illustrates the absurdity of life, or throws out the witty one-liner.
If you do one thing for yourself, treat yourself to this book. I promise you will love it, and use it.
Thank you, Claire.

[Sheilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Cook's newest book, Shine On, has arrived at the perfect moment in my life. Perhaps you've been wondering what to do with your life. I have too! I'm 51, divorced, and my only child has gone to college. I've been trying to find my place, and have not been very successful in doing so.

Once I started reading Shine On, I couldn't put the book down, feeling that Claire Cook had written this book just for me. Who knew that so many other women felt the same way? That, in itself, gave me motivation to read on. Shine On gave me direction and inspired me in an almost mesmerizing way. Ranging from where do I go and what do I do, to how to get off the couch, get moving, and feel fantastic about myself, Shine On provides humorous and thought-provoking guidance.

Shine On will certainly be gifted to many of my friends who are on their own personal journey of being 40+ years awesome.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal journal meets guide to growing awesome meets a welcome party into the midlife sorority! Claire shares personal stories of growth and achievement as well as stories and thoughts from other women growing into midlife womanhood. Along her personal journey described in this short chaptered, fast read, Claire gives great tips and ideas for your own coming of age, including how to set up a "Shine On" journal and ideas on what to put in it. So put on your comfy sweat pants, sit down on your big bouncy ball, pull out your "Shine On" journal and "f*$%# it" list and start on this fantastic guide on how not to grow old!

[Joan Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the New Year, gift yourself with a copy of Claire Cook's newest non-fiction, "Shine On".
Filled with Cook's characteristic sensibility, positivity, inspiration and humor, you will feel invigorated and empowered. Her stories and experiences from her own life, as well as from other women, will lift you up, make you ponder - and smile.
Cook's literary and music references - such fun - and right on the mark.
This book will surely set you on your own path to shine'
A great read !

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a fine wine, Cook gets better with age! Wise, insightful...deeply resonant.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I had expected. It was an OK read, but it almost felt as if it was a vehicle to bring the author's other books to the attention of the reader rather than a road map (of sorts) to growing awesome instead of old. I hadn't expected a step-by-step guide, but I did expect more than just the author's musings as to what she was doing to help herself get out of her upper-midlife doldrums/crisis. I contemplated putting this book aside, but I kept hoping that she would have some interesting insights further on in the book -- none materialized. If you are a fan of Claire Cook or just like reading about what is going on in another person's life, this is the book for you; if not, you may want to look for another book.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quit reading half way through and went back to finish it. I had forgotten I had even read the first half. I felt it was more of her memories than actual advice. When she did have a suggestion it was common sense for older women. I felt there was a lot of "fluff" and nothing to stick to your ribs. I couldn't get over the coloring book chapter. She mentioned every book she has written I'm sure. I won't read another of her books.

[Andrea Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started listening to this just after the power in our house went out Friday night (March 12th) and I'm glad I downloaded it onto my phone & tablet. It helped me get to sleep relaxing me because a lot of what Claire was saying I had started about 10 years ago. The next few days I listened a lot and got more ideas and wrote them down.

[Susan Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Cook always feels like a friend. She is honest, funny, and authentic in these books. Some of the chapters on products for fantastic forty forever women weren't that needed by be but the mindset of being energetic, finding new passions, trying new endeavors fill me. This was a reread and I welcome it in just like I would an old friend for fun conversation.

[Carlymor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 very uplifting stars! You’ll find yourself smiling at the wit and wisdom of Claire Cook as she covers a multitude of topics women can relate to. You definitely will feel better about yourself after reading this inspirational book.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Shining On on Audible.

Claire mentions so many things that I’ve tried or wanted to try. It felt like I was listening to a close girlfriend who had the same interests as me.

It’s a must-read for women who want to keep active and fun and stay fabulous as they age.

[V.K. Budd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick to read, lots of quotes, some recipes

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook - not well organized. Basic ho hum ideas

[Veronica Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light and uplifting.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about getting old by not getting old

[Kelly Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened via Chirp. This book had a lot of great advice. I loved the authors sense of humor.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having written her first book - Must Love Dogs - at the age of 45, the message of this book is that it's never too late to start doing something new. This personal memoir woven with inspiration and encouragement is about reinvention throughout life. (It also had me wondering what the lady equivalent of "dad jokes" should be.) An easy, fun read.

[Victoria Colotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love that Claire Cook is writing books like this. She gets it. This is a book people who are looking to reinvent yourself or just people who are looking to embrace the life they have. This is the second non-fiction book I have read by the author and I think her insights are just too valuable for anyone to pass up.

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[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a new year - generally a time when everyone thinks about starting over, starting new, starting ... well, something! So it is the perfect time for author Claire Cook to debut her latest book, "Shine On!: How To Grow Awesome Instead of Old."

In her bubbly and optimistic style, Claire shares both personal stories and other's stories on how to take charge of your life, kick off the duldrums and become the fabulous, happy person who is somewhere inside you! Following your dreams is an important part of Claire's outlook, and reinvention of your dreams, your hopes, and your life is made to look possible through her witty but wise advice.

Not only does Claire have success stories, she also includes diet and nutrition tips, as well as beauty and grooming tip. Personal appearance plays a big role in being happy, and Claire happily offers her personal experience as a role model for developing a new chapter in the reader's life.

If you are looking for a spark to lit your new year's resolutions, then Claire Cook is the match you are looking for. I highly recommend this new book. You're never too old to get started!

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Yes! Yes! This book is a must read for all us ladies that need a bit of a boost to "SHINE"... So many of us need a push, or permission or some "guide" to go for what we really know is our passion, to understand the feelings in our life when "it's just not enough"... Claire Cook, once again, gives us the tools, the words, the place to get started or continue on a "reinvention" path. Whether it be for a new job, career or simply to try new things as we age, this book offers fun, simple, easy ideas and stories to "grow awesome".

Easy to read wonderful advice that always allows you to feel as if you belong in this particular place. It is okay to grow older, to want different paths and fall in love all over again with YOU and your life. My copy is dog eared, marked up and sticky noted all over and that was just from my first read. I have begun a new phase in my life thanks to Claire's first book "Never Too Late, Your Roadmap to Reinvention" and this book continues the extremely usable advice. Start reading, grab a notebook and get busy. You will not be disappointed. Good Luck in your new adventure to "Grow Awesome and Shine On!"

[Patricia Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Cook captured me in the chapter on Bucket Lists and F*ckit Lists. My initial expectations were that this would be a "how To" manual, well referenced, with rules, mandates. Instead I found a book written from her heart and personal experiences with human vulnerability and humor. When she does make a list of her own and suggest to the reader to make their lists, it's an exercise in Plause-abilites: things that may work for you or me in the process of re-inventing our Selves. Her practical perspective made me feel as if she were a mentor, a coach , my personal cheerleader on the path to awesomeness. Thanks Goodreads and Claire Cook for this enjoyable book.

[Lori Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow-up book to "Never Too Late" - both of Claire's books were perfect timing at this point in my life, but I truly think both books are good information and motivation for any age. I want to always be growing and feeling good about creative, new challenges and activities and be part of the world as it keeps moving forward - I refuse to be "stuck in my ways" - We all have "stuff", but while we are here and we are able, let's do this! See you at the reinvention group workshop on January 23rd :)

[Patricia Stoltey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Cook, author of the Must Love Dogs series as well as another inspirational non-fiction called Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way) is an entertaining writer who has a wonderful attitude and sense of humor. She strives to pass it on to her readers through both fiction and nonfiction. I’ve read both of the nonfiction motivational books and highly recommend them. They work just fine when read in conjunction with The Artist’s Way and with Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic.

[Joanne Tombrakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, honest and entertaining, How To grow Awesome Instead Of Old, will leave anyone who falls in that forty to forever age range ready to create their own brand of awesomeness!

I’ve been a fan of Claire Cook’s for a long time and this book does not disappoint. Written in her signature voice - that combination of funny and insightful - that makes you smile one minute and have an aha moment the next - I was sad when I got to the last page.

More please!