A Second Blooming: Becoming the Women We Are Meant to Be

by Susan Cushman (Editor)

A SECOND BLOOMING is a collection of essays by twenty-one authors who are emerging from the chrysalis they built for their younger selves and transforming into the women they are meant to be.

Paperback

Published March 1, 2017

About the author

Cushman's eighth book, "Pilgrim Interrupted," releases June 7 , 2022. Her seventh book, "John and Mary Margaret," was published June 8, 2021.

Susan's sixth book, a collection of linked short stories titled "Friends of the Library," was published by Koehler Books in August, 2019. Her third anthology, "The Pulpwood Queens Celebrate 20 Years!," was published in December, 2019.

Susan's first novel, "Cherry Bomb," released in July 2017. Her first book, "Tangles and Plaques: A Mother and Daughter Face Alzheimer's," was released in January 2017. She was also editor of "A Second Blooming: Becoming the Women We Are Meant to Be," (March 2017) and "Southern Writers on Writing," (University Press of Mississippi, May 2018.) Susan has essays published in over 10 journals and magazines and four anthologies.

Susan was co-director of the 2010 and 2013 Oxford Creative Nonfiction Conferences, and Director of the 2011 Memphis Creative Nonfiction Workshop. She lives in Memphis where she loves leading a writing workshop at a senior living facility and volunteering for Room in the Inn, which provides food and shelter for the homeless.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year I will turn 40, my son will turn three, and my husband & I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. I found myself struggling quite a bit as the new year began for various reasons (physical injuries that resulted in depression, etc.). It was perfect timing for this book to be the Pulpwood Queens book of the month. I’ve never read a collection of stories before but I loved this book & all the different stories shared by so many different, but strong & brave, women. I am now excited about my next blooming (perhaps it’s my second or maybe even my third). My favorite essay was by Kathy Rhodes in which she states God uses broken things. Indeed He does. Thanks to all the wonderful contributors!

[Danielle Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal collection of essays written by women for women. This would be a great book to share on Mother's Day or really anytime.

[Sidna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was o.k. Other reviewers liked it more than I did, maybe because of my age. I'm 76 and have had many life experiences, some good and some heartbreaking, but I don't think they changed the person I am. When I was about 16 and still living at home with my parents, I knew what I wanted out of life and that I would have to work to get it for myself. Everything didn't work out exactly as I hoped it would, but I am not unhappy with the choices I made. When something did not work out the way I envisioned, I often looked back years later and realized that what did happen put me in a better position.

Many of the authors of these essays felt that experiences they had or choices they made changed the person they were. Circumstances in our lives may change due to experiences we have or choices we make, but I don't think we really change as a person.

[Leah Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read about this anthology of "second blooming" stories of women, I was lukewarm. Then I hear Susan Cushman and several of the contributors speak on a panel at the Pulpwood Queens' wonderful book festival, Girl Friend Weekend. And I was hooked - immediately buying a copy. And I was not disappointed when I read the book. Each story is unique in context and style. The challenges are often unexpected. But through each story, I felt the journey of each writer as she emerged stronger for her life experience. I definitely recommend this book for yourself or as a gift for your mother, daughter or best friend.

[Kerry Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of essays about women facing a new self after change. Many of the essays were written by women in the "second bloom" of life after 50. My favorite essays were "Pushing Up the Sun" by Kathy Rhodes and "The Triskele" by Sally Palmer Thomason.