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The Wonder Years: 40 Women over 40 on Aging, Faith, Beauty, and Strength
Women past a certain age often feel like they are fading into the background of life. The nest is emptying, limitations are increasing, and fear about aging and the years ahead grow. Even women of faith can feel a waning sense of value, regardless of biblical examples of godly women yielding fruit long after their youth is gone. But despite a youth-obsessed culture, the truth is that the second half of life can often be the richest.
It's time to stop dreading and start embracing the wonder of life after 40. Here, well-known women of faith from 40 to 85 tackle these anxieties head-on and upend them with humor, sass, and spiritual wisdom. These compelling and poignant first-person stories are from amazing and respected authors including:
Kay Warren
Lauren F. Winner
Joni Eareckson Tada
Elisa Morgan
Luci Shaw
These women provide much-needed role models--not for aging gracefully but for doing so honestly, faithfully, and with eyes open to wonder and deep theology along the way. Each essay provides insight into God's perspective on these later years, reminding readers that it's possible to serve the kingdom of God and His people even better with a little extra life experience to guide you.
The Wonder Years is an inspiring and unforgettable guide to making these years the most fruitful and abundant of your life.
It's time to stop dreading and start embracing the wonder of life after 40. Here, well-known women of faith from 40 to 85 tackle these anxieties head-on and upend them with humor, sass, and spiritual wisdom. These compelling and poignant first-person stories are from amazing and respected authors including:
Kay Warren
Lauren F. Winner
Joni Eareckson Tada
Elisa Morgan
Luci Shaw
These women provide much-needed role models--not for aging gracefully but for doing so honestly, faithfully, and with eyes open to wonder and deep theology along the way. Each essay provides insight into God's perspective on these later years, reminding readers that it's possible to serve the kingdom of God and His people even better with a little extra life experience to guide you.
The Wonder Years is an inspiring and unforgettable guide to making these years the most fruitful and abundant of your life.
232 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2018
46 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Leyland Fields
31 books133 followersWhen you see her, Leslie may be wearing a silk dress and fishnets or wearing Xtra-Tuff boots and mending fishing nets, depending on whether she’s at her fishcamp in the Alaska wilderness or on a speaking tour “Outside.” She’s happy in both places talking about the books, places and topics that move her most.
She's the multi-award winning author of 12 books, with her 12th forthcoming in April, 2020. (Your Story Matters) Her list includes Crossing the Waters: Following Jesus through the Storms, the Fish, the Doubt and the Seas; Forgiving Our Fathers and Mothers; The Spirit of Food: 34 Writers on Feasting and Fasting Toward God (Cascade), Surviving the Island of Grace: A Life on the Wild Edge of America (Thomas Dunne), and Parenting is Your Highest Calling . . . and Eight Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt (Waterbrook), and five others. Her essays have won a number of awards and have appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, Christianity Today, Beliefnet, Books and Culture, Orion, etc. She takes on garbage, a theology of the body, culture-making, motherhood, narrative theology and points between and beyond. Her essays have won Pushcart nominations, the William Wilberforce Award and the Virginia Faulkner Award.
“As much as I love words on the page, I’m not fully satisfied until I get to speak them in person with others,” Leslie adds. She says she’s honored to travel and share from her passions nationally and internationally at conferences, universities, churches and retreats. With three master’s degrees, she has taught collegiate and undergraduate classes for many years, including six years in Seattle Pacific University’s MFA program. If she can’t see her audience, radio is a good second. She has appeared on more than 150 radio shows including Family Life Today, Prime Time America, Keepin' the Faith, Chris Fabry Live!
Leslie blogs at www.leslieleylandfields.com about life in her house, in the wild and on the road. She lives in Kodiak, Alaska with her husband and two teens. In the summer, her four older children return to their fishcamp island where cell phones don’t work, and where they all happily (sometimes) work together in commercial salmon fishing. You can reach her at leslieleylandfields@gmail.com
She's the multi-award winning author of 12 books, with her 12th forthcoming in April, 2020. (Your Story Matters) Her list includes Crossing the Waters: Following Jesus through the Storms, the Fish, the Doubt and the Seas; Forgiving Our Fathers and Mothers; The Spirit of Food: 34 Writers on Feasting and Fasting Toward God (Cascade), Surviving the Island of Grace: A Life on the Wild Edge of America (Thomas Dunne), and Parenting is Your Highest Calling . . . and Eight Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt (Waterbrook), and five others. Her essays have won a number of awards and have appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, Christianity Today, Beliefnet, Books and Culture, Orion, etc. She takes on garbage, a theology of the body, culture-making, motherhood, narrative theology and points between and beyond. Her essays have won Pushcart nominations, the William Wilberforce Award and the Virginia Faulkner Award.
“As much as I love words on the page, I’m not fully satisfied until I get to speak them in person with others,” Leslie adds. She says she’s honored to travel and share from her passions nationally and internationally at conferences, universities, churches and retreats. With three master’s degrees, she has taught collegiate and undergraduate classes for many years, including six years in Seattle Pacific University’s MFA program. If she can’t see her audience, radio is a good second. She has appeared on more than 150 radio shows including Family Life Today, Prime Time America, Keepin' the Faith, Chris Fabry Live!
Leslie blogs at www.leslieleylandfields.com about life in her house, in the wild and on the road. She lives in Kodiak, Alaska with her husband and two teens. In the summer, her four older children return to their fishcamp island where cell phones don’t work, and where they all happily (sometimes) work together in commercial salmon fishing. You can reach her at leslieleylandfields@gmail.com
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May 22, 2018
The Wonder Years: 40 and Even Better
Some mornings, crawling out of bed feels more like crawling out of a car wreck. Arthritic feet and ankles protest against the floor, and I straighten a stiff back mumbling, “I’m too young to feel this terrible.”
Two summers ago, when the gang landed here on Memorial Day I broke my toe playing kick ball. (Let it be known that I DID make it to first base.) All summer, whenever I tried to put my foot into a dress shoe, I was reminded that maybe I should have been more careful. Could I be getting too old to play kickball with abandon?
Leslie Leyland Fields has hung a glorious and fitting banner over these years past the mid-point: The Wonder Years! These are the years in which we may hear (or tell ourselves!) that we are both “too young” and “too old.” However, with gathered wisdom,The Wonder Years: 40 Women over 40 on Aging, Faith, Beauty, and Strength shares insight from warrior-women who have lived and loved past the mid-point, offering both a resource and a tribute to women over forty.
Firsts
Crossing the threshold into middle age often frees women to embark upon new, first-time adventures, to explore career options, to pursue possibilities, and to take a few risks. Of course this will look wildly different in every life. Luci Shaw writes beautifully about her heroic 120 mile rowing expedition at the age of 71, while Brené Brown settled into a tamer understanding of creativity and found herself painting gourds.
As Fields explains in her editorial notes:
“There’s no one single party line. You’ll find convincing support to slow down, to speed up, to launch out into new places, ministries, relationships, and ideas. Prepare to be inspired!”
Lasts
Naturally, in the process of moving forward in The Wonder Years, there are burdens and obligations, stages and seasons that are left behind. Shelly Wilder waves the pom poms for menopause, and Michelle Van Loon recalls the moment she cast off the weight of regret she had been carrying over a past decision. Irrational obsession with appearance and youthfulness, perfectionism, and over-commitment all find their way to the discard pile as one by one, wise women share in their essays how they discovered that “even the releases we think look like losses can actually be occasions for greater grace.”
Always
In this fifth decade of life, I know there are some things that will be with me forever: family, ministry, writing, gardening, gathering people around a table on this country hill. These have all become convictions–activities and responsibilities that have been engraved on my DNA. Several essays in The Wonder Years urge readers to continue this very thing, to lean into whatever brings light and holy joy into the room.
Because loss and pain are also part of the terrain we’re traveling, we can take strength from the experiences of others: Anne Voskamp shares a story about going forward in spite of a friend’s cruel diagnosis, and Elisabeth Elliot discovered that when pain was all she had, it became the offering she surrendered in thanksgiving to God.
Madeleine L’Engle and Jen Pollock Michel offer compelling thoughts about time and mortality, for part of moving into the second half of life is the challenge to flourish as we hold life’s goodness close, all the while preparing to release it with grace. And so, The Wonder Years are aptly named for, as we tackle aging head-on, we will certainly find plenty to “wonder” about, while also finding an abundance of wonder to embrace, to rejoice in, and to steer us clear of the misconceptions that lurk and beckon down darker paths:
Reject the notion that an empty nest equals loss of purpose!
Disavow the idea that gray hair and a mature face and form render a woman invisible!
Refuse to fall into an “I’m finished” mindset that gives you permission to start living as if it’s all about you!
God has so much more than this for you!
Begin asking Him today to show you what that might be!
Many thanks to Kregel Publications for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
Some mornings, crawling out of bed feels more like crawling out of a car wreck. Arthritic feet and ankles protest against the floor, and I straighten a stiff back mumbling, “I’m too young to feel this terrible.”
Two summers ago, when the gang landed here on Memorial Day I broke my toe playing kick ball. (Let it be known that I DID make it to first base.) All summer, whenever I tried to put my foot into a dress shoe, I was reminded that maybe I should have been more careful. Could I be getting too old to play kickball with abandon?
Leslie Leyland Fields has hung a glorious and fitting banner over these years past the mid-point: The Wonder Years! These are the years in which we may hear (or tell ourselves!) that we are both “too young” and “too old.” However, with gathered wisdom,The Wonder Years: 40 Women over 40 on Aging, Faith, Beauty, and Strength shares insight from warrior-women who have lived and loved past the mid-point, offering both a resource and a tribute to women over forty.
Firsts
Crossing the threshold into middle age often frees women to embark upon new, first-time adventures, to explore career options, to pursue possibilities, and to take a few risks. Of course this will look wildly different in every life. Luci Shaw writes beautifully about her heroic 120 mile rowing expedition at the age of 71, while Brené Brown settled into a tamer understanding of creativity and found herself painting gourds.
As Fields explains in her editorial notes:
“There’s no one single party line. You’ll find convincing support to slow down, to speed up, to launch out into new places, ministries, relationships, and ideas. Prepare to be inspired!”
Lasts
Naturally, in the process of moving forward in The Wonder Years, there are burdens and obligations, stages and seasons that are left behind. Shelly Wilder waves the pom poms for menopause, and Michelle Van Loon recalls the moment she cast off the weight of regret she had been carrying over a past decision. Irrational obsession with appearance and youthfulness, perfectionism, and over-commitment all find their way to the discard pile as one by one, wise women share in their essays how they discovered that “even the releases we think look like losses can actually be occasions for greater grace.”
Always
In this fifth decade of life, I know there are some things that will be with me forever: family, ministry, writing, gardening, gathering people around a table on this country hill. These have all become convictions–activities and responsibilities that have been engraved on my DNA. Several essays in The Wonder Years urge readers to continue this very thing, to lean into whatever brings light and holy joy into the room.
Because loss and pain are also part of the terrain we’re traveling, we can take strength from the experiences of others: Anne Voskamp shares a story about going forward in spite of a friend’s cruel diagnosis, and Elisabeth Elliot discovered that when pain was all she had, it became the offering she surrendered in thanksgiving to God.
Madeleine L’Engle and Jen Pollock Michel offer compelling thoughts about time and mortality, for part of moving into the second half of life is the challenge to flourish as we hold life’s goodness close, all the while preparing to release it with grace. And so, The Wonder Years are aptly named for, as we tackle aging head-on, we will certainly find plenty to “wonder” about, while also finding an abundance of wonder to embrace, to rejoice in, and to steer us clear of the misconceptions that lurk and beckon down darker paths:
Reject the notion that an empty nest equals loss of purpose!
Disavow the idea that gray hair and a mature face and form render a woman invisible!
Refuse to fall into an “I’m finished” mindset that gives you permission to start living as if it’s all about you!
God has so much more than this for you!
Begin asking Him today to show you what that might be!
Many thanks to Kregel Publications for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
July 3, 2018
A book filled with essays written by women over 40 about life and death and religion and families and hopes and dreams. As with any collection of essays there were those that spoke more directly to me. Specifically Laura Lynn Brown's "Where Have All the Hearing Aids Gone?" describing the care of her elderly great aunt in a nursing home struck all kinds of chords. Julie Owen's "Leaving the Night Behind" speaking of her life in an abusive marriage was enlightening. Lynne Hybels' "What Do You Love to Do?" was inspiring. K. Martha Levitt's "Building a Stone Wall" was hopeful. And of course I loved my friend Michelle Novak's story of strength in "Of Bodies and Birds," where she describes how her life changed with the onset of an unexpected illness. Michelle even made the author's acknowledgement page!
If you're a woman of a certain age, even if you're not yet that certain age (and who says what that age will be for any one of us anyway!), take a moment of quiet time and pick up this book. Choose an essay, contemplate how life changes. If you learn nothing else, recognize that it's important to make time for yourself.
If you're a woman of a certain age, even if you're not yet that certain age (and who says what that age will be for any one of us anyway!), take a moment of quiet time and pick up this book. Choose an essay, contemplate how life changes. If you learn nothing else, recognize that it's important to make time for yourself.
April 24, 2018
"Live with the end in mind while celebrating LIFE in ordinary and in beautiful ways," is something I like to tell people as a cancer survivor who was diagnosed at age 48. Age has never been a limiting thing to me and I was thankful the variety of ladies in "The Wonder Years" embraced that philosophy as well. (Even though author Leslie Fields confessed to being tossed in FB jail for changing the age on her profile too many times.) Go on a rowing trip while in your 70's? Sure. Find beauty in your backyard after a debilitating diagnosis? Absolutely. Speak around the world in your 80's? Why not!?
I felt challenged to continue to pursue my own purpose and destiny after reading the stories in this book. I received an early copy from the publisher. So glad I get to leave this honest opinion of "The Wonder Years." The best years are still to come.
I felt challenged to continue to pursue my own purpose and destiny after reading the stories in this book. I received an early copy from the publisher. So glad I get to leave this honest opinion of "The Wonder Years." The best years are still to come.
May 15, 2018
Amazing book full of inspiring and encouraging stories from women over the age of 40. Each woman has unique life experiences that we can all learn from. These stories are filled with joy, tears, laughter and words of life. Great book. I received a copy of this book and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
January 31, 2020
I loved reading the stories of these different women! It is so encouraging to see women discovering more of who God made them--in the second half of life. So much variety!
April 26, 2018
I first discovered Leslie Leyland Fields when I read her poem "Let the Stable Still Astonish" included in Jan Karon's "Patches of God Light," one of the classic Mitford books. I contacted Leslie for permission to share her poem and she graciously invited me to her blog and then later her Facebook page.
The way Leslie has woven her life as an Alaska fishing woman alongside of her experience as a woman of deep faith made me recognize that women everywhere cooperatively share their own "Wonder Years." Every life dedicated to the Lord has as a unique daily pattern, and at its core, life experiences and events that resonate God's presence, ordination, and most of all, moments of His grace - if we only have the eyes and heart to recognize His shaping of us.
This to me, is what "Wonder Years" signifies. Although the themes are aging, faith, health, and strength, at the heart of each of the 40 plus women is our "Wondrous" God. At the end of the day we are all one day older. We are witnessing individually what is happening to us collectively - the "wither of our grass and flowers." Spiritually however, the dross is falling away and what remains is a pureness of vision and a newer and truer insight into God's purposes for each of us. Each of these stories gives a different snapshot of that clearer vision gained through unique, profound, moving, sometimes humorous, and often difficult but always grace infused experiences.
The broad spectrum of distinctive experiences shared by these women is an encouraging reminder that we all have a story - not just to tell but to share. No matter how we have traveled to arrive at where we are - our story has God bearing us along and pointing out His providence and grace to us if keep our eyes on Him. Our individually experiences can benefit those further back on the "trail" or up ahead. These stories are like "refreshment" along the way.
Right out of the gate "Cupped Hands" captured my heart while reminding me that God desires such intimacy with us that we drink right from His hands! But following Ms. Lee's lead are 40 rich stories which all merit hearing and heeding. You will find such comfort in the company of all of these women and there will be a handful if not more, authors that you personally want to "high-five" for expressing your own voice or living your own seemingly comedic life.
The other day I was driving home and was listening to sermon radio. The topic was Christian women married to non-Christian men and the reference verses of course were 1 Corinthians 7:13-14. There was a woman who had shared the same length of marriage as myself and it was as though she was calling in for me! I wanted to cry out to her over the air waves and say "I GET IT" YOU ARE NOT ALONE." The comfort in knowing there was ONE woman who had the same questions, heartache, and prayers was truly God's grace poured out on me.
This is what you will experience as you read the "Wonder Years." You are bound to find your story or parts of your story retold here. Or it might just be the simple message that seems to resound mutually in these stories. That aging is not looking in the mirror and seeing the world looking back in judgment, but seeing the face of Christ looking back in love because He sees Himself in you.
The way Leslie has woven her life as an Alaska fishing woman alongside of her experience as a woman of deep faith made me recognize that women everywhere cooperatively share their own "Wonder Years." Every life dedicated to the Lord has as a unique daily pattern, and at its core, life experiences and events that resonate God's presence, ordination, and most of all, moments of His grace - if we only have the eyes and heart to recognize His shaping of us.
This to me, is what "Wonder Years" signifies. Although the themes are aging, faith, health, and strength, at the heart of each of the 40 plus women is our "Wondrous" God. At the end of the day we are all one day older. We are witnessing individually what is happening to us collectively - the "wither of our grass and flowers." Spiritually however, the dross is falling away and what remains is a pureness of vision and a newer and truer insight into God's purposes for each of us. Each of these stories gives a different snapshot of that clearer vision gained through unique, profound, moving, sometimes humorous, and often difficult but always grace infused experiences.
The broad spectrum of distinctive experiences shared by these women is an encouraging reminder that we all have a story - not just to tell but to share. No matter how we have traveled to arrive at where we are - our story has God bearing us along and pointing out His providence and grace to us if keep our eyes on Him. Our individually experiences can benefit those further back on the "trail" or up ahead. These stories are like "refreshment" along the way.
Right out of the gate "Cupped Hands" captured my heart while reminding me that God desires such intimacy with us that we drink right from His hands! But following Ms. Lee's lead are 40 rich stories which all merit hearing and heeding. You will find such comfort in the company of all of these women and there will be a handful if not more, authors that you personally want to "high-five" for expressing your own voice or living your own seemingly comedic life.
The other day I was driving home and was listening to sermon radio. The topic was Christian women married to non-Christian men and the reference verses of course were 1 Corinthians 7:13-14. There was a woman who had shared the same length of marriage as myself and it was as though she was calling in for me! I wanted to cry out to her over the air waves and say "I GET IT" YOU ARE NOT ALONE." The comfort in knowing there was ONE woman who had the same questions, heartache, and prayers was truly God's grace poured out on me.
This is what you will experience as you read the "Wonder Years." You are bound to find your story or parts of your story retold here. Or it might just be the simple message that seems to resound mutually in these stories. That aging is not looking in the mirror and seeing the world looking back in judgment, but seeing the face of Christ looking back in love because He sees Himself in you.
June 13, 2020
The Wonder Years: 40 Women over 40 on Aging, Faith, Beauty, and Strength is a collection of essays compiled by Leslie Leyland Fields .
Many of the authors are well known (Elisabeth Elliot, Joni Eareckson Tada, Madeleine L’Engle, Ann Voscamp, Brene´ Brown). A few have passed on. Some are bloggers. Most have published a book.
They come from a variety of faith communities. I wouldn’t agree with every theological point or endorse every person or ministry represented, but I appreciated the perspective of each writer on midlife and aging.
Some of the entries came from published books; others appear to be written for this collection.
The essays cover just about every topic one could think of in connection with aging as a Christian woman. Physical issues. Changes in marriage, new marriage, new singleness. New challenges. Attitude adjustments. The empty nest. Care-giving. Preparing for our inevitable end.
As I read the first entries, I found several instances of “doing new big things.” I appreciated the emphasis that life doesn’t end at 40—or 50 or 60. But I hoped all the essays weren’t going to be like this. I didn’t particularly want to learn to ride a horse, row a canoe for ten hours, climb a mountain, move to a different country, or start a major ministry any more at this stage of life than I did when I was thirty. Or twenty. Some of us like more sedate lifestyles. I looked back at the table of contents and saw that this beginning sections was appropriately labeled “Firsts.”
The next section is labeled “Lasts.” This stage of life brings some things to an end. Some are laid aside gratefully, other regretfully.
The last section’s title and theme is “Always”—things that ring true at any age but perhaps became more poignant or are brought more into focus the older we get.
If you’ve read or listened to Elisabeth Elliot much, you’ve heard her talk about offering whatever happens to us up as an offering to God. Her entry here talks about the origin of that concept for her, something I had not heard before. I found that was because this entry was from the only book of hers that I had not read: A Path Through Loneliness.
Many of the entries are humorous, many are challenging. I found myself nodding along in several places, and tucking away thoughts for the future in others.
Despite my light-hearted (but true!) comment about not wanting to face certain kinds of challenges at this stage of life, I agree with Luci Shaw that I don’t want to become stale. I want to keep growing, learning, being useful.
I loved that the title proclaims this season a time of wonder. There’s still a lot of life left in us “women of a certain age,” a lot to learn, a lot to do. We become more settled in some areas, but we can always find new areas to serve and show love to others.
Many of the authors are well known (Elisabeth Elliot, Joni Eareckson Tada, Madeleine L’Engle, Ann Voscamp, Brene´ Brown). A few have passed on. Some are bloggers. Most have published a book.
They come from a variety of faith communities. I wouldn’t agree with every theological point or endorse every person or ministry represented, but I appreciated the perspective of each writer on midlife and aging.
Some of the entries came from published books; others appear to be written for this collection.
The essays cover just about every topic one could think of in connection with aging as a Christian woman. Physical issues. Changes in marriage, new marriage, new singleness. New challenges. Attitude adjustments. The empty nest. Care-giving. Preparing for our inevitable end.
As I read the first entries, I found several instances of “doing new big things.” I appreciated the emphasis that life doesn’t end at 40—or 50 or 60. But I hoped all the essays weren’t going to be like this. I didn’t particularly want to learn to ride a horse, row a canoe for ten hours, climb a mountain, move to a different country, or start a major ministry any more at this stage of life than I did when I was thirty. Or twenty. Some of us like more sedate lifestyles. I looked back at the table of contents and saw that this beginning sections was appropriately labeled “Firsts.”
The next section is labeled “Lasts.” This stage of life brings some things to an end. Some are laid aside gratefully, other regretfully.
The last section’s title and theme is “Always”—things that ring true at any age but perhaps became more poignant or are brought more into focus the older we get.
If you’ve read or listened to Elisabeth Elliot much, you’ve heard her talk about offering whatever happens to us up as an offering to God. Her entry here talks about the origin of that concept for her, something I had not heard before. I found that was because this entry was from the only book of hers that I had not read: A Path Through Loneliness.
Many of the entries are humorous, many are challenging. I found myself nodding along in several places, and tucking away thoughts for the future in others.
Despite my light-hearted (but true!) comment about not wanting to face certain kinds of challenges at this stage of life, I agree with Luci Shaw that I don’t want to become stale. I want to keep growing, learning, being useful.
I loved that the title proclaims this season a time of wonder. There’s still a lot of life left in us “women of a certain age,” a lot to learn, a lot to do. We become more settled in some areas, but we can always find new areas to serve and show love to others.
May 3, 2018
Since I’ve coasted past the 60 year mark, I wanted to read The Wonder Years: 40 Women Over Forty to find out how other women in my age group have lived their lives. Have they stayed active or has disability stopped them? What about community? Do they have friends or have they all died off? Has age stopped them from exploring the world?
These essays came alongside to reassure me that I’m not the only one who experienced the challenges and joys of the downhill run toward mortality. The diverse voices and subjects of The Wonder Years made it a fast and entertaining read. There are stories of women whose lives didn’t turn out the way they thought and stories of women who pushed back against the idea of their age. Heather MacLaren Johnson writes about how she learned to ride horses in her forties. Charity Singleton Craig marries for the first time at 42. She writes about the unique challenges of friendships with men in church before she meets her husband. Laura Lynn Brown returns home to care for her great aunt and finds the rewards and humor in watching over an elderly relative. Shelly Wildman celebrates the arrival of menopause. Luci Shaw writes about rowing around the South Gulf Islands of British Columbia. She says, “I wanted to test my resolve and claim my genetic identity, proving to myself that I could keep up and forge ahead even in my eighth decade.”
The Wonder Years is a great read for women of any age because if offers a hopeful vision of the backside of life. For younger and older women it proves how vital and alive these years can be. If life seems unbearable in a woman’s twenties and thirties, this book offers hope that it gets better not worse as we age. I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am offering my honest opinion.
These essays came alongside to reassure me that I’m not the only one who experienced the challenges and joys of the downhill run toward mortality. The diverse voices and subjects of The Wonder Years made it a fast and entertaining read. There are stories of women whose lives didn’t turn out the way they thought and stories of women who pushed back against the idea of their age. Heather MacLaren Johnson writes about how she learned to ride horses in her forties. Charity Singleton Craig marries for the first time at 42. She writes about the unique challenges of friendships with men in church before she meets her husband. Laura Lynn Brown returns home to care for her great aunt and finds the rewards and humor in watching over an elderly relative. Shelly Wildman celebrates the arrival of menopause. Luci Shaw writes about rowing around the South Gulf Islands of British Columbia. She says, “I wanted to test my resolve and claim my genetic identity, proving to myself that I could keep up and forge ahead even in my eighth decade.”
The Wonder Years is a great read for women of any age because if offers a hopeful vision of the backside of life. For younger and older women it proves how vital and alive these years can be. If life seems unbearable in a woman’s twenties and thirties, this book offers hope that it gets better not worse as we age. I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am offering my honest opinion.
May 9, 2018
As in any multicontributor volume, the quality of the essays varies, but there's something here for everyone. Leslie Leyland Fields, author of Crossing the Waters (among others), has gathered a rich array of women to share their stories of life after forty. Some, like Jen Pollock Michel and Lauren Winner, are just barely into their forties. Others, like Luci Shaw, are well past that (at ninety!).
And the stories vary as much as the ages of their authors. Lauren Winner reflects on her need to choose with intention what to say yes to, particularly with the freedom that her childless life offers. Amy F. Davis Abdallah, on the other hand, gives us a glimpse of her own multiple callings as she serves as a full-time academic and cares for babies in her forties. And Shannon Ethridge describes how God led her to a new calling in mid-life thanks to unexpected job loss.
I was particularly moved by Brene Brown’s piece calling women to practice creativity and to make art. In her words: “‘I’m not very creative’ doesn’t work. There’s no such thing as creative people and noncreative people. There are only people who use their creativity and those who don’t” (24). Amen to that. And Luci Shaw reminds me that there’s no age limit for adventure. Instead of looking back on my life and regretting adventures not taken, I can look ahead. Her account of a rowing expedition at age seventy-one both impressed me and inspired me.
No matter where you find yourself, whether midlife is still to come or long gone, The Wonder Years is a beautiful collage of the many ways God works in the lives of women. As I move further along in these years, I am glad to have these stories of companions on the journey.
And the stories vary as much as the ages of their authors. Lauren Winner reflects on her need to choose with intention what to say yes to, particularly with the freedom that her childless life offers. Amy F. Davis Abdallah, on the other hand, gives us a glimpse of her own multiple callings as she serves as a full-time academic and cares for babies in her forties. And Shannon Ethridge describes how God led her to a new calling in mid-life thanks to unexpected job loss.
I was particularly moved by Brene Brown’s piece calling women to practice creativity and to make art. In her words: “‘I’m not very creative’ doesn’t work. There’s no such thing as creative people and noncreative people. There are only people who use their creativity and those who don’t” (24). Amen to that. And Luci Shaw reminds me that there’s no age limit for adventure. Instead of looking back on my life and regretting adventures not taken, I can look ahead. Her account of a rowing expedition at age seventy-one both impressed me and inspired me.
No matter where you find yourself, whether midlife is still to come or long gone, The Wonder Years is a beautiful collage of the many ways God works in the lives of women. As I move further along in these years, I am glad to have these stories of companions on the journey.
April 24, 2018
Getting older for women can be traumatic, especially crossing over the big 40. Body parts start to sag. The possibility of having children declines. The nest gets emptier.
Fields has gathered forty essays by a variety of people who share how they dealt with the impact of aging. Some made adjustments for their aging bodies. Some survived changes in marital status. Some dealt with psychological issues like shame or guilt. Some dealt with career changes. All relate their changes in behavior or thinking brought on by the realization that they were getting older.
This book is definitely for women only. Stories about buying a padded bra for the first time or about finally making it past menopause would not be suitable for guys. Many of the essays are from previously published books or magazines. All of the articles are entertaining and are good encouragement for women needing inspiration as they age. Some of the essays are by women in their 80s or 90s and are certainly an encouragement to those us us moving into our final decades.
Some of the articles have a definite Christian flavor but not all of them. I found some of the stories caused me to wonder why there wasn't a greater emphasis on finding our worth in our relationship with Jesus. Really, how do sagging body parts compare to God Who loves us unconditionally?
The essays in this book contain, in general, good encouragement from older and wiser women.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Fields has gathered forty essays by a variety of people who share how they dealt with the impact of aging. Some made adjustments for their aging bodies. Some survived changes in marital status. Some dealt with psychological issues like shame or guilt. Some dealt with career changes. All relate their changes in behavior or thinking brought on by the realization that they were getting older.
This book is definitely for women only. Stories about buying a padded bra for the first time or about finally making it past menopause would not be suitable for guys. Many of the essays are from previously published books or magazines. All of the articles are entertaining and are good encouragement for women needing inspiration as they age. Some of the essays are by women in their 80s or 90s and are certainly an encouragement to those us us moving into our final decades.
Some of the articles have a definite Christian flavor but not all of them. I found some of the stories caused me to wonder why there wasn't a greater emphasis on finding our worth in our relationship with Jesus. Really, how do sagging body parts compare to God Who loves us unconditionally?
The essays in this book contain, in general, good encouragement from older and wiser women.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 14, 2018
It seems that when women reach a certain age in their life, they start to feel like their value is decreasing; they are facing the empty nest, (the children are leaving home), they tend to feel like they are limited in what they can do, and there is the fear of aging.
Well, it's time to start looking at life after 40 in a different light! In this book, well-known Christian women from ages 40 to 85 give their wisdom on how to face these worries. With Spiritual wisdom, a sense of humor, these women give some incredible insight into life after 40.
You will read the writings of Lauren F. Winner, Joni Eareckson Tada, Elisa Morgan, Madeleine Engle and kay Warren.
These women will provide ideas and thoughts about aging and to look at aging with your eyes open to new possibilities and most of all to grow closer to God. Each essay provides a look into God's perspective on the later years of life, reminding us that it's always possible to serve Him with the life experiences we have.
The book is comprised of short essays, that makes it quick to read, you can put it down and pick it back up at without interruption of the book.
It was interesting and it made me chuckle a couple of times. This is a good book for those who are in the 40 and over age, or those who are approaching it. It might even be a good book to do in a group setting with women of this age group.
Well, it's time to start looking at life after 40 in a different light! In this book, well-known Christian women from ages 40 to 85 give their wisdom on how to face these worries. With Spiritual wisdom, a sense of humor, these women give some incredible insight into life after 40.
You will read the writings of Lauren F. Winner, Joni Eareckson Tada, Elisa Morgan, Madeleine Engle and kay Warren.
These women will provide ideas and thoughts about aging and to look at aging with your eyes open to new possibilities and most of all to grow closer to God. Each essay provides a look into God's perspective on the later years of life, reminding us that it's always possible to serve Him with the life experiences we have.
The book is comprised of short essays, that makes it quick to read, you can put it down and pick it back up at without interruption of the book.
It was interesting and it made me chuckle a couple of times. This is a good book for those who are in the 40 and over age, or those who are approaching it. It might even be a good book to do in a group setting with women of this age group.
May 8, 2018
The Wonder Years: a compilation of testimony and encouragement from a large swath of women coming to terms with and embracing this new season of life called aging. I must confess at times I have been intimidated by the accomplished bios of these women. Many have been missionaries, or pastors, conference speakers, CEOs. Nearly all are accomplished writers. None seem to be just ordinary middle-aged moms and homemakers, like me. But then. But THEN. I read their journeys, their struggles, their lessons learned, and I realize that we are all the same. We all wrestle with seeking approval, feelings of inadequacy, comparisons, brokenness, struggling to sense God’s presence, the unexpected, slowing down, failures and losses, fears, disappointments, resentments, regrets, imperfections and mortality. And I am inspired by their examples that emphasize that we still have choices to make during this season. We can choose creativity, new ventures, to step into something that might feel risky. We can relinquish what we can no longer hold on to, while finding refreshing acceptance and contentment. We can enter into new freedoms as we embrace this season. We can see fresh redemption. We can live authentically with ourselves and one another, and especially before God. We can live out our days washed in gratitude.
The book is a great read. It imparts hope, and lets us know - none of us is alone, not even as our hair grays, our flesh fails and our roles shift. All is good. Very good.
The book is a great read. It imparts hope, and lets us know - none of us is alone, not even as our hair grays, our flesh fails and our roles shift. All is good. Very good.
August 29, 2018
40.
A favorite number of the Israelites in the Bible, often bearing symbolic significance, perhaps the approximate span of a generation or to indicate an extended period of testing.
40 women.
40 women over 40.
40 women writing essays about life in the second half, the life after acquisition, children, dreams fulfilled or failed, hearts beautiful or broken. Paula Huston says, “This trail we are on is hard, our time is short, we come and go before we can fully grasp what it means to be alive.” These 40 women challenge readers to live richly on this trail. I laughed; I mused; I wept; I shouted YES in response to these women, all of whom I'd like to meet and befriend. I'm confident other readers will want to join me.
I’m about to begin a rereading of these brief, well-written essays and the formation of a discussion group with more women over 40 who are addressing the same concerns.
April 18, 2018
As a collection of essays this book has some that essays I absolutely loved and others that just didn’t grab me. That’s no fault of the book or the contributors of course, it’s just my opinion.
The topics are wide ranging which I greatly appreciate. I can imagine coming back to this book as life continues to reread particular essays.
My one issue/complaint was (to my memory and I could be wrong) the pieces that are excerpted from larger works were much more robust in their original form. I didn’t like these shorter versions.
I chose to power through this work as I have other things I want to read, but I don’t think that’s the best way to read this collection. It needs to be savored and read a few essays at a time leaving time for reflection and contemplation.
The topics are wide ranging which I greatly appreciate. I can imagine coming back to this book as life continues to reread particular essays.
My one issue/complaint was (to my memory and I could be wrong) the pieces that are excerpted from larger works were much more robust in their original form. I didn’t like these shorter versions.
I chose to power through this work as I have other things I want to read, but I don’t think that’s the best way to read this collection. It needs to be savored and read a few essays at a time leaving time for reflection and contemplation.
June 19, 2018
An anthology of women authors, navigating firsts, lasts, and always in life. Firsts in the authors’ second half of life included embarking on adventures, learning skills, embracing new professions, missions, and relationships, pulling up roots, caring for older family members, and making peace with their own aging. Lasts encompassed letting go of child-bearing, grown children, bikini bodies, perfection, jobs, regrets, and loved ones. Then there were the always: enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, spending time outside, finding joy wherever you can, talking with neighbors, taking care of yourself and one another, and keeping on the move—mission. Though I prefer essay collections over anthologies (4.5 would be my truer rating), this anthology is lovely collection. Thank you, Leslie!
August 28, 2018
The book contains 40 short essays from 40 authors who are over the age of 40 and totally rocking life. Okay, some days maybe not. They write about big life changes past 40, marriage and remarriage after 40, and the beautiful things that come with a well-seasoned faith.
I just finished an essay by Lauren Winner (a personal fav) in which she explains that in Jewish tradition, you're not even allowed to study kabbalah (mysticism) until you're 40. She explains the difference between creating art in your 20s and then in your 40s. Now I'm only in my early 30s but reading this stuff now is life giving and exciting. I'm soaking up wisdom from 40 mentors from the comfort of my own home (and sometimes from the train).
I just finished an essay by Lauren Winner (a personal fav) in which she explains that in Jewish tradition, you're not even allowed to study kabbalah (mysticism) until you're 40. She explains the difference between creating art in your 20s and then in your 40s. Now I'm only in my early 30s but reading this stuff now is life giving and exciting. I'm soaking up wisdom from 40 mentors from the comfort of my own home (and sometimes from the train).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2018
I love the whole idea of this book. Being in my late 50's sometimes I start thinking about all the life that is behind me and what is ahead for me. My perception of what is ahead can sometimes bring me down but since reading these stories complied in this book I am looking at things a bit different. 40 women, all over 40 with 40 different views that all make me say "lets do this life and do finish well" Every woman ought to pick this book up and read it and get ready for the time of their lives as they begin to see the age of 40+ from a whole new perspective.
I was given an advanced copy of this book and I recommend every women take the time to read it
Must Read!!
I was given an advanced copy of this book and I recommend every women take the time to read it
Must Read!!
June 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book though I was disappointed in one thing. I had hoped for more writers in their 50s or even 60’s. The writers were all wonderful - enjoyed the short chapters and learned about women I’ve never heard of and will want to investigate their writings further. However most of the writers seemed to be either in their 40s or their 80s - not much inbetween. For me, the 50’s have been a whole new ballgame from my 40s and I’m about to enter my 60s...I had hoped to get more perspective from that that middle age group. Overall though a helpful read from which I took away several convicting and motivating thoughts.
April 25, 2018
Women have plenty to say, and these mellowed voices of women with a few years behind them and many years ahead of them will speak into so many areas of your life. From the joy of adoption to the trials (and laughter) of menopause to the beauty of aging gracefully, you'll find well-written essays that say what you wish you could. Many of the authors are already favorites, and some will be new to you, but all of them give us reason to celebrate The Wonder Years. I've read it and heartily recommend it!
October 2, 2018
40 women, all established writers, and therefore, all established thinkers, and all over 40, write. Essays. One each. 40 essays about aging. Interesting. Some resonated well with me. Some I practically skimmed because I couldn't make a connection. Some I wish I'd marked to go back to - I had good intentions....
The friend who gave it to me gave it also to two other women in a Dinner Club we all belong to. I think discussions about it are going to happen in a month or so. I might go back and try to find those ones I wanted to slow down for.
The friend who gave it to me gave it also to two other women in a Dinner Club we all belong to. I think discussions about it are going to happen in a month or so. I might go back and try to find those ones I wanted to slow down for.
April 25, 2018
Aging has brought unique challenges as I see some things disappear from my experience and realize some "dreams" will never come to fruition. But, far from settling into a rocking chair and waiting for heaven, I believe God has a "next" for this new stage of life. The essays shared in The Wonder Years confirm this belief. The writers share their struggles and challenges and how God has brought new opportunities to fill their "next" in service to Him and others.
November 13, 2018
I began reading this collection of essays on aging by reading them one after the other. But then I changed tactics and instead of devouring it quickly, I began to read slowly and reflectively over several weeks. The pieces were relatable and motivational, reminding me (now in my 40s), that there is much to contribute as we age and a variety of ways to accomplish that contribution. I’ll pass it on and then read it again someday to remind me anew.
December 25, 2018
So much that is written about aging focuses on how to stay young or healthy or strong. It is harder to find material on the wisdom, perspective or character traits necessary to get old(er). In this collection of short essays, Leslie Leyland Fields has gathered voices attempting to address this. I was so grateful for the inclusion of Elisabeth Elliot’s essay.....though she has been gone for several years, her wisdom resonates at any stage of life.
April 23, 2018
This is such a fun collection of essays with an incredible list of contributors. The essays are short, beautifully crafted, and provide a refreshing perspective on aging that is rarely heard in our culture. I really enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher; this review is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher; this review is my own.
October 7, 2018
Thoughtful, funny, thematically grouped essays from known and unknown (to me) writers who are women of faith — this one to purchase for my shelves and return to again.
Some of my favorite women writers here — Vinita Hampton Wright and Phyllis Tickle were notably missing, but not one essay missed a beat in this collection from Leslie Leyland Fields.
Some of my favorite women writers here — Vinita Hampton Wright and Phyllis Tickle were notably missing, but not one essay missed a beat in this collection from Leslie Leyland Fields.
May 24, 2019
Fantastic writing by wondrous females over forty! I really enjoyed the diverse voices in this collection. So many wonderful stories of firsts, lasts, and never again’s. It was a great encouragement to me as a woman in my mid-fifties moving toward later fifties that the richness of life never ends when you are clear on your purpose.
September 8, 2019
I enjoyed reading through this slowly this summer. It's so comforting and encouraging to read essays by older women who have gone through the trials of life and still have faith. I thought Leslie Leyland Fields did a great job picking what authors and essays to use in this compilation. The essay from Elisabeth Elliot is particularly good.
December 4, 2019
My small group used this book for discussion for our fall 2019 session. It sparked great discussion since we are all in the 40 and up club. Most of the essays were excellent...only a few were too esoteric and not as relate-able. We enjoyed the short chapters that were breezy to read in our busy schedules. I would read it again to gain even more wisdom and enjoy a few laughs.
August 23, 2019
Thoughtful stories about perspectives gained from aging that well written by women of faith. Spend time reading each on as a daily or weekly ritual and let them sit with you. Will fill you with hope, understanding, acceptance, and inspiration as we all seek to age gracefully.
September 6, 2021
I enjoyed this collection of stories about women and aging by some great writers. A couple of them were so close to my own experience. This is a great collection to read if you're a woman wondering where the time went and what comes next.
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