Sage-ing While Age-ing

by Shirley MacLaine

Bestselling author and award-winning actress Shirley MacLaine invites readers to share in her decades-long quest for spiritual, physical, and personal harmony and truth. A New York Times bestseller in hardcover now in paperback, this book offers a provocative and enlightening synthesis of what Shirley has discovered in her years of searching for deeper meaning in her life.

“I've been a questioner all my life...”

So begins bestselling author and award-winning actress Shirley MacLaine, as she invites readers to join her on the most powerful, provocative journey of her life. Over the years, Shirley has firmly established herself as a fearless, iconoclastic thinker and seeker of truth. Now, as she confronts the realities and rewards of growing older, she reflects on the greater understanding of her own place in the universe that her experiences have brought to her.

Sparked by the experience of moving into a new house, she is inspired to look back across the remarkable professional and personal milestones she has experienced so far. Surrounded by books, pictures, and the artifacts of a life well lived, Shirley is able to recognize the profound power of synchronicity at work around her, discovering the invisible threads that stitch together the seemingly random events of her days, adding meaning even to the mundane.

Having grown older, she is increasingly concerned with the potential pitfalls of modern medicine. She shares personal insights into nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, and alternative medicine. Practical and bracing, here is advice for anyone looking to expand his or her understanding of health and well-being.

Moving beyond the physical, Shirley explores what has always interested her most—those things that are unseen. What is consciousness? What is the purpose of our lives? Are we alone in the universe? And perhaps the greatest mystery of all, what happens to us after death?

Filled with her trademark wit and candor, this is a fascinating, inspiring book that will delight and captivate Shirley's legions of fans and fellow travelers everywhere.

Genres: Memoir, Spirituality, Biography, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Metaphysics, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2007

About the author

Shirley MacLaine is an actress, author, and former dancer. Known for her portrayals of quirky, strong-willed, and eccentric women, she has received numerous accolades over her seven-decade career, including an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, six Golden Globes, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Apart from acting, MacLaine has written numerous books regarding the subjects of metaphysics, spirituality, and reincarnation, as well as a New York Times bestselling memoir, Out On a Limb.

Reviews

[Alisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

If it were possible to give a minus rating, I would. The author is loonier than a pet goon. This book is pure trash. I only finished reading it because it is a quick read and I wanted to know just how stupid it would get.

[Iona Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shirley Maclaine wrote this book while in the midst of moving into a new residence overlooking Santa Fe in New Mexico, and reverts to the theme of settling into the house at the start of each chapter. This acts as her grounding so to speak, although the house is perched high in the mountains.

She covers many topics in the book - her life and famous friends, advice for healthy living, her past life in Atlantis, UFO sightings and information, philosophical and spiritual reflections on the origins of life and historical evidence of visitors from the skies, the so-called star people, dating rom past ages. These star people were called "gods" due to their being greatly more advanced than the earth dwellers, and it turns out that the Old Testament God "Jehovah", may actually not have been a god but a star person. (Jehovah was a jealous, vengeful god, unlike the loving God that dwells within us all referred to by Jesus in the New Testament.)

The first chapters are extremely readable, while the chapter on UFOs, which is packed with information, is somewhat long-winded. There is however no doubt about the veracity of this information. The author is seemingly friends with all the top people in the world, including former presidents and other heads of state, and even the physicist Stephen Hawking. She has thus had access to otherwise "secret" or withheld information.

As indicated in the title, the author seems to get wiser and wiser as she ages. This is not surprising, since she is continuously seeking information and asking questions, as well as pursuing her spiritual development.

Moreover she never hesitates to say what she thinks or believes in, no matter what this is. This is one of her most admirable qualities.

She concludes the book by drawing our attention to the approaching final year of transformation, the end of a cycle of 25,000 years, including other cycles, according to the Mayan calender. This year is 2012, when "our new consciousness will be born".

I strongly recommend this fascinating book to all those seeking the "truth".

[Rick Ludwig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Shirley MacLaine is a fascinating individual and a very good writer, especially when she is describing personal experiences. In this one, unfortunately she spent most of the book talking about the experiences of others that she feels support her far from mainstream beliefs. I love her openness to new ways of thinking and viewing the world and always respect her honesty. But she is far less compelling when she is trying to support her perceptions of life with references to what she perceives other people to believe. I miss the Shirley of her first three books. That Shirley described, vividly, her own fascinating experiences and allowed you to take them or leave them, without feeling a need to provide supporting references. I love Shirley the open-minded observer and seeker. I am less taken with the pseudo scholar, who's "supporting evidence" causes me to question what I was willing to accept as a first-hand account.

Like the earlier Shirley, I am willing to keep an open mind about things beyond my understanding and enjoy learning where other people's experiences have led them. So I will continue to read books that challenge mainstream thought processes as well as those that challenge alternative thought processes.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

My Age-ing Father gave me this book over a year ago where it sat on my shelf, un-read and avoided. Finally I reluctantly decided to read it after all, some of his questionable recommendations in the past have been better than initially anticipated. However this book was not in that category. I forced myself through the first few painful chapters before finally deciding to have mercy on myself and quit. Maclaine writes in a disordered fashion, skipping from one unrelated topic to the next, leaving you wondering where the topic, or story line is. It is as though she sat down and typed every random thought and memory that came into her head and then published the book without revision or editing. Her writing lacks grace and depth, and I wouldn't recommend putting yourself through it. Sorry Dad.

[Gloria Stoddart]

I am genuinely intrigued with Shirley MacLaine and have read quite a few of her books. Sage-ing While Age-ing had me interested in parts and overwhelmed in other topics. I felt that I was able to relate to her concept of synchronicity having felt myself that I have been in a certain situation before it occurred. As far as aliens, UFOs and other "visitors from outer space" I have difficulty accepting these notions. It was interesting to hear about the seven chakras because I do believe in the healing powers within ourselves. Overall I did gain some interesting perspectives but there were parts where I felt she was too far "out on a limb".

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual Shirley seems a little 'out there' but her take on things like UFOs and aliens which have interested me since my middle school years, make for fun reading if nothing else. She definitely believes in conspiracy theories and government coverups. She is completely dismissive of the current media and their mission to only reveal what the government deems the country is ready to accept. Sometimes I agree with and sometimes not but it is an entertaining read anyway.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting lady! She has lived a FULL life. She briefly writes about her life in Hollywood and working with several famous actors. The majority of the chapters are about her beliefs in Atlantis, UFOs, reincarnation and the new age that we are headed into. She gets a little carried away with names and facts to support her beliefs. However, it is a very interesting read and I am looking forward to reading some more of her penmanship.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putting this on my religion shelf might seem odd, but MacLaine has amassed and, at least partially, documented a huge quantity of facts about alien visitors to the earth and how these visitors and their “visits” and "activities" correspond to events and stories in the bible, as well as the mythology of other non-christian cultures. She builds a very plausible case for our religions and cultures having been strongly influenced by aliens.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love trying to figure this celebrity out by reading her books. In spite of everything I think she'd be an interesting neighbor. At least she's an original.

[Sharon]

Open minded and unique are her experiences, thought provoking

[Deangelis4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't always agree with Shirley's conclusions about the metaphysical, because she believes every single UFO sighting and never thinks anyone is hallucinating or crazy or seeing a military plane or anything like that, and I am positive that sometimes they are. But then again, I think sometimes they're not. But Shirley does know her stuff. I think she's certainly been conned a few times and lacks critical thinking in some areas, but I like that she believes everything and researches everything, rather than people who think their own religion is totally true and all the others are crazy. At least Shirley's consistent. And she throws in as much science, by quoting Einstein and Hawking as much as she talks about Area 51. She just digs it all. She is most definitely someone I'd love to have at a dinner party if I could just bombard her with questions. After all, besides the metaphysical, she's got the juiciest Hollywood stories, from the Rat Pack, to Elizabeth Taylor, to hanging around with her brother and Jack Nicholson. I'd talk to her so much that I'm not sure we'd ever get to the aliens!

One small thing is that after a few-too many alien chapters, I'd like her take some of it with a critical lens. Witnesses get things wrong all the time, so why anyone would have 100% faith in people who report alien sightings or abductions, I have no idea. If she's going to publish this stuff, talk about the frauds. Frauds exist in every realm.

[Shirley Mckinnon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shirley MacLaine says that she know that what she's written is intense, dense with research that is important to her and may be exhausting to others. I didn't find it exhausting, but the research was a bit overwhelming. But she is trying to lead mankind into a new spiritual awakening where violence is not the answer. I'm with her on that wish. So, if you don't believe in reincarnation or in aliens who are either guiding or using mankind, this might not be your kind of book. Hence why there is so much research quoted, in her attempt to convince you to at least wonder about her theories.

I enjoyed the first half of the book but the second half got more intense. As if, now I've got your attention, try this on for size. It felt as if she was just trying too hard. And I wonder if the people she wants to get to will even read this kind of book. She will be preaching to the converted in my opinion. If you wonder, then read the book. She makes a good case for many of the examples she talks about.

[Cobaltdragon]

Read this a number of years ago and just finished reading for the second time. Very enjoyable both times. She talks about her life, experiences and the people she has met along the way. She also talks about her interests and how events are connected and how they related to her experiences. Interesting viewpoints and food for thought, which I always appreciate when reading.

One of the few authors I have written to expressing my appreciation for the work. I was truly amazed that in return, I received a lovely email response.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Shirley, and I loved the first two thirds of the is book. The final third kind of took a hard turn and turned into a bit of rant, that I admit, lost me. I have always loved her writing style though; as she writes very approachable, almost as she is telling the stories sitting on the sofa next to the reader.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about Shirley's getting older, moving into a new home and her views on this part of her life, also somewhat looking back at what came before this stage. If you like Shirley Maclaine and her new age philosophy you will very probably like this book, though I must say that I did like some of her earlier stories better such as her walk on the Camino but this one isn't bad either

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only finished this book because I’m desperate to reach my goal this year. Man was this a snooze fest. Her religious ramblings went on forever. My mind has never wondered so much. She’s the only one who can make aliens boring for me. I’m really disappointed because I thought she’d be kooky and fun. I felt like I was being punished having to read this.

[Natalie Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably her most uneven book. Some of it is really engaging and fun to read and some of it is a slog. Some of it is so rambling and nonsensical. Sentences in the same paragraph that don't seem to relate much to each other. Just weird structure overall in a lot of areas. Very repetitive. I love ya Shirley but I don't see myself reading this one again.

[Cherop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written. I read this book because I like Shirley MacLaine as an actress and have enjoyed her television and radio interviews. I wanted to see what she had to say about UFOs, life on other plants and so on. I'm not convinced by what she relates but I enjoyed her writing nonetheless.

[Manda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Shirley MacLaine as an actress. This behind the scenes look is interesting. To each their own, it is not my place to judge. Anyone willing to be transparent deserves respect for their honesty.

[Patty Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forgot that Shirley had some unconventional beliefs. Some I agree with some not so much but I respect her for sticking to her beliefs. Her Hollywood beginnings are interesting and I loved reading about ufos and sighting cover ups.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of her books I could find! If you have a curious mind, if you wonder what else there is beyond our planet, if you can open your mind to the new and the different; books by Shirley na claims are for you!

[Gladys Landing-Corretjer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting!

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first few chapters but then it started getting into so many different topics. I was expecting this book to be more of a biography on Shirley MacLaine’s life.

[Frank Talaber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about things that most people don't understand, amazing lady.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the ideas—interesting. But, somewhat choppy.

[Gillie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published November 2007, she wrote at 72

[Danial Tanvir · Rating 5 out of 5]

this maybe one of the best books i have ever read.
it is a great book by shirley maclaine.
in november 2007, i was living in canada for a couple of months when i switched on the tv and watched cnn(the cable news network)
and there was a show about ufos(unidentified flying objects) and shirley maclaine was in the show.
it is about how it is her nature the question the nature of things and about the fact that some people said that she predicted 9/11.
she then takes about the fact that she studies the koran in north africa.
she is embarrassed when her countries president invades iraq.
it is about reincarnation and about the lost city of atlantis which has still not be found.
it is about aliens and about ufos(unidentified flying objects)and about how they buzzed the american capital in the 1950's and about how the american government is hiding some thing from the public and about the fact that they have made deals with the aliens to give them technology.
she says that the aliens have been visiting the earth since hundreds of years and since the beginning of mankind.
the book revolves around aliens and life outside earth.
she then talks about her visits to combodia to see the angkor wat and to peru to see the nazca lines.
i loved this book like any thing it was really great although it was a short read though.
in the end i had to read the index.

[Monty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot and almost gave it four stars. It was published in 2007 and covers her early life and career as well as results of her research and experience with alien presences on earth for thousands of years. She ends with comments about 12/21/12, when the Mayan calendar ends and a new era begins. It is interesting how translations can distort the meaning of words. For example, she says that apocalypse actually means "that which will be revealed" and connects it to 12/21/12. I especially enjoyed reading the esoteric chapters that covered these and other woo-woo topics. The bottom line for her (and me as well) is that we are spiritual beings, and that our spiritual pursuits involve looking within ourselves not outside ourselves.

[Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest memoir from Shirley, and in many ways it is a combination of many previous outings with the advantage of extra life experience and some deeper research, particularly around the subject of UFO activity worldwide.

It is an addictive straight-forward and intelligent read. Highly recommended to anyone who feels as though there is more to life than the media or governments show us . . . and revealing of the fact that there is definitely more to Shirley MacLaine than her fun superficial image. She remains a fascinating thinker hellbent on getting some answers about really mind-boggling questions.

I couldn't put it down!

[Jerrine Regester · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up randomly at a used bookstore. Being an age-er myself, I did appreciate Shirley's ramble from her life in Atlantis to why we should all own a dog. In part I say, who am I to know, but them she makes a statement such as "crib death, they say, is a karmic agreement between the new baby and the parents in order to learn. They come to die for the parents' learning. This I don't buy and is disrespectful to science. I do agree that we are all here to learn...Shirley Maclaine is passionate and an enjoyable actress to watch. Keep telling it the way to see it, Shirley.