Turning: The Magic and Mystery of More Days

by Becky Blue

“What is it about birthdays―especially those that end in zero?” The anticipation of her sixtieth birthday motivated Becky Blue to delve into the magic and mystery of her own “more days.” Could she free herself from the world’s well-worn view of aging and instead embrace a fresh outlook, full of surprises and serendipity? Could she leave the worry and find the wonder? Turning follows Blue as she sets sail on her own aging journey and challenges readers of all ages to follow in her wake. Drawing on the author’s faith and experience as a geriatric nurse, this conversational memoir encourages readers to blow out their birthday candles with positivity. Read it with a friend, with a book club, or with a pen and paper (or all of the above), and discover the secret to welcoming, rather than dreading, the turning of the years.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2022

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Becky is my close lifelong friend and cousin. That said, this book has appeal for almost anyone approaching or in the midst their “third chapter”. Becky’s writing is wonderfully accessible, thoughtful, and encouraging . The discussion questions make it a perfect choice for a book club or Bible study group. Her challenge to approach age 60 and beyond as “the magic and mystery of more days” is a theme I find myself returning to, over and over.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be timely, encouraging and inspirational. Highly recommend!
As someone entering the third chapter of life, I appreciated Becky Blue’s well-written, solid and engaging perspective that we can open ourselves to new beginnings and adventures.
Well-grounded in scripture and solid theology, it made a perfect companion to my morning devotions and quiet time. I enjoyed reading this slowly, savoring a chapter a day.

[Debumere · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this ARC and didn’t know what to expect. The title didn’t give much away but it was alluring and so was the cover. Becky offers up a lot of little ‘thoughts for the day’ to make you appreciate the little things. One example was if you were a mountain goat… I loved these but what I wasn’t expecting was the Christianity aspect as there was no mention of it in the blurb. It became more prominent towards the end and by then I was beginning to clench my jaw. Becky has a positive outlook on life and it shows throughout, there were some lessons to be learnt from it but it would not appeal to a largely secular society. I think the blurb needs to be honest about the content. #netgalley #turning

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning: The Magic and Mystery of More Days is a warm, reflective, and beautifully sincere memoir that reframes aging from something to fear into something profoundly meaningful. Becky Blue’s background as a geriatric nurse gives her insights authenticity, while her gentle, faith-centered storytelling invites readers to see birthdays especially milestone birthdays not as markers of decline, but as opportunities to rediscover joy, purpose, and wonder.

This is the kind of book that leaves you feeling lighter, more hopeful, and more connected to life’s deeper rhythms. For readers seeking encouragement, community, and a rejuvenating perspective on aging, Turning is both comforting and inspiring.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am probably a bit biased as Becky was a classmate of mine in college (nursing school) and we both became geriatric nurses. That being said, I found this book very timely as I too am going through the third act of life. Many of the topics Becky discussed, from hearing aids to retirement to volunteer work to deaths of parents, have occurred in my life as well so I could totally relate to this. I loved this book! Great job my friend.

[Tammy O · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book to read around age 60 as we enter our 3rd act of life. It scares me to think I'm already in the final act if there are only three. If I break into 4 quarters, at least I'm only in the 3rd quarter. I have ordered copies to give to the high school girls for Christmas. Starting to think Peggy isn't the right person to give to, wish she was. Might substitute Beth or Jacki instead. Will definitely talk to Patti and Jan about the book more that I have finished it.

[Sheila Dailie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I read it straight through, it is probably better as a resource, picking and choosing the chapters one is currently interested in. Becky's writing is fine, but it felt like a lot of the book was a review of other books that relate to aging and living well into the later years.
I'll keep my copy of the book because I met the author and she autographed it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me ponder how I'd like my later years to look. Blue writes with such warmth and insightful stories that have helped me consider what new adventures I will have now that I've raised my kids and finished my career.

[Jean Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned hearing loss can impact your cognition. Time to go for a hearing test with my husband! The book is better when you take the time to think about the questions and discuss with others.