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The Quiet Center: Women Reflecting on Life's Passages from the Pages of Victoria Magazine
In beautifully written memoirs by some of the great women writers of America, The Quiet Center resonates with the wisdom gleaned from everyday life. Originally published in the pages of Victoria magazine in its first decade, the essays in this volume speak to and from a woman's heart.
- GenresNonfictionEssaysMemoir
358 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 13, 2008
I really love this book, but I'm taking it off my "currently reading" list because the truth is - it's been on my nightstand by the bed for 10 years now and I just keep reading it and rereading it whenever I'm in the mood for a dose of it. A collection of writings from women, ABOUT women and their various chapters of life. It is much like my Bible in that it is just a permanent fixture that I refer to again and again.
March 15, 2024
"Memoirs are the distillation of life's lessons."
-Nancy Lindemeyer, former Editor-in-Chief of "Victoria"
This is my favorite book of all time. I acquired it when it was first published in 1997 and have read it through, one essay at a time between other books, four or five times since then. For several years is sat on my writing desk, untouched, but it has recently found its way back to its natural home, on the table of books beside my recliner in our reading room.
Each essay in The Quiet Center initially appeared in the pages of the old version of "Victoria" magazine, most in the late eighties and in the nineties, in the time when it was graced by the exquisite photography of Toshi Osutki, engaging articles that spoke to women's longing for beauty and gracious rituals, and the elegant insights of these distinguished writers.
I fell in love with the soothing title, The Quiet Center, the beautiful, restful cover illustration, "Morning Coffee" by Skip Liepke, painted in 1990 (I tried mightily but unsuccessfully to locate a print), and its pitch perfect subtitle: "Women Reflecting on Life's Passages."
Organized into sections that reflect those life passages: "Childhood," "Motherhood," "Grandmothers," "Sisters," "Places of the Heart," "Rituals," "In the Company of the Past," "On Writing and Writers," "The Quiet Center of One's Life," each contribution is from a woman of talent and taste, of understanding and reflection. Most are mature women who have experienced life and who have the capacity to share their wisdom. Many are familiar: Diane Ackerman, Perri Klass, Madeleine L'Engle, Tovah Martin, Marian Seldes, Jane Smiley, Phyllis Theroux, Judith Thurman, Faith Andrews Bedford, and several others known only to readers of the magazine. Each of these writers has the gift of touching our hearts of soothing our souls, of creating a balm that eases troubles or quiets over-active minds.
Before beginning any essay, I re-read the brief biography of its author found at the back of the book. Learning more about her, becoming familiar with who she is, helps to create another connection.
I am unfailingly happy, hopeful, and at peace after spending time within these pages.
Today I read the final piece, "The Deer in Springtime," by Diane Ackerman. Tomorrow I will once again turn to the opening pages of The Quiet Center and join Jane Smiley in her youthful remembrance, "Horse Love."
This book is a treasure. If you can get your hands on a copy, do.
My highest recommendation.
-Nancy Lindemeyer, former Editor-in-Chief of "Victoria"
This is my favorite book of all time. I acquired it when it was first published in 1997 and have read it through, one essay at a time between other books, four or five times since then. For several years is sat on my writing desk, untouched, but it has recently found its way back to its natural home, on the table of books beside my recliner in our reading room.
Each essay in The Quiet Center initially appeared in the pages of the old version of "Victoria" magazine, most in the late eighties and in the nineties, in the time when it was graced by the exquisite photography of Toshi Osutki, engaging articles that spoke to women's longing for beauty and gracious rituals, and the elegant insights of these distinguished writers.
I fell in love with the soothing title, The Quiet Center, the beautiful, restful cover illustration, "Morning Coffee" by Skip Liepke, painted in 1990 (I tried mightily but unsuccessfully to locate a print), and its pitch perfect subtitle: "Women Reflecting on Life's Passages."
Organized into sections that reflect those life passages: "Childhood," "Motherhood," "Grandmothers," "Sisters," "Places of the Heart," "Rituals," "In the Company of the Past," "On Writing and Writers," "The Quiet Center of One's Life," each contribution is from a woman of talent and taste, of understanding and reflection. Most are mature women who have experienced life and who have the capacity to share their wisdom. Many are familiar: Diane Ackerman, Perri Klass, Madeleine L'Engle, Tovah Martin, Marian Seldes, Jane Smiley, Phyllis Theroux, Judith Thurman, Faith Andrews Bedford, and several others known only to readers of the magazine. Each of these writers has the gift of touching our hearts of soothing our souls, of creating a balm that eases troubles or quiets over-active minds.
Before beginning any essay, I re-read the brief biography of its author found at the back of the book. Learning more about her, becoming familiar with who she is, helps to create another connection.
I am unfailingly happy, hopeful, and at peace after spending time within these pages.
Today I read the final piece, "The Deer in Springtime," by Diane Ackerman. Tomorrow I will once again turn to the opening pages of The Quiet Center and join Jane Smiley in her youthful remembrance, "Horse Love."
This book is a treasure. If you can get your hands on a copy, do.
My highest recommendation.
August 22, 2014
I've owned this book for years, and I keep it on my bedside table for soothing late-night reading when I can't sleep. I enjoy reading and re-reading the thoughtful essays.
July 18, 2020
I picked up The Quiet Center by Victoria Magazine at a library sale years ago. Libraries have been closed for months due to COVID-19, so I’ve been working my way through the unread books on my shelves. Happily, I found The Quiet Center. It was the perfect read during these unsettling times. The book was filled with essays published in Victoria Magazine and written by American women. Sections were divided into:
Childhood
Motherhood
Grandmothers
Sisters
Places of the Heart
In the Company of the Past
On Writing and Writers
The Quiet Center of One’s Life
I found all of the essays settling and they did help to quiet my mind. It was just what I needed to read at the end of the day during these turbulent times. Definitely a good read!
Childhood
Motherhood
Grandmothers
Sisters
Places of the Heart
In the Company of the Past
On Writing and Writers
The Quiet Center of One’s Life
I found all of the essays settling and they did help to quiet my mind. It was just what I needed to read at the end of the day during these turbulent times. Definitely a good read!
February 21, 2016
A collection of essays on various topics by various authors. They have in common a certain mediative tone, of things pondered deeply. A convincing tone.
On topics from family members, to writing and reading, to what Isak Dinesen thought a flower arrangement should be, and how New York City's closest approach to a meadow is the flower market, to places, to a grandfather who never turned a tangle in his yard to a lawn because he needed paths, and a woman who gathered plants for dyes there, whom the girl thought was a witch -- a benevolent one, but still a witch -- and thought her home should be furnished with furniture from shipwreck.
A good collection.
On topics from family members, to writing and reading, to what Isak Dinesen thought a flower arrangement should be, and how New York City's closest approach to a meadow is the flower market, to places, to a grandfather who never turned a tangle in his yard to a lawn because he needed paths, and a woman who gathered plants for dyes there, whom the girl thought was a witch -- a benevolent one, but still a witch -- and thought her home should be furnished with furniture from shipwreck.
A good collection.
April 13, 2008
Impressive collection of essays on broad subjects such as childhood, rituals, writing and writers, and grandmothers. The essays are 3-5 pages long, the perfect length for a gentle easing into sleep just before bedtime. Contributors include Jane Smiley, Francine Prose, Susan Minot and Carol Shields.
May 18, 2009
A surprise gift from Ron in the earlier days of our marriage which I still have on my bookshelf and occas. read.
December 29, 2014
I am not a fan of short stories but I really enjoyed these "quiet" stories before bedtime!
January 12, 2016
Such a wonderful collection of short stories by female authors. I will read these again and again.
July 13, 2013
Good read. A keeper.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews