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Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell
What if aging is something to aspire to, not to dread? What if together we could forge a radiant rebellion against the idea of aging as a season of decline? Join Karen Walrond, author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto , in this intriguing investigation into how we can reclaim aging, cultivate joy, and resist ageism. During her own year of transition--a milestone birthday, a wedding anniversary, the emptying of the nest--Walrond, in the buoyant and luminous style her readers have come to love, does a deep dive into dimensions of getting older, including health, beauty, spirituality, connection, adventure, and meaning and purpose. Through conversations with social workers and neurologists, activists and clergy, Walrond satisfies her curiosity--and ours--about why the dominant culture treats aging as a time of dwindling capacity. She also embarks on a series of experiments that help her rebel against letting her hair go naturally gray, going on a silent retreat, revamping her health practices, and plotting her next adventure. Internalized ageism--bias against our future selves--is not our only option; we can write a different story of aging than the one we've been handed. With wisdom from luminaries who light our way, Walrond helps us radiantly rebel against the fads and assumptions that hold us back, redefine the adventure of getting older, and create a shining future of expanded potential. We might even raise a little hell while we're at it! A resources section offers journal prompts and strategies for creating a handbook for your own radiant rebellion.
225 pages, Hardcover
Published October 17, 2023
54 people are currently reading
4000 people want to read
About the author
Karen Walrond
7 books188 followersKaren Walrond is the author of Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy & Raise a Little Hell, an investigation in how we can resist ageism and live a light-filled life along the way. She is also the author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy, which beckons readers towards lives of integrity, advocacy, conviction and joy. A leadership coach, activist and attorney, Walrond's writing and coaching have helped thousands of people around the world find meaning and purpose in their lives. By exploring the ways in which our assumptions might be made on false premises, Walrond shows us how we can tap into the lessons of past successes to create futures full of light.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 26, 2023
In this book Karen gifts us with an incredible guide to joyful living with curiosity and intention. She knows how to dig deep, observe, ask the big questions, and share stories that inspire. I'm excited to do a little self discovery with her steps to igniting my own radiant rebellion. This is a book truly for all ages. The internal battle we face with self-imposed limits and timelines and biases based on aging begins all too early in our lives.
December 29, 2024
A kind and gentle approach to aging well. Told through personal stories and interviews with experts, Karen Walrond offers readers plenty of insights and tools on how to embrace getting older and wiser. It felt like I was reading the words of a mentor and not a one size fits all advice book.
Refreshing read!
Refreshing read!
August 1, 2023
Thank you, Broadleaf Books and Publishers Weekly, for the ebook galley of Radiant Rebellion.
Radiant Rebellion is not only a self-help book but also an eye-opening call to action and activism against ageism. The book is full of wise and insightful words. It’s positive, inspiring, uplifting, and empowering.
The book includes various interviews with women who are experts (including authors) on the topic at hand, or at least who are friends and colleagues who have plenty of relevant wisdom/knowledge and advice. I especially like when Giyen talks about her vipassana meditation retreat and meditation in general. You get to read positive twists on aging and criticisms of ageism--which permeates our society.
One of the many interviewees is Tarana Burke!
The author's family immigrated from Trinidad when she was a kid, and her mother and grandmother said some colonized/internalized racism stuff that the author came to reject. The stuff about obeah and Orissa is fascinating—Indigenous African magic and mysticism. She comes to learn about it for real as an adult seeking spirituality that suits her.
The back of the book features a toolkit—so you can create your own “radiant rebellion.”
“Joyful aging” sounds like a no-brainer for me. Except for the achy joints. But that’s what acupuncture, heating pads, and cannabis are for. For years, I’ve observed that wisdom, insight, and life experience are so important and enriching. These traits also make people in their forties and up more interesting than people in their twenties—unless you're so shallow you think looks are everything (eye roll). This book takes it further than my thoughts about wisdom and insight and opens up so much more. This is a book about aging I can get behind.
What’s this about aging and depression? Depression is for when you’re young and brainwashed by your abusers and haters... before you come to realize the shit they say and do is about them, not you. Depression is for before you start taking your boundaries seriously and purging your life of narcissists and sociopaths. For empaths, this is a major reason why it’s great to have the wisdom and insight that comes with age.
Fortunately, the author gets it... and has facts and statistics on our side. The book covers the anti-aging industry, advertising, corporations, and sociology all promoting anti-aging and the increase of this in recent years.
Radiant Rebellion is not only a self-help book but also an eye-opening call to action and activism against ageism. The book is full of wise and insightful words. It’s positive, inspiring, uplifting, and empowering.
The book includes various interviews with women who are experts (including authors) on the topic at hand, or at least who are friends and colleagues who have plenty of relevant wisdom/knowledge and advice. I especially like when Giyen talks about her vipassana meditation retreat and meditation in general. You get to read positive twists on aging and criticisms of ageism--which permeates our society.
One of the many interviewees is Tarana Burke!
The author's family immigrated from Trinidad when she was a kid, and her mother and grandmother said some colonized/internalized racism stuff that the author came to reject. The stuff about obeah and Orissa is fascinating—Indigenous African magic and mysticism. She comes to learn about it for real as an adult seeking spirituality that suits her.
The back of the book features a toolkit—so you can create your own “radiant rebellion.”
“Joyful aging” sounds like a no-brainer for me. Except for the achy joints. But that’s what acupuncture, heating pads, and cannabis are for. For years, I’ve observed that wisdom, insight, and life experience are so important and enriching. These traits also make people in their forties and up more interesting than people in their twenties—unless you're so shallow you think looks are everything (eye roll). This book takes it further than my thoughts about wisdom and insight and opens up so much more. This is a book about aging I can get behind.
What’s this about aging and depression? Depression is for when you’re young and brainwashed by your abusers and haters... before you come to realize the shit they say and do is about them, not you. Depression is for before you start taking your boundaries seriously and purging your life of narcissists and sociopaths. For empaths, this is a major reason why it’s great to have the wisdom and insight that comes with age.
Fortunately, the author gets it... and has facts and statistics on our side. The book covers the anti-aging industry, advertising, corporations, and sociology all promoting anti-aging and the increase of this in recent years.
October 4, 2023
This isn't a scientific book about aging.
It isn't a book about how to age well or what you should do as you are aging.
It is a book about aging into who you want to be.
It is a book about looking into the mirror and seeing the smile on your face and light in your eyes.
Karen Walrond guides us on the journey she took leading up to her year of aging anniversaries and milestones. She explains how she took the time and space in her life to reflect on what it means to age, to acknowledge and combat internalized ageism, and to figure out who she wanted to be as she grew older. She shares some research, tips, tricks, and lessons learned from professionals and elders in her life.
As in her previous books, her conversational writing style, easy prose, and gift of storytelling makes this an interesting and engaging read. She offers thoughtful challenges to the 'normal' ways we think about age and what it means to grow older.
Karen Walrond doesn't take the reader on this journey just for giggles.
In the back of Radiant Rebellion is the "Guide for Creating a Radiant Rebellion Handbook." In this section of the book, Walrond helps the reader take this journey for themselves. Giving everyone an opportunity to become a rebel, a revolutionary, in their own life. In this section, Walrond empowers people to look at their internalized ageism and to be transformed by the journey. Radiant Rebellion invites everyone on the journey to have purposeful and joy-filled years of life, even after the goals of family and career have ended.
I love a book that comes with its own workbook!
This book is for anyone of any age that wants to fully embrace their lives, especially as they experience the adventures of growing older.
It isn't a book about how to age well or what you should do as you are aging.
It is a book about aging into who you want to be.
It is a book about looking into the mirror and seeing the smile on your face and light in your eyes.
Karen Walrond guides us on the journey she took leading up to her year of aging anniversaries and milestones. She explains how she took the time and space in her life to reflect on what it means to age, to acknowledge and combat internalized ageism, and to figure out who she wanted to be as she grew older. She shares some research, tips, tricks, and lessons learned from professionals and elders in her life.
As in her previous books, her conversational writing style, easy prose, and gift of storytelling makes this an interesting and engaging read. She offers thoughtful challenges to the 'normal' ways we think about age and what it means to grow older.
Karen Walrond doesn't take the reader on this journey just for giggles.
In the back of Radiant Rebellion is the "Guide for Creating a Radiant Rebellion Handbook." In this section of the book, Walrond helps the reader take this journey for themselves. Giving everyone an opportunity to become a rebel, a revolutionary, in their own life. In this section, Walrond empowers people to look at their internalized ageism and to be transformed by the journey. Radiant Rebellion invites everyone on the journey to have purposeful and joy-filled years of life, even after the goals of family and career have ended.
I love a book that comes with its own workbook!
This book is for anyone of any age that wants to fully embrace their lives, especially as they experience the adventures of growing older.
February 4, 2024
This was lovely and echoed so much of what I already thought about the concept of aging. It reinforced how imperative it is to stop fighting aging, because it’s truly a losing battle and INEVITABLE. And how to stop falling for the anti-aging campaign that’s running us dry financially and exploiting the hell out of every fiber of our being, especially women.
I am personally not a fan of self-help or memoirs so I didn’t love all of the personal anecdotes, they dragged a bit for me but of course, they were all relevant to the theme and her perspective.
She was a great narrator too.
I especially loved the spirituality aspect and how she unpacked a lot of colonial ties we still have within our cultures.
My favorite part was the idea of “play” and how it keeps us young and that youth is quite literally just a mindset and not so much physical.
I think anyone who struggles with the concept of aging should absolutely read this, and reflect and shift their views on it. Aging is a gift, a privilege and something we should look at more positively and not fall into the capitalistic fear mongering, that profits off of these manufactured insecurities perpetuated by late stage capitalism.
I am personally not a fan of self-help or memoirs so I didn’t love all of the personal anecdotes, they dragged a bit for me but of course, they were all relevant to the theme and her perspective.
She was a great narrator too.
I especially loved the spirituality aspect and how she unpacked a lot of colonial ties we still have within our cultures.
My favorite part was the idea of “play” and how it keeps us young and that youth is quite literally just a mindset and not so much physical.
I think anyone who struggles with the concept of aging should absolutely read this, and reflect and shift their views on it. Aging is a gift, a privilege and something we should look at more positively and not fall into the capitalistic fear mongering, that profits off of these manufactured insecurities perpetuated by late stage capitalism.
November 5, 2023
4.5 stars. Filled with positivity, wisdom and self care to become our best selves!
January 23, 2024
While much of this book resonated and felt like reminders of what I already know, I did enjoy the author's writing and stories. I really apprecaite the thought provoking questions and activities at the end that I look forward to engaging in. Fun read with my bookclub.
September 27, 2023
With a recently empty nest and an eye on the big 5-0, I knew I wanted to enter this phase of my life with intention. So I read through Radiant Rebellion with great interest and my trusty orange highlighter, pausing many times to think about what I had just read and then to read that section again. I found the book interesting, but more than that, it was as thought-provoking as I had hoped. I wanted to challenge my cultural beliefs about aging (I'm trying so hard to be okay with the signs of aging) and this book did exactly that. I will be taking many of the concepts in Radiant Rebellion with me as I move into my next chapter and I hope to shine as I do so.
September 19, 2023
Ageism is rampant in our society, but we don’t talk about it nearly as often as we should. As a millennial I’m entirely guilty of groaning, “uh, I feel old,” at any number of things, and this book (in the beginning!) made me pause and consider what I actually mean by that, and from there uncover the messages and biases I’ve gained about aging.
This book covers several areas around aging throughout, and each section poses questions and encourages thoughtfulness in a way that will stay at the forefront of my mind.
I am someone who sees aging an an honor, and even still this brought to light the biases and fears I do have, some of which were entirely subconscious. I will return to the journal prompts in the back more than once as I grow in this area and release old thought patterns that definitely don’t serve a joyful, long life.
This book is great for adults of all ages. It’s never too early, nor too late, to consider this topic.
This book covers several areas around aging throughout, and each section poses questions and encourages thoughtfulness in a way that will stay at the forefront of my mind.
I am someone who sees aging an an honor, and even still this brought to light the biases and fears I do have, some of which were entirely subconscious. I will return to the journal prompts in the back more than once as I grow in this area and release old thought patterns that definitely don’t serve a joyful, long life.
This book is great for adults of all ages. It’s never too early, nor too late, to consider this topic.
October 23, 2023
This is an excellent book to make me think, I don't need to agree with the author 100% to appreciate the message and the push to ponder on it. Definitely one I will be rereading.
June 12, 2024
I actually listened to this via the digital audiobook, but there isn't a Goodreads edition listed yet despite my request in January.
During my commute in the new year, alongside healing podcasts for my burnout recovery, I listened to this thoughtful meditation/manifesto on pro-aging and call to ongoing physical, mental and spiritual vibrancy as women grow older. Her experiences of motherhood and adoption resonate with me as an adoptive mom myself, as does her insistence that we all fight against marketing and products that forward an ageist agenda, coercing women to pursue youth and beauty and fuel capitalist industries for anti-aging products and services. Walrond's voice is warm and energetic, and I found myself feeling feisty and determined to continue to pursue my authentic self, just as I am at this age and onwards, with courage and compassion.
During my commute in the new year, alongside healing podcasts for my burnout recovery, I listened to this thoughtful meditation/manifesto on pro-aging and call to ongoing physical, mental and spiritual vibrancy as women grow older. Her experiences of motherhood and adoption resonate with me as an adoptive mom myself, as does her insistence that we all fight against marketing and products that forward an ageist agenda, coercing women to pursue youth and beauty and fuel capitalist industries for anti-aging products and services. Walrond's voice is warm and energetic, and I found myself feeling feisty and determined to continue to pursue my authentic self, just as I am at this age and onwards, with courage and compassion.
May 28, 2024
I should've DNFed this. Live and learn
It's kind and optimistic, but light on actual facts, and I found that the most (only) interesting parts where a few cases where she was just quoting what other people had said or done.
This book describes the authors personal journey for self realization, and involves description of gratitude letter writing, journaling, meditation, setting a personal lode star, trying to be more open, and a brief (actually interesting) part about realizing and facing her own internalized racism and colonialism.
Nothing new, but it was not directly bad either. Just mid. Therefore, 2 stars from me.
It's kind and optimistic, but light on actual facts, and I found that the most (only) interesting parts where a few cases where she was just quoting what other people had said or done.
This book describes the authors personal journey for self realization, and involves description of gratitude letter writing, journaling, meditation, setting a personal lode star, trying to be more open, and a brief (actually interesting) part about realizing and facing her own internalized racism and colonialism.
Nothing new, but it was not directly bad either. Just mid. Therefore, 2 stars from me.
February 10, 2024
I wanted to cheer at something on nearly every page! Loved this one for embracing fun and creativity and the life expanding from within me.
February 8, 2025
Inspirational
October 18, 2023
I know there are parts I will be rereading
August 14, 2024
Oh my goodness - my best read of 2024! I loved this book from start to finish. I’ve been recommending Radiant Rebellion to all the women in my life, as it truly ignited a light & a fire in me.
I’m 31 and though I’m not afraid of aging, it wasn’t necessarily something that excited me. When a creator on Tik Tok recommended it as a book that rewired her brain to view aging more positively, I figured I would give the audio book a try on my next road trip. What a great decision. This book was engaging from start to finish. It was filled with anecdotal stories to support the science discussed, to make them more memorable and to drive the points home. Karen Walrond has undoubtedly lived an interesting life where she has interacted with intelligent, wise people. In this book, we get the pleasure of learning from their fascinating interactions.
I journaled after various “aha moments” throughout the book to help me better understand myself and how Walrond’s teachings could apply to my life. Below, I’ll share a list of the lasting impressions and lessons I’ve personally taken away with me:
-Practice self-care to nourish yourself & have energy to show up in life for yourself & others
-Play as you age. Find forms of play you truly enjoy & incorporate them into your daily living
-Find your spark statement & live by it. What is your purpose in this earth & how can you ensure you’re living in a way that honours that?
-Eat foods that nourish your body. Love your body & give it the nutrients & energy it deserves
-Focus on strengthening your relationships with others (ideally for 15 minutes per day)
-Practice spirituality in a way that serves you
-Practice gratitude. Be grateful for the light in your life & ensure you say thank you to those who have helped you throughout your life
-Find forms of movement you actually enjoy & practice them
-Dress like yourself. Your clothes represent who you are, so find your style & dress in that style to feel more like you
-Trust your body. If it tells you something is wrong, you deserve to find what is wrong & receive healthcare to help you fix what is going on
-Recognize & abolish internal ageism. Catch yourself speaking negatively about aging & stop this negative talk. Aging can be beautiful, empowering & radiant. We should approach it in this way
Radiant Rebellion is one of those books where each chapter left me feeling lighter, smarter, happier, and wiser. I truly feel empowered to live my life in a more authentic way. This book truly nourished my soul. Thank you, Karen!
I’m 31 and though I’m not afraid of aging, it wasn’t necessarily something that excited me. When a creator on Tik Tok recommended it as a book that rewired her brain to view aging more positively, I figured I would give the audio book a try on my next road trip. What a great decision. This book was engaging from start to finish. It was filled with anecdotal stories to support the science discussed, to make them more memorable and to drive the points home. Karen Walrond has undoubtedly lived an interesting life where she has interacted with intelligent, wise people. In this book, we get the pleasure of learning from their fascinating interactions.
I journaled after various “aha moments” throughout the book to help me better understand myself and how Walrond’s teachings could apply to my life. Below, I’ll share a list of the lasting impressions and lessons I’ve personally taken away with me:
-Practice self-care to nourish yourself & have energy to show up in life for yourself & others
-Play as you age. Find forms of play you truly enjoy & incorporate them into your daily living
-Find your spark statement & live by it. What is your purpose in this earth & how can you ensure you’re living in a way that honours that?
-Eat foods that nourish your body. Love your body & give it the nutrients & energy it deserves
-Focus on strengthening your relationships with others (ideally for 15 minutes per day)
-Practice spirituality in a way that serves you
-Practice gratitude. Be grateful for the light in your life & ensure you say thank you to those who have helped you throughout your life
-Find forms of movement you actually enjoy & practice them
-Dress like yourself. Your clothes represent who you are, so find your style & dress in that style to feel more like you
-Trust your body. If it tells you something is wrong, you deserve to find what is wrong & receive healthcare to help you fix what is going on
-Recognize & abolish internal ageism. Catch yourself speaking negatively about aging & stop this negative talk. Aging can be beautiful, empowering & radiant. We should approach it in this way
Radiant Rebellion is one of those books where each chapter left me feeling lighter, smarter, happier, and wiser. I truly feel empowered to live my life in a more authentic way. This book truly nourished my soul. Thank you, Karen!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
I found this book in a Little Free Library - so typical - held onto it for half a year or so and then picked it up just in time to read in the last 6 days before I turned 55. I love how that worked out!
The compact hardcover was the perfect size to take along on a plane flight and the chapters and stories unfolded enticingly. Walrond is the senior director of creative and content and global at Brené Brown Education and Research Group (BBEARG), so it was also nifty that I sandwiched my imbibing of this book into the timeframe of my extended reading of Brown's "Dare to Lead".
I like how Walrond captured numerous dimensions of getting older, including health, spirituality, connection, adventure, and meaning & purpose. I want to get bolder as I age and find my niche to make a difference. I'll circle back to Walrond's journal prompts and strategies for creating my own mantra & playbook for what I'd like to impact in this second half of my life. I'll also seek out her earlier book, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" since it says it helps one name the skills, values, and actions that bring joy; identify the causes that spark empathy and concern; and then put it all together to change the world. I'd like to marry integrity, advocacy, conviction and joy! I expected more of that in "Radiant Rebellion", but now I know where to find it.
The compact hardcover was the perfect size to take along on a plane flight and the chapters and stories unfolded enticingly. Walrond is the senior director of creative and content and global at Brené Brown Education and Research Group (BBEARG), so it was also nifty that I sandwiched my imbibing of this book into the timeframe of my extended reading of Brown's "Dare to Lead".
I like how Walrond captured numerous dimensions of getting older, including health, spirituality, connection, adventure, and meaning & purpose. I want to get bolder as I age and find my niche to make a difference. I'll circle back to Walrond's journal prompts and strategies for creating my own mantra & playbook for what I'd like to impact in this second half of my life. I'll also seek out her earlier book, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto" since it says it helps one name the skills, values, and actions that bring joy; identify the causes that spark empathy and concern; and then put it all together to change the world. I'd like to marry integrity, advocacy, conviction and joy! I expected more of that in "Radiant Rebellion", but now I know where to find it.
January 1, 2024
I cannot say enough good things about this book. This book got me excited from page 1.
My feelings about aging are definitely not the norm. I roll my eyes when I hear people younger than me going on about being "old". In my mid-20s, I made up my mind that I was never going to grow up, and by that I mean lose my spark or zest for life. I remember telling my personal trainer at one point that I wanted to be the little 90 year old lady who if some asshole tried to steal my purse they were going to have a real bad day.
I have fired hair stylists who have attempted to suggest I dye my grey. Thank you, no. I have earned it. I have also fired doctors who attempt to suggest that any pain I have is related to age, rather than looking into the real reason. There is a lot of ageism in this world, and this book has opened my eyes to just how pervasive it is. The author also keeps a journal, and so she has a whole guide in the back with questions and prompts for every chapter. This is good stuff.
I am happy to know that there are a lot more of us out there than I realized. Now to find the rest of my tribe! Thank you Karen, for writing this book.
My feelings about aging are definitely not the norm. I roll my eyes when I hear people younger than me going on about being "old". In my mid-20s, I made up my mind that I was never going to grow up, and by that I mean lose my spark or zest for life. I remember telling my personal trainer at one point that I wanted to be the little 90 year old lady who if some asshole tried to steal my purse they were going to have a real bad day.
I have fired hair stylists who have attempted to suggest I dye my grey. Thank you, no. I have earned it. I have also fired doctors who attempt to suggest that any pain I have is related to age, rather than looking into the real reason. There is a lot of ageism in this world, and this book has opened my eyes to just how pervasive it is. The author also keeps a journal, and so she has a whole guide in the back with questions and prompts for every chapter. This is good stuff.
I am happy to know that there are a lot more of us out there than I realized. Now to find the rest of my tribe! Thank you Karen, for writing this book.
October 18, 2023
4-1/2 stars rounded up. Sometimes the perfect book comes along at just the right time in your life. This is that book for me. I'm a middle aged person who is still trying to carve a meaningful life out of the hand I've been dealt by a disabling health condition. I'm finally feeling some acceptance of my situation and my limitations, but too many of the messages we get about being in your late forties or older are incredibly negative and defeating. I'm weary of feeling like all the chances to create meaning in my life (not counting my lovely family) are far behind me. I badly want to embrace the opportunities still available to me, and this book is providing the perfect roadmap for doing so. I heavily flagged many passages so that I can return to them as I work through the exercises and to motivate me to keep moving toward the changes I want in my life. I truly can't recommend this highly enough!
October 23, 2025
After hearing Karen Walrond interviewed on back-to-back podcasts (about her latest book, "In Defense of Dabbling"), I decided to pick up her earlier book, "Radiant Rebellion." The timing coincided nicely with my 63rd birthday, as I gained some new perspectives on aging.
In this book, Walrond shares the wisdom she's gained through interviews with other writers, thought-leaders, influencers, experts, and friends. She denounces ageism and shares insights on our aging bodies, as well as the myths the beauty industry promotes. She explores the importance of spirituality and connection with others. And she encourages readers to continue expanding their horizons as they age, through curiosity. I appreciated the advice and inspiration in this book, and look forward to using the reflection questions at the end to work through my own process of "Radiant Rebellion."
In this book, Walrond shares the wisdom she's gained through interviews with other writers, thought-leaders, influencers, experts, and friends. She denounces ageism and shares insights on our aging bodies, as well as the myths the beauty industry promotes. She explores the importance of spirituality and connection with others. And she encourages readers to continue expanding their horizons as they age, through curiosity. I appreciated the advice and inspiration in this book, and look forward to using the reflection questions at the end to work through my own process of "Radiant Rebellion."
May 26, 2025
A solid book. An easy read in a weekend. Fairly light stories about how the author is approaching her aging - ageism including internalized ageism, the decision to let her hair go gray, to find a deeper spirituality, to find a new wardrobe that fits her current time of life, letting go, etc. Nothing jumped out at me here. The author is 55 and writes about ageing from that perspective... nothing really very deep... no thinking about mortality, frailty, etc. I just finished From Age-ing to Sage-ing by Rebbe Zalman. Now, that was a weighty, important classic. I guess my disappointment was in reading this book and comparing it to the depth that Rebbe Zalman brings to the topic of eldering.
August 22, 2025
I found this book in response to research I was carrying out for my emerging pro aging life coaching business. I didn’t expect to have so much in common with the author, Karen Walrond. Although Karen’s personal experiences are unique to her, each story holds a connecting thread that resulted in me feeling that I had found one of my tribe.
We are both adventurers in that we both enjoy the newness of travel and learning, creative in forms of expression such as photography, writing and curating our lives to reflect who we are, have Pilot Lights that were extinguished and re-lit with a deep commitment to keep them lit no matter what, a desire to remain true to ourselves, stay curious, work hard and find joy in aging or as we both recognise, in living- that’s what aging is after all.
We are both adventurers in that we both enjoy the newness of travel and learning, creative in forms of expression such as photography, writing and curating our lives to reflect who we are, have Pilot Lights that were extinguished and re-lit with a deep commitment to keep them lit no matter what, a desire to remain true to ourselves, stay curious, work hard and find joy in aging or as we both recognise, in living- that’s what aging is after all.
August 28, 2023
Radiant Rebellion is around reclaiming aging. I am not a worrier over aging so I wasn't sure I should request this book but I have read books by and taken classes from Karen before and I knew there would be wisdom here I'd appreciate. And I was right.
This book is full of stories, wisdom, insight, and practical steps you can take. But what I appreciate the most is how much Karen encourages you to go within and to be intentional with your life. She had great journaling questions to help the reader do her own exploration.
Loved this one.
with gratitude to edelweiss and Broadleaf Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is full of stories, wisdom, insight, and practical steps you can take. But what I appreciate the most is how much Karen encourages you to go within and to be intentional with your life. She had great journaling questions to help the reader do her own exploration.
Loved this one.
with gratitude to edelweiss and Broadleaf Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2023
3.5 stars. I picked this up after seeing it in a Nowhere Bookshop ad, since I’ve recently wondered how many ageist ideas I have inadvertently absorbed. The parts that focused on that were pretty interesting; a lot of the rest was focused on the author's very personal explorations of ways to reinvent and expand and enrich oneself while continuing to age, which wasn’t as much of interest to me specifically, though certainly no fault to the book. There were a couple inconsistencies, but overall, the parts I was interested in had some good ideas, and I imagine the other parts would be good for different readers looking for something more like self-help.
December 27, 2023
I did this on audiobook, which is not listen as an edition choice. I thought this was going to be more self-helpy, which I would have liked to see in the subject area as a contrast to what all is out there, but this leaned more to a personal memoir and acceptance of her own journey than I was hoping for. It was fine though, as she talked about many positives of aging that I noted myself and loved hearing backed up. And I did like when she noted (simply because it hadn't occurred to me) that the negative messages about aging mainly come from scared young people and advertisers. Shocking that 70% of women color their hair?! Maybe I'm remembering that wrong, but what a racket!
March 14, 2024
4.5 stars
I listened and re-listened to this audiobook, read by the author. FANTASTIC! Karen Walrond's research and stories include insights from a variety of people from a range of ages. Many sections resonated with me.
Big Take-aways:
Internal Ageism, Personal Mission (Spark) Statement, Pilot Light, Gratitude, Purpose and Passion
Big Questions:
What are my words for my life?
When do I feel beautiful?
How do I show love? Receive love?
Are my dreams/goals up to date? (Clarify and re-clarify)
I listened and re-listened to this audiobook, read by the author. FANTASTIC! Karen Walrond's research and stories include insights from a variety of people from a range of ages. Many sections resonated with me.
Big Take-aways:
Internal Ageism, Personal Mission (Spark) Statement, Pilot Light, Gratitude, Purpose and Passion
Big Questions:
What are my words for my life?
When do I feel beautiful?
How do I show love? Receive love?
Are my dreams/goals up to date? (Clarify and re-clarify)
January 20, 2024
Walrond gave me several points to think about. She writes this as a personal journey and invites readers to travel along. The relaxed writing style works to cover serious topics about being an aging woman. Her emphasis on finding your passion, mission and purpose works well; she provides examples from her own and others' lives. This book takes some reflecting time so I chose to read it and take time to ponder before moving on to the next chapter.
Read
August 17, 2024This book managed to be super approachable and also pack a punch. This is def a book for people of any age ❤️ Tons of good little nuggets and actionable invitations woven through stories and interviews and the author’s musings, discussing things like spirituality, how to approach food and movement from a wellness-oriented and compassionate lens, the role of play, figuring out our “spark statements” and mission, and more.
It was also so nice to read a book by a fellow caribeña 😁
It was also so nice to read a book by a fellow caribeña 😁
November 12, 2023
I just loved this book...insightful and informative! Well researched! I also became self-aware of possessing a little ageism bias towards myself! Yikes! 🙃 I highly recommend this one especially if you are over 50 years old. I will be re-reading this one again soon!
I was gifted an early hardback copy of RADIANT REBELLION, thank you Goodreads and Broadleaf books, I appreciate it. 🤓
I was gifted an early hardback copy of RADIANT REBELLION, thank you Goodreads and Broadleaf books, I appreciate it. 🤓
December 23, 2023
I NEEDED this book. I’ve been in a quagmire, facing the later half of life and a deep dissatisfaction with what feels like my existence. Karen has the wonderful ability to share lessons she learned through her interviews of many positive, creative, and radical souls. And, she provides a guide of how to take action. Thank you, Karen!!
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