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Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher

Women Rowing North

Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age

by Mary Pipher

  • Critics' Consensus (1):
  • Published:
  • Jan 2019, 272 pages
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for Women Rowing North
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  • Debb R. (Carriere, MS)
    Another awesome book by Mary Pipher
    Several years ago I read Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher. I still count it as one of the best books I have ever read. When I found that Women Rowing North was available I was thrilled to be able to read and review it. Mary Pipher takes us from the lives of young women to older women and shows us a community of love and understanding that is welcome and energizing. It helps us embrace our best selves and find a certain happiness that we all need. If I could sit down with one author, I would pick Mary. It would be a conversation full of love and absolute honesty. Thank you Mary, for showing all of us how wonderful life is!
  • Sharon J. (Raleigh, NC)
    Women Rowing North Review
    I delayed writing my review on Mary Pipher's new book, Women Rowing North as I did not want to finish reading it. It felt like a new friend that I could connect with on so many topics. Pipher's outlook on positive aging was just what I needed at this phase in my life. Even though the focus is targeted toward women advancing later years, I think all women can benefit from this special read and look forward to sharing it with my daughters and mother.
  • Susan S. (Salida, CO)
    Navigating into the BEST YEARS!
    Mary Pipher first caught my attention when she wrote about girls and STEM education. Her words rang so true to my daughter's experience. And her newest book about women and aging is also spot on. Her sections on Challenges, Travel Skills and People on the Boat were full of references that resonated with my current life. Even that daughter I mentioned above, who is now 30 years old, found things to inspire, to learn, to reach for and to imagine for her future. Thanks again, Mary!
  • Candace B. (Grand Island, NY)
    Women of "a certain age".
    Generally I don't care for "self help" books so this one is an exception. Packed with information on women as they age and tips for embracing these changes in our lives, this book led me to really think about living life fully.
    The author discusses challenges faced and limitations that arise as we age. It could have been a depressing topic but with all the strategies for embracing and enjoying life, it was instead uplifting and positive. Packed with stories about women and how they dealt with aging and enhanced their lives, it's easy to feel positive about getting old and enjoying the inevitable changes physically and mentally. This would be an excellent book club selection for "women of a certain age".
  • Nancy M. (Bernardsville, NJ)
    Women Rowing North
    A very meaning full book with wisdom and depth. Inspires us to remember one's joys, foibles and stories, and feel self-forgiveness. Fondly, forgotten memories of the past became clear again. Following the experiences of the women in the book became difficult as they kept reappearing. Keeping notes would have helped! This book is a keeper, but perhaps not a great book club book.
  • Gigi K. (Lufkin,, TX)
    What are you waiting for?
    A must read for all women as their children leave the nest. Such a good read for women wanting to be the best they can be until their last breath. My husband's Kiwanis club even discussed the book informally and men found it helpful, too. (especially the last two chapters).
  • Bettie T. (Johns Island, SC)
    Overcoming Challenges and Finding the Gifts as We Age
    I had never read anything by Mary Pipher, though I know she is well-respected. WOMEN ROWING NORTH called to me, perhaps because I am starting to notice the aging process and wondering how I will survive myself. Pipher shares a lot of wisdom and encouragement, interspersed with the stories of women she has interviewed who have faced many different challenges. It is a very readable book. I finished the book thinking that although my challenges may be different from the ones she illustrates, I, too, should be able recover from whatever comes my way and "flourish" as I age. She doesn't try to make it sound easy, but she points out that with the right attitude, we can overcome these challenges, and make use of the gifts that age has given us (perspective, patience, and joy, for example).

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