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Book Summary and Reviews of Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher

Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher

Women Rowing North

Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age

by Mary Pipher

  • Critics' Consensus (1):
  • Readers' Rating (26):
  • Published:
  • Jan 2019, 272 pages
  • Rate this book

About this book

Book Summary

The instant New York Times bestseller from the author of Reviving Ophelia--a guide to wisdom, authenticity, and bliss for women as they age.

Women growing older contend with ageism, misogyny, and loss. Yet as Mary Pipher shows, most older women are deeply happy and filled with gratitude for the gifts of life. Their struggles help them grow into the authentic, empathetic, and wise people they have always wanted to be.

In Women Rowing North, Pipher offers a timely examination of the cultural and developmental issues women face as they age. Drawing on her own experience as daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, caregiver, clinical psychologist, and cultural anthropologist, she explores ways women can cultivate resilient responses to the challenges they face. "If we can keep our wits about us, think clearly, and manage our emotions skillfully," Pipher writes, "we will experience a joyous time of our lives. If we have planned carefully and packed properly, if we have good maps and guides, the journey can be transcendent."

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
  1. The book's title, Women Rowing North, evokes the common metaphor of life as a stream and also the visual of navigating the current, both as a single kayaker and in community as a larger crew of supportive women. Before beginning this book, how would you have described your life? What does your vessel look like, your stream's current, your crewmates? A lone dinghy on the open sea? A river cruise in full swing? Has that view changed by the conclusion of this book?
  2. Each chapter starts with a small collection of quotes. Which, if any, provoked strong emotions of agreement or disagreement, and why?
  3. In the introduction, Dr. Pipher discusses the extended life expectancy in various countries, the difference between being young-old and old-...
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Reviews

Media Reviews

"A work chock-full of wisdom and consoling messages ... While a must-read for its target audience of women moving into old age, Pipher's engaging book is an ought-to-read for their daughters and sons as well, as it sets forth the universal message that 'happiness is a choice and a set of skills.'" - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This is bound to become the bible of baby boomer women." - Library Journal, starred review

"Thoughtful, wise, and humane." - Kirkus Reviews

"This positive, affirming book will inspire and guide women facing these challenges." - Booklist

"An enlightening look at how women can age joyfully." - People

"Both practical and inspiring." - New York Times "Inside the List"

"[Pipher's] 'quest for joy and happiness' is sincere, as is her commitment to helping other women achieve theirs. Some readers will treasure the book. All readers will admire her unadorned but wise summation that answered prayers are 'a surcease of worry.'" - Washington Post

"Pipher offers warm, empathetic guidelines for navigating aging and for recognizing its unexpected gifts." - BookPage

"A wisdom-filled guide ... Pipher's mindful tips act as a map to joy and remind us that we can flourish through all of our years" - Woman's World

"Think of Women Rowing North as a GPS for navigating your later years. And while Pipher, 71, says she wrote it specifically for women crossing from middle age to old age, there is much in the book that is useful for any of us." - Considerable

This information about Women Rowing North was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.

Reader Reviews

Write your own reviewwrite your own review

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).

...20 more reader reviews

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Author Information

Mary Pipher Author Biography

Mary Pipher graduated in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1969 and received her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska in Clinical Psychology in 1977. She was a Rockefeller Scholar in Residence at Bellagio and has received two American Psychological Association Presidential Citations, one of which she returned to protest psychologists' involvement in enhanced interrogations at Guantánamo and other black sites.

Mary was born in the Ozarks and grew up in rural Nebraska. As a girl she liked reading, writing, swimming, being outdoors and talking to her friends and family. She still enjoys these activities. She is also a community organizer and activist for many causes. She lives in Nebraska with her husband Jim.

Pipher is the author of 10 books ...

... Full Biography

Name Pronunciation
Mary Pipher: PIE-fur

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