What do readers think of Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher? Write your own review.

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!

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.

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!

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 …more physically and mentally. This would be an excellent book club selection for "women of a certain age". (less)

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.

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).

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 …more 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). (less)

This may be one of the most important books I've ever read - particularly for women like myself, of a "certain age," whose lives have been affected by the loss of important markers - husbands, careers, family relationships that change as one grows older.

In compelling prose, May Pipher challenges us to explore questions that many of us avoid as uncomfortable. But, she reminds us, those questions are also unavoidable, if we wish to live fully for as long as we are able.

Aging is difficult, and while Pipher has no magic wand to change that reality, she does provide guideposts. These come in the form of questions …more and challenges to which we alone have the correct answers for ourselves.

I heartily recommend this book for women ages 45 and up, and especially for those over 65. If there was one thing I wish Pipher had done, it would have been to craft a series of workshops that could use this book as a reference point.

Get it; read it; you won't be disappointed. (less)