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The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully Summary:

By Joan Chittister

  • Publisher: Bluebridge
  • Number Of Pages: 240
  • Publication Date: 2008-05-01
  • ISBN-10 / ASIN: 1933346108
  • ISBN-13 / EAN: 9781933346106

Product Description:

Not only accepting but celebrating getting old, this inspirational and illuminating work looks at the many facets of the aging process, from purposes and challenges to struggles and surprises. Central throughout is a call to cherish the blessing of aging as a natural part of life that is active, productive, and deeply rewarding. Perhaps the most important dimension revealed lies in the awareness that there is a purpose to aging and intention built into every stage of life.


Chittister reflects on many key issues, including the temptation towards isolation, the need to stay involved, the importance of health and well-being, what happens when old relationships end or shift, the fear of tomorrow, and the mystery of forever. Readers are encouraged to surmount their fears of getting older and find beauty in aging well.


Summary: The Gift of Years continues to inspire all ages
Rating: 5

A friend gave me this book. I'm 56 and entering the "golden years". I just gave away another copy of this book to my Mom, 84, who has now realized not to have fear, and to live completely without regrets....this book is for anyone over 50 who is looking for "motherly advice", but doesn't want to hear it from Mom ....

Summary: The Gift of Years
Rating: 5

One of the best books I've read in years. Joan Chittester, OSB, continues to use her talents and ability to reach people. As a senior citizen and a religious woman, I was pleased to read this wonderful book, filled with insights on aging. However, it is not limited to the elderly. I would highly recommend this to caretakers of the 'mature' population. I rate this as a five star item!

Summary: A gift of wisdom gleaned through the years
Rating: 5

Joan Chittister's: "The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully" is full of wisdom about aging, which all of us are doing right now, no matter the age. Her book deals with many of the topics elders and boomers are discussing with each other and discovering for themselves.



Much of her information seems to come from her years of living within a Benedictine women's community and observing the aging process intimately with friends and other sisters. The intentionally brief chapters invite thoughtful consideration of such topics as Possibility, Fulfillment, Relationships, and Tale-Telling.



Sister Chittister uses quotes about the aging human experience we share from many sources to spur her reflections. I find the way she has organized and presented these reflections both inspiring and refreshing. She draws from a wide range of people to begin her chapters. For instance, this one by Carl Jung begins her chapter on Solitude.



"For a younger person it is almost a sin--and certainly a danger--to be too much occupied with himself. But for the aging person it is a duty and a necessity to give serious attention to himself (sic). After having lavished its light upon the world, the sun withdraws its rays in order to illumine itself."


There is so much simplicity and depth of thought available in The Gift of Years that I recommend The Gift of Years to discussion groups, especially those who might be discussing spirituality of aging topics.


Summary: One of the best books written!!!
Rating: 5

Seldom would I rate a book so highly as "one of the best books written!!!" But this is no ordinary book, or for that matter, ordinary nun. In fact, you cannot figure out what religious background the writer has until she tells you at the very end, in the Acknowledgements section. Why is this book so good? It is littered with pearls of wisdom all over the place. Such insight! Since I read it on my Kindle DX, at least I didn't run out of ink underlining those pearls.


That is how much I marked this book up! And this book will be good for a reading again every five years. If you are interested in making your "senior" years spiritually productive, there is no better way than reading this book, one chapter a day, to remind you as to how thankful you should be for your years of experience, and how wonderful these "senior" years must be for the benefit of those around you, and the world. This book is so good that it has become a book I gift to others who wish it. [And that is why I posted it here, rather than under the Kindle section.


Summary: A Must Read
Rating: 5

This book is a must read for everyone that has been given the gift of years. It is reflective and easy to read. It would also be great for anyone with an older person in his/her life. It is a book that I will recommend to all of my friends.



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