The Gift of Years

Growing Older Gracefully

By: Joan Chittister

Narrated by: Elizabeth Bookser Barkley

Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

The Gift of Years looks at the many dimensions of aging, the purposes and concerns, struggles and surprises, the potential and joys. It deals with the sense of rejection that comes from feeling out of it. It reflects on the temptation to isolate oneself from the changes taking place, and on the need to stay involved. It discusses issues of health and well-being and the need to put one's affairs in order. It describes what happens as old relationships end and shift, change and disappear in favor of the many new people and new challenges that come to take their place. It talks about the fear of tomorrow and the mystery of forever - and how to cope with it all. It s a panoply of central issues that emerge with age to bring us to the fullness of life, to make us new again.

©2008 Joan D. Chittister (P)200 St. Anthony Messenger Press

Critic reviews

"It's the best book I have read on the subject of aging, a dazzling work radiant with gems of insight on every page. It will be my spiritual reading in the days ahead. it is a book only for those of us who grow older every day!" (Andrew Greeley, author of The Great Mysteries)

" The Gift of Years brims with insight, pluck, verve, and courage--and trust that finally in God's love 'all will be well.' It shows us both the joys and the challenges of growing older, and encourages us to discover the deep spiritual meaning that can come with older age." (Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking)

"Perhaps you have to be in the second half of life to know how truthfully and helpfully Joan Chittister speaks. We live in a first-half-of-life culture, which makes this wisdom all the more necessary - and all the more wonderful." (Richard Rohr, author of Everything Belongs")

Beautiful

A must read for those struggling with aging. A reminder that our perspective influences everything.

Most Informative book I have ever read!!

I like this book so much I am starting over for the second round. This time...I will be ready to write down the powerful thoughts and encouraging insight she gives. I am 70 in just a few days. Life is looking better...hopeful and exciting. Because of this book!

Clarity

Beautiful cadence and clarity in spoken word. The audio is better than reading it. Memorable!

thought provoking!

A book that sensitizes one to the challenges of aging - challenges we will each encounter some day!

The perfect book for us in our older years

As I listened to this in audible, I also followed in the book. It is one that all in their later year can relate too. So many times when reading a chapter I said, I have lived that too. Thanks Joan.

Finally, an honest book on aging!

I've been reading and listening to this book for the last few years. My decline has suddenly become more rapid. Joan's truthful words about the twilight have opened my eyes. Time to match what I see and think with my current reality. I ask God for courage to accept. Thank you Joan.

I guess it's ok.

I say just ok because it does have a lot of useful information but it was more depressing than helpful to me. The narrator was especially depressing the way she expressed things: her tone, inflections, and overall attitude that came through. I couldn't listen all the way through. I had to return it.

What a gift this book is to me

Great insights, wonderful author and spiritual director. I will read more of her writing, so enjoyed

I love this book!

I am entering the retirement years and researching many books to help me on my journey. This book is at the top of the list! I am even considering starting a study group on this book. I encourage you to read it as we are all growing older and the years of our lives are truly a gift to use wisely.

A much needed read!

A clear journey through life, so beautifully laid out. One could use this beautiful read to rid their thoughts from negativity. I will encourage my friends to enjoy this book. It truly is “The Gift of Years”.