Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life

How to Finally, Really Grow Up

By: James Hollis

Narrated by: Gary Galone

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

What does it really mean to be a grown-up in today's world? We assume that once we "get it together" with the right job, marry the right person, have children, and buy a home, all is settled and well. But adulthood presents varying levels of growth and is rarely the respite of stability we expected. Turbulent emotional shifts can take place anywhere between the ages of 35 and 70 when we question the choices we've made, realize our limitations, and feel stuck - commonly known as the "midlife crisis".

Jungian psychoanalyst James Hollis believes that it is only in the second half of life that we can truly come to know who we are and thus create a life that has meaning. In Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, Hollis explores the ways we can grow and evolve to fully become ourselves when the traditional roles of adulthood aren't quite working for us. Offering wisdom to anyone facing a career that no longer seems fulfilling, a long-term relationship that has shifted, or family transitions that raise issues of aging and mortality, Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life provides a reassuring message and a crucial bridge across this critical passage of adult development.

©2005 James Hollis, PhD (P)2015 Tantor

The great bait and switch.

Are you interested in learning more about mid life crisis or the meaning of the second half of life? This is obviously not the book. He actually tells you this at one point in the story. Its just a book about people he has spoken with in his practice and decided to write a book about it. Great thing is people who actually listen or read this go nowhere book will eventually need psychotherapy just to get over the fact they wasted a credit on a book that is dryer than a tv guide from 1985 that is being read while sitting on the john in a freezing cold bathroom.

Engaging, thought-provoking, at times profound

Content...fascinating. Narrator... so bad that only the quality of the content kept me listening. Galone must have had a bet with someone on how fast he could finish reading this book. He read at the pace and with the (dis)passion of an auctioneer, plowing through complex ideas at the speed of a bullet train, leaving the listener hanging on for dear life. I don’t need or want an excessively slow rendition, but much of this book requires some processing time for the listener. The content is absolutely worthy. Since I want to listen to more of Hollis’ work, I have been relieved to see that all have other narrators.

must read for all men between 45 and 55

I think the book touchs each one of us especially men who get loss of meaning in life starting from the age of 45

Exceptional content

Dr. Hollis is a truly exceptional psychologist as well as writer. The content is rich and it strikes deeply with the reader. It’s a book one can return to again and again; I didn’t want it to end. If I would offer constructive feedback, this is a time and work of art to carefully select the right narrator. The person mispronounced several words and did vary his tone or intonation. I’d encourage Dr. Hollis to narrate his own books rather than someone else.

not good narration

Narrator is way over the top too intense and dramatic. but good book come a good ideas, I would read / listen to another book of his if it was a different narrator.

I enjoyed this book

Deep thinking. I had to read in short spurts. Interesting and thought provoking. I enjoyed this book, but be forewarned, it’s not for a quick pleasurable read.

Great Concept and Insightful

Dr Hollis has a tremendous understanding and extensive vocabulary its a shame he used it all. I have a good understanding of all the books he quoted and terms he used and i found it strenuous. Perhaps if a great student would do a cliff notes version in common language more suffering individuals would find their soul.

Hits Home on So Many Levels

This is by far one of the best audiobooks I’ve listen to in a long time. I would recommend anyone age 35 and up to give this book a read. It answers so many questions and explains thoroughly how our experiences/beliefs instilled in us during the first half of our life can set us up for failure in the second half or midlife. It also does a good job of going into detail about the underlying causes of mental health issues and addictions. If you are struggling with finding peace, balance, or happiness in adulthood. I would highly recommend this book.

I'm not smart enough for this book. Seams foreign

like a foreign language. Keep finding myself looking up words. I couldn't understand anything he said. lol

Recommended

Helpful. Edifying. Delves into concepts not often touched in our day and age. Don't expect concrete answers but why would you?