Great Second Acts

In Praise of Older Women

By: Marlene Wagman-Geller

Narrated by: Pam Ward

Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Empowering biographies of older women in history

Antony said of Cleopatra, "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale/Her infinite variety." Shakespeare's sentiment can be applied to the women profiled in Great Second Acts who refused to be defined by the dates on their birth certificates. Their lives are testimony that one can be feisty after 50. And to those who think otherwise, in the words of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "I dissent."

Marlene Wagman-Geller, author of Once Again to Zelda and Behind Every Great Man, presents a fascinating collection of biographical vignettes of dozens of women of a certain age who have excelled, inspired, and achieved. Learn how these women changed their respective fields of art, politics, science, mathematics, media, literature, activism, education, and more.

From actresses, yoga teachers, folk artists to business women, prime ministers, monarchs, and authors, this group of exceptional women will illustrate that women can achieve anything, no matter their age. Listeners will find biographies of influential women such as Prime Minister Margert Thatcher, chef Julia Child, Mother Teresa, feminist Gloria Steinem, actress Rita Moreno, Judge Judy Sheindlin, and many more; empowering quotes from strong women who refused to be kept down; and motivational, inspirational, and educational stories of older women.

Written in an accessible narrative style, listeners of all ages will enjoy Wagman-Geller's entertaining storytelling prose of these remarkable women. An excellent gift for students, mothers, sisters, or friends, Great Second Acts will endure and delight.

©2018 Marlene Wagman-Geller (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Wonderful book for all ages.

Even though the book is about second acts by older women, I believe it is a great book for readers of all ages. It has the predominant message of hope. Triumph over the conventions and limitations. Author has presented good examples by choosing appropriate characters to deliver the message. Narrator has done a marvelous job in presenting the book. Thank you Marlene Wagman- Geller for this great compilation. Thank you Pam Ward for narrating it so well.

Excellent!

Wonderful content and wonderfully narration! Highly recommend for all women young and slightly not so young!

Great Tour

It was a nice sample of lives many of which I may have never have known, some I have may have heard of, and a few who I knew the reputation of. I only wish the chapters in the guide were labeled by person and not by number.

I’m listening to all of her work now!

I want Marlene Wagman-Geller to be my guest at every dinner party ever. I love the English teacher required-reading references and quotes, and I’m entranced by her retelling of stories of great and naughty women! This is my second audio book, and I’m going to listen to them all as I remodel my 100-year-old bungalow.

Marlene, let me know when you’re in Indianapolis!! I’m a pretty good cook, if you can overlook the unfinished kitchen!!

Awesome from beginning to end!

I learned so much, and was thoroughly entertained! I highly recommend this to women of all ages.

excellent!

the narrator is as great as the stories - and the stories are well written and compelling. Thank you so much to both

Fun and fast

Great compilation of history and fun anecdotes about some extraordinary, smart women. I enjoyed it

Baptized for a second time.

Accepting Christ at the young of 12; I was then baptized accepting my new life of faith and all that accompanied it. Now, at age 71, because of my faith in Jesus Christ , I do think back with thanks for the journey , now approaching a final act. However, instead of throwing in the proverbial towel, I am going to take another shower...born yet again! Thank you Lady Marlene, I am now dressed for my second act.

Ciao for now,

Lady Drena!

Endearing, witty, and reassuring

I picked this book on a whim, I wouldn’t say it’s my typical pick. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it each chapter became and endearing story of another woman that has been through something, has endured, has done something great. It was inspiring to listen to how each of these women made an impact, despite their pain, despite obstacles. The performance felt perfect to their stories and I would definitely recommend this book for a pleasant, inspiring read!

An inspiring collection

Marlene Wagman-Geller's collection of stories about accomplished women from all walks of life and from many places in the world share the themes of resilience, persistence and the reality that we are products of our upbringing and our times, but that we need not be victims of them. With humor, candor and sass, Wagman-Geller reveals what inspires her about actresses, stateswomen, judges, nuns, and political activists, and in so doing inspires the reader to believe we can all have great second acts.