Your Second Act

Inspiring Stories of Transformation

By: Patricia Heaton

Narrated by: Patricia Heaton, Full Cast

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

An entertaining book “filled with inspirational anecdotes” (People) about second acts in life and reinventing yourself from beloved television actress Patricia Heaton - Emmy Award-winning star of Everybody Love’s Raymond, The Middle, Patricia Heaton Parties, and most recently, Carol’s Second Act.

Patricia Heaton is one of TV’s most recognizable and beloved moms.

She’s won three Emmys, two for her starring role as Debra Barone on the long-running comedy Everybody Loves Raymond, and followed that career-making role with another gem as Frances Heck on the popular sitcom The Middle. She returned to television as the lead in the series Carol’s Second Act, which followed divorced 50-year-old Carol Kenney (played by Heaton), who after raising two children and retiring as a teacher decides to finally pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. 

Patricia Heaton knows what it’s like to stage a second act and navigate pivotal transitions in life. When Heaton’s children left the nest, she found herself in a new and unfamiliar stage of life, compelling her to evaluate which direction to take next. Heaton discovered she had the time to pursue passions that were previously placed on hold, both personally and professionally. She made her move and took a step forward in her career, and for the first time, Heaton was not only the star of her own show, but also the executive producer. She now finds her greatest fulfillment in using her influence to support humanitarian efforts as a celebrity ambassador for World Vision, the world’s largest nongovernmental organization. She and her husband support their work in poverty relief around the globe, something that was planted in her heart long ago.

Through her own experience, Heaton became curious about other people’s stories of second-act transitions and ways to offer support in the process. Now, in Your Second Act, she shares wisdom from her own personal journey as well as insight from stories of numerous people across the country. From work to health, to love and more, the results are heartwarming, inspiring, and surprisingly relatable.

“If you’ve been wanting to start your second act, Patricia Heaton may have just what you need.” (Today) 

Filled with lighthearted anecdotes and pragmatic steps, Heaton shows us that midlife doesn’t have to be about crisis when you focus on the opportunity. After all, it’s never too late or too early to stage your second act. 

©2020 Patricia Heaton (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio

Inspirational.. just what I needed to hear!

I loved hearing Patricia narrate her book. She had some great real life stories and provided so much information to help me navigate a new phase of my life with more zip!

Heart Warming Inspirational

I loved this Book/Audible.

I was simply intrigued by the stories in this book that made me want to continue to read/listen to what was coming up next.

I was motivated throughout the book/audible to keep my passions alive.

Great read.

First time listener!

I subscribed specifically for this book, I saw Patricia heaton promoting it on tv and I'm so glad I did. Anyone feeling a little lost and lacking a sense of direction or motivation will definitely get something out of this. The book gives great examples and ideas and I specifically loved the reflection questions that make you ask yourself the hard questions. Absolutely will listen again and looking forward to finding what other stories await!

Works best for faith based people

The author reads her own life story in a funny, intimate manner. However her prescription for an authentic second chapter is inextricably woven with her Christian faith. Ditto for her examples of others who found success and fulfillment later in life. As a nonbeliever I found it hard to relate to

Well written

Great book that has inspired me to embark on volunteering in my second act! Patricia Heaton did a great job both writing and narrating it!

Definitely recommend this book!

Our second act in life is a real-time challenge. You realize your time on this beautiful earth is limited so you want to make it count. I’ve recently faced some difficult life challenges so I was drawn to this book title and I’ve enjoyed Patricia’s TV shows. This book helped me to narrow in on my goals and also to fully embrace and even laugh at this stage of life. She shares various second act stories of her real life friends that are authentic because they faced the highs and the lows of life. These friends’ stories and Patricia’s own story are filled with new ideas and lots of inspiration to navigate my second act, great book!

Packed for of great stories!

What a thoughtful, and humble book. It was fun hearing the stories and then being taken through the practicality of real world applocation. I'm an even bigger fan of Patricia now.

Very inspiring!

Encouraging words on starting your second act. Honest stories and great reflection questions.
I realized that I was already starting my second act and was doing a lot of the things suggested!

Thought Stimulating Ideas

Great thought provoking ideas from people who took different paths after life changing events. I enjoyed the stories. Main idea get out there and be open to everything.

Inspired to Volunteer

I loved listening to people's stories of transition and especially how volunteering and helping others changed their lives. I hope it moved others like me, in retirement, to help others with my time and whatever I have to offer.

Inspiring

I really enjoyed the collection of personal second act stories that Patricia shared in her book. Some of the stories would inspire just about anyone. It was really a very pleasant listen.