The Art of Growing Up: Simple Ways to Be Yourself at Last [Hardcover]

Veronique Vienne (Author), Jeanne Lipsey (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2000

In a society seemingly fixated on youth, it's often difficult to appreciate the charms of becoming a real adult. In The Art of Growing Up, best-selling author Véronique Vienne celebrates the journey into adulthood, reminding us of what we gain with each passing birthday. Her wise and witty essays encourage us to delight in the rejuvenation that comes with time, suggesting that perhaps the true fountain of youth exists in growing up, at any age.

By purging old habits and obsolete limitations, The Art of Growing Up encourages us to be truly ourselves, at last. Véronique looks at the art of beginning, the art of inspiring, the art of choosing, and the art of cheating. She reveals one way to save the world, the new rules of glamour, and the best age-defying beauty tip ever. Filled with gorgeous duotone photographs that complement these delightful essays, The Art of Growing Up is the perfect gift for anyone who is ready to discover the true art of  living.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As the old hair-coloring commercials used to say, you're not getting older, you're getting better. In this sophisticated little picture book, Véronique Vienne, bestselling author of (The Art of Doing Nothing and The Art of Imperfection) and a feature writer for magazines such as Martha Stewart Living and Redbook, contends that growing up doesn't simply mean you're not getting younger anymore; it means you're finally at the point in life where the real fun begins. After all, Julia Child didn't write her first bestselling cookbook until she was 49, Harry Truman wasn't elected to national office until he was 50, and Paul Cezanne didn't have a major exhibit of his paintings until he was 65. The "second part of your life is second to none," she writes, and the best is yet to come.

In 10 essays complemented by 25 duotone photographs, Vienne advises us to begin anew by throwing away old things ("outgrowing is part of growing up"), letting go of what's become obsolete, and reinventing adulthood ("become the kind of grown-up who makes young people wish they were pushing 40, 50 or even 60"). In short, get comfortable in your skin, with your intelligence, with your soul. The message is: growing up has little do with age--and everything to do with making your life easier, happier, and more fun. No doubt, this savvy little gift book will get lucky recipients on the right track. --Nancy Monson

Review

"In an elegant balance of form and content, this smart, clear, and amusing book inspires us to luxuriate in the lifelong process of growing up."        
-- Annette Bening, celebrated actress and mother of four

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter; 1 edition (October 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609607391
• ISBN-13: 978-0609607398
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 0.5 x 6.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gentle, Playful, and Poetic, May 27, 2004

By 

Baroness Von Grim "Ophelia Grim" (Verslums) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Growing Up: Simple Ways to Be Yourself at Last (Hardcover)

When I first picked-up *The Art of Growing Up*, I randomly opened it and the first line my eyes fell on said "Decide once and for all never to apologize for your age". I knew then that I was going to like this book.

A small and elegant little tome filled with gentle and playful reminders that there is poetry in ageing if only we use the wisdom of our years to accept it, as well as dance with it. The more we fret over the years we rack up, the harder we make things on ourselves. Just because you are a woman of a...ahem....certain age...doesn't mean you can no longer embrace whimsy, swathe yourself in color, seek out adventure, or dream big dreams. It is a time to write your own myths, savor your gifts, revel in your mysteries, and stop dwelling on clich?s.

This book is sprinkled generously with lovely black and white photographs that include women of all ages and contains ten chapters all beginning with "The Art of....". Each chapter ends with a list, which thrills a consummate, and sometimes rather obsessive, list-maker like myself. A couple of my favorite lines are: "Use long words around short people. Teach a five-year-old to say 'facetious'" and "Be the designated observer of both grief and wonder".

This would make an excellent gift for women friends, even those still in their twenties - give them a taste of what they have to look forward to rather than dread.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book, April 16, 2001

By 

Beverly J. Kawabe (Fukuoka, Fukuoka Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Growing Up: Simple Ways to Be Yourself at Last (Hardcover)

I love this book:-) I keep it in my handbag and read and reread it every chance I get. I have ordered copies for all of my friends ( especially male friends) to help them get more enjoyment from there lives....I will be 60 in June and this book has helped me look forward to that big birthday with pleasure.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only getting better, November 14, 2000

By 

"tobysperson" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Growing Up: Simple Ways to Be Yourself at Last (Hardcover)

For those of you who are approaching a milestone birthday, this book is a must. I purchased this book and read it on my own birthday, and found myself embracing my new age. I found every page inspiring. And while the book is not very long, it's packed with wisdom.

In addition to making the reader feel better (not older) the book is beautifully written. The photographs are also quite lovely.

Generally, when I read a good book, I loan it to all my friends..but this one's different. I'll keep this one right on my shelf, so I can reach for it again and again.