Customer Reviews

Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
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A refreshing look at Crones is offered in this book. Ms. Bolen presents us with her "Thirteen Qualities of a Crone" and the view is practical and humorous as well as insightful.

For those who are not familiar with Dr. Bolen, she is a psychiatrist, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco and has a very impressive list of memberships and associations. While this may seem rather dry, her book is far from that.

She is sharp witted, not afraid to call things as she sees it, and provides a plethora of wisdoms which she has acquired in her many years of practice and experience.

Ms. Bolen has a grasp on what constitutes a Crone. Her definitions are `on the money'. She states up front that the qualities she discusses in her book are not achieved over night nor are you automatically given these qualities once you pass menopause. These are qualities that must be developed and nurtured. And they are useful qualities that can be achieved by anyone willing to take on the task.

This book is just full of little pearls of wisdom that can be chewed on, muddled over and taken to heart. The qualities expressed here reflect the modern day approach of women who want to grow older gracefully and want to express their freedom and celebrate their life.

But while these principals are wonderful and full of practical wisdom and the development of these qualities would be an addition to any woman's personal and spiritual growth, these should not be seen as all there is to being Crone nor should you take these principals as the only road to becoming older and wiser. The paths are endless and each path is a personal journey, as this book is for Ms. Bolen. There will be points you will be able to relate to, but not everyone will relate to everything.

The `Possibilities and Thoughts' section of the book presents a few more ideas and wisdoms. "Exceptional Men Can be Crones' (yes, we call them `Sages'), the idea that `Crones Together Can Change the World', and her musings on Angeles Arrien's `Four Guiding Principals' and the inclusion of spirituality into the equation make for interesting conversation with your fellow crones.

This is a lovely book on female empowerment for the older woman, and offers insight to growing wiser as we grow older. This book is a good choice if you are looking for guidance as you progress through the gauntlet of menopause and being feminine. boudica

Jean Shinoda Bolen has struck gold once again! And once again, she is offering that gold to us. It is amazing how Bolen always manages to answer women's spiritual needs, almost before we know we have them. She has introduced us to the glowing communities in our souls ("Goddesses in Everywoman," "Goddeses in Older Women" and "Gods in Everyman"). She has led us on pilgrimages through the rich and sometimes perilous landscapes that often confront women ("Ring of Power," "Crossing to Avalon," and "Close to the Bone"). She has shown us the personal and global importance of our gathering in women's circles of meaning ("The Millionth Circle"). And now Bolen has gifted us with "Crones Don't Whine" -- thirteen annotated mantras for those of us women who wish to live our last, and potentially richest, years with wit, wisdom, and gusto. In a society where being an older woman has traditionally been dreaded or denied, "Crones" is an invaluable resource and, what's more, it is a joyful call to arms. I have never written an Amazon review before, but I was so disappointed in the Publisher's Weekly piece that I felt compelled to register my own rave review for "Crones" as quickly as possible. It would be such a shame if any women on the cusp of crone-dom were to miss out on Bolen's latest treasure. In fact, I plan to buy a copy of "Crones Don't Whine" for every woman I love. Bravo and thank you, Jean Shinoda Bolen!

Jean Shinoda Bolen's latest work playfully and sharply offers women thirteen qualities to cultivate during the third phase of their lives ( Maiden-Mother-Crone). She wisely seeks to re-install the title `crone' as an aspirational honorific connoting wisdom acquired through years of living; a woman to be revered and respected.

Banish all thoughts of crones as withered and barren: crones are `juicy' Bolen maintains, having zest, passions, and soul. Adopting Bolen's approach is bound to result in a happier person who graces the world by her presence and actions. Upon entering the crone years, women can now devote creativity, energy, and time to things that matter. Having developed instincts, having endured pain, having learned the importance of meditation, crones choose their path from the fork in the road with heart. After describing the qualities of a crone, Bolen offers suggestions for ways in which crones can work together to make the world a better place. This is woman power at its core. Girl power is a mere warm up.

This sweet and wise little primer would be a perfect gift for any woman, particularly those over the age of fifty ( the unofficial start of crone-dom). It would be a dynamite book club read, and no doubt lead to long juicy discussions over margaritas!

Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom For Juicy Women is a self-help guide by psychiatrist and Jungian analyst Jean Shinoda Bolen especially intended for women over 50, and centers upon thirteen positive qualities to cultivate in themselves. From the benefits of meditation; to learning how to speak with honesty and compassion; to savoring the best life has to offer, Crones Don't Whine is a superbly written and emotionally beneficial work of practical and diverse insights into improving everyday life for mature women in today's culture.

I'm 53 and have decided this is the best book I've ever read in my entire life (and I read 3-5 books a week).

This book is The Birthday Gift for my girlfriends, sisters, cousins and co-workers as we turn 50. Many shudder at the word "crone" but I am proud to be entering the ranks of the wise women and continuing to make efforts to connect with women of all ages to learn and to teach. This book is great encouragement! Be Juicy!

Loved the book.
States the facts, Ma'am just the facts, but with a sense of humor.
Inspirational wisdom for those of us over 50.

This is an interesting take on older women's attitudes and roles in society today. One does not like to think of themself as a 'crone' but with the author's definition, we can consider ourselves in a different light and take our position lightly. I bought 3 copies for gifts as my friend gave me a copy for my birthday.

I have found wisdom and guidance in Jean Shinolda Bolen's books since I read "Crossing to Avalon" many years ago. This book is short and pithy. Very short and very pithy. It is, in fact, concentrated...like sun-dried tomato paste or pomegranate syrup. My own desire would have been for more depth and development, but its advantage as it stands is in an almost haiku quality. I read it, one chapter a night, for several nights and reading it that way makes it a form of meditation. I suspect it would be a delightful gift from one woman in the crone years to a younger one just entering that stage of existence. If you are looking for honesty, humor and challenge, this is your book. However, if this is the first Bolen book you read, don't stop here! Pick up one of her others: "Goddesses for Older Women," "Crossing to Avalon," "Goddesses for Everywoman," and delve even deeper into her ideas.

This book provides a whole new philosophy of an aging woman along with tips on how to make it a great time in life. The author uses humor to make points. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. As a 55 year old woman, the rest of my years are looking up following the 13 steps listed.
Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women