Girls with the Grandmother Faces: A Celebration of Life's Potential for Those Over 55 [Hardcover]

Frances Weaver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1996

A lecturer and newspaper columnist inspires women over fifty-five through a series of anecdotes about issues ranging from coping with widowhood and making new friends to going back to school and sex. 50,000 first printing. $50,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Weaver, a columnist and National Public Radio commentator, originally published this upbeat self-help manual for older women at her own expense. Widowed when she was in her mid-50s, with four grown children, Weaver quickly learned that to make the most out of her remaining years, she had to change her life dramatically. The advice she offers here is directed primarily to middle-class women who find themselves in a similar situation. Stating that "boredom is ninety-nine percent self-inflicted," she stresses the importance of making oneself, rather than family or married friends, the focus of future activities, and recommends education and travel as ways to develop new interests. Although Weaver deals only superficially with the emotional problems of widowhood, her practical comments and suggestions of groups to contact, including addresses, are useful. Illustrations. Author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This is an expanded version of a successful self-published book in which Weaver offers suggestions, encouragement, and hope to women over 55 who want to make changes in their lives. Expanding on her premise that uninterested women are uninteresting, she provides practical suggestions for avoiding the self-inflicted boredom that results from being "too tired or too lonely to get out of the house." Weaver draws on personal experiences, such as her decision to attend a junior college 200 miles from home, to encourage other over 55-ers. There is advice on living alone, remarriage, family, schooling, support groups, and travel during the years Weaver terms "the time of final options." She is a virtual cheerleader for the sandwich generation, who can keep their freedom and independence by engaging their imagination and curiosity. A very peppy, inspiring, upbeat read. Patricia Hassler

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; Revised edition (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078686169X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786861699
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #835,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A reminder that life is not over after 60., June 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Girls with the Grandmother Faces: A Celebration of Life's Potential For Those Over 55 (Paperback)

It is so easy to withdraw after the kids leave and you are alone. This book recognizes the ease of withdrawal and the empty feeling and attempts to remind us that there is really nothing different about being older. You have to go out and make things happen. Additionally, and the best part, there are all kinds of hints on places to go and unique ways to see things....just in case we didn't think of it ourselves. I didn't. Take a train...use Elderhostel....play bridge...get involved. OK. We've heard it before but if you are reading this book, you need to hear it again. I like the book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Need some good laughs-- with useful advice? Read this!, March 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Girls with the Grandmother Faces: A Celebration of Life's Potential for Those Over 55 (Hardcover)

Having heard Frances Weaver on the TODAY show, I was anxious to read her book, and what a pleasure it was! I have since given copies to many of my friends, and they also enjoy her wit and wisdom! I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in living life to the fullest -- Frances Weaver is an inspiration, and her attitude toward life is refreshing! She concentrates on "why not?" instead of "how to"-- and does it very well.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The power of truth, June 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Girls with the Grandmother Faces: A Celebration of Life's Potential for Those Over 55 (Hardcover)

The Girls with the Grandmother Faces by Frances Weaver... While gathering information for a university class I teach in Women's Studies, Frances' book literally jumped off the shelf and landed at my feet. Getting ready to enter my 50s, experiencing a new empty nest, changing careers, becoming a first-time grandmother, entering menopause, and a host of newly acquired aches and pains, I found her book to be truthful and refreshing. The last couple of years have been dark and swirling while I've tried to get my feet under me. Her book speaks to all women as they strive to face each challenge in all the roles they must play. I would appreciate hearing from you about your roles and experiences.