Customer Reviews

Midlife Mavericks: Women Reinventing Their Lives in Mexico

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What an inspiration this book is. The stories of the 17 women included in this book cover a wide range of ages, financial situations and personal goals. Although not every woman will choose to reinvent her life by moving to Mexico (as I have done), I'm sure the "Indiana Joans" within these pages will motivate readers to reevaluate their situations and perhaps take some risks to try someing new to improve them.
For women considering a move to Mexico, the openness with which these women speak - both of their fears and hopes, as well as their joys and disappointments - paint an accurate picture of what it is like to uproot your life and rebuild another one south of the border.
Bravo Karen Blue, for a great read and bravo to the women for their spirit of adventure and for their courage in taking the steps necessary to make their dreams come true.
Hilary Stewardson

"Midlife Mavericks," will perk up your spirit of wonderlust and make you wish you were as gutsy as the nine ladies in Karen Blue's book. Blue writes honest and soul searching vignettes about the adventurous women who help make up a unique group of people in the village of Ajijic, Mexico.

Blue's descriptive,reportive interviews with the mavericks will leave you wanting to know more about their fascinating lives. If you ever had, or still have a touch of adventure, wanderlust or just sheer guts, you must read this delightful book filled with soul and spirit.

If you are lucky enough to get close to Ajijic (45miles south of Guadalajara, Mexico)give Blue and call. That's what we did! We got to tour the village, meet a maverick or two and thoroughly let the life and love of the people and the land of Ajijic feel our souls with peace and contenment, just like "Midlife Mavericks."

I just loved this book. Perhaps I am 'at that age' when the corporate world just doesn't do it for me anymore. Perhaps it's because I have these hidden desires to do something a little less mainstream. Perhaps it's because I was seeking out stories of other's risk-taking decisions that might lend credence and/or validation for me to take a chance on myself. Whatever the case, I was totally intrigued with Karen Blue's stories of women who were attempting to create a more simplistic, yet truthful life for themselves in Mexico. They each had an inspiring and encouraging story to tell -- kind of shows that there really are no wrong decisions in life.

If you are looking for a new adventure maybe this book will give you the confidence to try!! The book is very well written and a fun easy read with alot of humor. The book is also serious as it give the possiblity of changing ones life drastically and with positive results. I've lived full time in Mexico for two years and found that I related to each woman that Blue interviewed. Each woman took huge risks and most found that the new lifestyle gave them a much fuller richer life. Only with the risk of change can we grow and live like we never thought possible. I would recommend this book to women who love adventure, love other cultures and want to make changes in their lives.

Karen Blue's wonderfully inspirational book "Midlife Mavericks" came at the perfect time in my life. The women interviewed are brave, resourceful and independent. If you have a drop of wonderlust left in your heart, these women will ignite the desire for freedom and adventure. Ms. Blue even gives out her email address! I have contacted her and she has been very helpful!! What a great find, book and woman both!!

This is a great read but be ready to pack your bags! If you've been contemplating a move to Mexico, this book will help to cement your decision.

Karen writes with a down-to-earth style that clearly depicts the women she's interviewed and the lives they lead. She doesn't glorify life in Mexico -- there are plenty of ups and downs -- but does give a balanced picture, and her love for the country and her new life shines through every chapter.

Karen Blue has done a good job of describing why a number of women from various backgrounds were prompted to move to Ajijic, Mexico: a desire for change, a reaction to change in circumstances, a need for adventure. They find other English speakers, beautiful weather, a cooperative local community, and a way to stretch their dollars. One can't avoid the reality that the Mexicans are the servant class for the Americans, which must prick the conscience a little, but this is not acknowledged as a concern by anyone. Most of the people interviewed are focused on their own need for self-discovery, with Mexico as a sympathetic backdrop. Karen Blue is a perceptive observer, at least when it comes to the Americans she interviews. She writes well and with humor.

I found Karen Blue's book so inspiring that I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting! It confirmed feelings about a decision I had my heart set on and described emotions that I had been feeling. Karen is a very down to earth writer, who leads the reader through the maze of emotions that come with giving up a career and a good life in the pursuit of a dream. That nagging feeling that there is something else out there and it is calling our names. I now know that I have made the right decision and I too, am finally pursuing my long-time dream, thanks to the encouragement of this special book. Bravo Karen Blue!

Karen Blue's book about various US and Canadian women who decide in their middle years to make a leap to a new life in Mexico is inspiring and motivating. Each of the women interviewed (and the author herself) listened to an inner voice encouraging creation of a more exciting and rewarding existence in another land. Each of these women had already constructed full lives, but questioned the status quo and wondered if more could be wrung from the only go-round we have on the planet. Some sought escape from corporate culture, others from unsatisfying relationships; all sought, and found, freer, more meaningful, happier lives in Mexico. Each woman is a pioneer in her journey for self in a new world, confronting language and cultural barriers, each obstacle providing new opportunities for growth and change.

The accounts are authentic, highly engaging and well written, and the reader will resonate with the challenges each woman faced. This book could be life-changing. Buy it!

"Midlife Mavericks" takes the fear out of moving to a third world country. Karen Blue explores the continuing trend of North Americans retiring in Mexico. She focuses on single women who leave careers, adult children, and their lives behind for an idyllic and simpler life in a Mexican village. I felt as if I'd met the women interviewed in this book because I lived in the Lake Chapala area for five years. A large population of retirees have lived in the region for more than half a century. The well-established English speaking society and a generous Mexican community welcomes them with open arms. This is a must read for anyone considering moving to this Americanized part of Mexico.