Joan AndersonStretch Marks: Essays for the Unfinished Woman

You know the quote: You had me at Hello! ??That's how I feel when I pick up a book by Joan Anderson, and Stretch Marks is just as rewarding and fulfilling.Each essay is a loving letter from an old friend. Each essay touches a place in this Unfinished Woman's heart and soul and there is an awakening. Joan shares lessons from her own unfinished life that some how have paralleled to mine. She’s figured it out and put into words what I can only say: Yeah! Oh Yeah! WOW!! You're right!! We shared experiences right down to the same coffee mug!!She knows where I've been and where I'm going. She has created a worn path through the dunes that I can choose to follow or deviate from on this unfinished journey of acceptance.Each essay is complete and very easy to read. Stretch Marks is a very easy book to read cover to cover, but I couldn't. Once again, Joan took me for another walk where she spoke to me; I listened; I thought; I had my OMG moments and cherished each experience... and then continued along my way. Each essay stirred something in me that needed to be digested before continuing on the path.There are so many snippets and quotes, I must go back with a post-it pad to keep the reminders and wisdom of an aging unfinished woman. Just as Joan Erikson was Joan Anderson's mentor and friend, Joan Anderson is the mentor and friend to me and millions.Do I recommend this book? HELL YEAH! And I recommend once you read it, you should read it again. And if you haven't already, I recommend you read her other books too. And soon, I recommend you see the movie, A Year By The Sea.

I've been a fan of Joan's for many years, having read every one of her books-many of them having read more than twice. They have inspired me to peel away the layers of what no longer serves me and they bring me home to what my soul is calling me to do."Stretch Marks" being a book of essays I wasn't sure I'd like it, as I enjoy memoirs as they slowly unfold. But oh, how pleasantly surprised I was!Filled with just as much wisdom as her other books, I found myself identifying with many of the stories. Some made me laugh. Many made me feel not alone in the many feelings we go through as women.Joan is a friend to all women through her honesty and encouragement to keep stretching to that place inside us that is yearning to be free.One of the best things I've ever done for myself is discovering the writing of Joan. She has helped me to be brave in letting my inner light shine.Every one of Joan's books sit on a shelf in my writing cottage. And now "Stretch Marks" will be there too like another friend I can turn to when I need someone to assure me that going through all the many phases of womanhood has many gifts to offer.

This may be my favorite Joan Anderson book thus far. It spoke to me where I am today... a newly retired college professor trying to figure out what retirement means in light of being an empty nester and moving to a new location. I found many of her essays to be thought provoking. All in all learning to live an "unlived" life is an intriguing concept and one that I hope to master at some level or at least progress.Thanks Joan for helping me gain insight.

Joan Anderson returned to the page with “Stretch Marks, Essays for the Unfinished Woman” and in each essay she captures the commonality of life. Her thoughts and words assure us that we are not alone on this journey, it is shared. However, her wisdom beckons you to look within yourself and seek your truth. This book arrived in my mailbox late Saturday and I finished reading it on Sunday. Putting it down was not an option. Upon its completion I was yearning for more. Joan writes as if you are sitting across the table from her enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Never have I found a friend who understands me and my feelings as Joan does……even though we have never met.

This is another gem from Joan Anderson. Her books transport me from my day to day duties and help me take the time to think about ME for once. I have always enjoyed how Joan intersperses wonderful, insightful quotes in her books. She does this so well in Stretch Marks I have started to write them down and post them on my frig to remind me that there is so much more in life than the need for bread and milk.Take the time to enjoy this gem and gift it to your friends. It will generate some very thoughtful discussions.

I read all of Joan's books through the past years during some really rough times in my life. Ihave loved everyone of them and hoping to go to one of her retreats. I continue to listen to the audios over and over on my frequent car trips I relate so much to Joan and her followers and I hope she continues writing Theresa

Joan Anderson brings a gift to millions of women with her insight and willingness to share. I regard her as a mentor to me as I know she is to so many. Reading her words, sharing time with her on retreats, and now...awaiting the release of her film, has given me the empowerment to take care of myself as a woman with many roles to play. Her books, her wisdom, are a gift to all women.....and all women should make it a priority to gift themselves with JOAN!!

Joan Anderson writes about issues faced by women. She's honest and pulls no punches. Stretch Marks is her lastest book and it is aimed at women of a certain age. Joys of women's friendships, pitfalls of a long term marriage, body image and learning to deal with adult children. Any woman 55 and over will find at least on of the essays that speaks to her. Reading Stretch Marks is like sitting with a good friend over a glass of wine and having a heart-to-heart. Highly recommended.

i have followed Joan for years now and enjoyed every thing she has written. This book is more gentle than the others but enjoyable and as we are the same age , very understandable.

Joan Anderson is my favourite author! This book does not dissapoint. Because it's a series of short essays, I tend to read a chapter while I'm soaking in the bath and use the rest of my bath time to reflect on the parallels in my one life and the lesson learned. This is a read I'm stretching over o long time.

Loved this book!I love all her books so I was not disappointed!

Love all of Joan's books. This one particularly spoke to me.