Joan Anderson (1) (1943–)

Book three in a trilogy of Joan Anderson’s retreat to the ocean to find herself is more of a paean to a life coach and dear friend than the other two books that focused on the author’s identity crisis. How ironic that this friend turns out to be Joan Erikson, wife of the famous psychologist who coined that term. Joan E. is in her 90s yet has no trouble keeping up with the other Joan who is 40 years younger than she as they spend hours beachcombing the Cape Cod shoreline and sharing their show more thoughts on life. Inspiring ode to living life with vigor and joy as well as a guide to aging gracefully. show less

A gem. Honest and intimate reflections by a woman finding her way out of wounding and despair through self-imposed solitude. Lovely, simple writing.

I wasn't as captured by this book as by "A Year by the Sea", though I wanted to be. I got to feeling that at some point you have to stop "thinking" about your life and start living it authentically. If the only way I can get back in touch with myself is to run away, that doesn't really work for me.

The true story of Joan's meeting with Joan Erikson, Erik Erikson's wife. (The famous psychologist). She meets her on the beach in Cape Cod and they become fast friends, even though Joan E is 30+ years older. Joan E. is a person engaged in life and is rarely still. She is busy looking at the world through childlike eyes and reveling in nature. Very inspiring read!