If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. If I Knew Then is a book by Jann Arden on the topic of ageing and embracing your inner crone. I’ve enjoyed listening to Jann Arden’s music for many years and first became acquainted with her writing through her Facebook posts about coping with her mother’s progression into dementia. Heartfelt and honest these posts are like a light to me as at the same time my son’s beloved grandmother was going through a similar journey. This book is about accepting the ageing process and learning to enjoy life without all the negative expectations and doubts we put on ourselves as we grow towards middle age. Acceptance and celebration of who we are, where we show more have been, and why that makes us who we are now is the theme of this book and it came to me just when I needed to hear this wisdom. Publishing Date: October 27, 2020. #IfIKnewThen #JannArden #PenguinRandomHouseCanada #SelfHelpBooks #AgingGracefully #EmbraceYourCrone #PostiveBodyImage #bookstagram #bookstagrammer show less

I'm a little older than Jann Arden and thus, I never really listened to much of her music. When I listened to Rick Mercer's audiobook he was full of praise for Jann so that piqued my interest. She narrates this short little book so that was kind of fun. Now I know a little bit more about her life, especially her struggles with alcoholism, but I have to say that she didn't convey any great lessons that I found useful for my life. Perhaps that's because I am that much older than her and I think I have discovered my own particular philosophy and lifestyle that works for me. Good for her though for working through her problems. I'm sure other people will find her thoughts useful.

This book was lacking structure and direction. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it was noticeable to me. It has a chatty feel to it with bits of wisdom and a few life lessons woven throughout. Fans of Jann Arden will appreciate the time spent with her.

Inspiring, heartwarming and humorous memoir from a favorite Canadian artist. Jann imparts insightful wisdom on coming into our own as women. A must-read for Jann Arden fans and for all women in general.