Member Reviews
Debbie V, Educator
A Beautiful Second Act -Saints and Soul Sisters Who Taught Me to Age with Grace by Maria Morera Johnson
is a nonfiction book for women transitioning to life’s second act…that period of time when you are balancing your life in the sandwich generation and either nearing retirement or have already retired. The author shares her own personal experiences at this stage of life, as well as highlighting 20 Catholic saints and laywomen (whom the author refers to as soul sisters) and their inspiring transitions to second acts in life. I learned some interesting history about these amazing women! Each chapter ended with “questions to ponder,” to help readers think about their changing purpose and the possibility of their own second act. I enjoyed reading this,as a woman pondering my purpose,in this stage of my life. One criticism is that some of the women in the book died young. So, while these young women did inspiring, brave and sometimes unprecedented things, I wouldn’t consider those second acts, as defined by the author. Thank you to #netgalley and #avamariapress for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Maria G, Reviewer
Once in a while a book comes along which steals your heart and makes you want to sit down at a cafe with the author and discuss the milestones and minutiae of daily life.
Gifted author Maria Morera Johnson has produced just such a work in A Beautiful Second Act: Saints and Soul Sisters Who Taught Me to (be a Badass) Age with Grace.
The book's lessons sing off the page in a powerful, yet captivating way. By looking to some canonized saints and other distinguished women, readers can find the sustenance they need to take on additional challenges in the years (be they numbered) that lie ahead.
The author also incorporates some valuable insights from her own life as an educator and writer. Her spirited approach to life is infectious and is to be admired, even emulated.
What a great gift she has brought into the world with A Beautiful Second Act. May all who read it draw the courage and strength needed to boldly enter the twilight of life!
