The Fifth Season
Creativity in the Second Half of Life
by Mark Nepo
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Pub Date Jul 15 2025 | Archive Date Jul 29 2025
St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Essentials
Description
Now in his seventies, poet and philosopher Mark Nepo explores the rhythms of aging in the second half of life.
As the years go by, the question for each of us becomes more and more real: What does it mean to age? Despite the limitations that come as the body wears down, Mark Nepo believes that there are many gifts to inhabit by aging. So much is gained and so much is shed along the way.
As Mark began to reflect on the gifts and challenges of this process we’re all immersed in, he realized, more than ever, that we are called to live a creative life as we age. We are led to what the Chinese call “the fifth season”—that moment in late summer when the glare of the sun fades so that we can see clearly the true colors around us.
The Fifth Season offers Mark’s wise and gentle insights on growing older, helping readers identify the second half of life as a turning point, a time of integration and transformation that guides us in making sense of our experiences. All seasons lead to this season; all experiences lead to this understanding of experience.
In truth, Mark writes, we each must face living and dying from the inside of the one life we are given. But we can share the journey, which is the purpose of this book, to be a companion in your effort to enter the fifth season of your life.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781250342423 |
| PRICE | $21.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 272 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Cindy C, Reviewer
A thoughtful, reflective book on aging. I had read Mark Nepo's meditations and found them inspiring and provocative. This book finds me as I have starting "feeling my age." I appreciate that someone has given this topic a fresh think and deep dive. This book has given me lots to think about and numerous topics to journal about.
Highly recommended.
Dawn T, Reviewer
The Fifth Season Creativity in the Second Half of Life by Mark Nepo
272 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Essentials
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Nonfiction, Parenting, Families, Religion, Spirituality, Self-Help, Aging
This book addresses the aging process and how it changes us. When we were younger, actions and injuries seemed minor but as we age, they take on more meaning and can stop us in our tracks. He also discusses how we need more living and less stuff. One topic that really hit home for me was how much our world has gotten smaller. Something he says is the same thing my doctor has been telling me. Change your routine. If you are going to the grocery store, go a different way or to another store.
The book has short chapters with journaling prompts. I have read all of Mark’s book, but this one really resonates with me. I have read it twice already and plan on reading it again but slower so I can get the most out of it. If you are getting older, this book will certainly will give you suggestions to enjoy life.
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