THE SPIRITED BOOK CLUB discusses Bestselling author Joan Chittister’s ‘The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully’
Not only accepting but celebrating getting old, this inspirational and illuminating work by Sr. Joan Chittister looks at the many facets of the aging process, from purposes and challenges to struggles and surprises.
BOOK OVERVIEW
How do you view the aging process? Is it tinged with anxiety and regret? Or do you see it as an adventure, a time to find meaning, and a ripening? Or, is it a little of both? The Gift of Years, Joan Chittister’s bestselling book, offers you the chance to look at this time of maturation with fresh eyes, with joy for what has been and optimism for what is to come.
Not only accepting but celebrating getting old, this inspirational and illuminating work looks at the many facets of the aging process, from purposes and challenges to struggles and surprises. Central throughout is a call to cherish the blessing of aging as a natural part of life that is active, productive, and deeply rewarding. Perhaps the most important dimension revealed lies in the awareness that there is a purpose to aging and intention built into every stage of life. Chittister reflects on many key issues, including the temptation towards isolation, the need to stay involved, the importance of health and well-being, what happens when old relationships end or shift, the fear of tomorrow, and the mystery of forever. Readers are encouraged to surmount their fears of getting older and find beauty in aging well.
REVIEWS FOR The Gift of Years
“Chittister beautifully downplays regrets and accents the rewards of a mature life.” —Library Journal, starred review
“This collection of inspirational reflections . . . abounds in gentle insights and arresting aphorisms.” —Publishers Weekly
“Perhaps you have to be in the second half of life to know how truthfully and helpfully Joan Chittister speaks. We live in a first-half-of-life culture, which makes this wisdom all the more necessary—and all the more wonderful.” —Richard Rohr, author, The Naked Now
“It’s the best book I have read on the subject of aging, a dazzling work radiant with gems of insight on every page. It will be my spiritual reading in the days ahead.” —Andrew Greeley, author, The Great Mysteries
“An amazing compendium of wisdom not only for people facing aging or providing support, but for everyone who wants to live a spiritually centered and balanced life.” —Michael Lerner, editor, Tikkun Magazine
CLUB DISCUSSION date
BOOK CLUB meets Thursday, December 8 @ 2:00 pm
++Book discussion facilitated by Sheri Brown
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joan Chittister is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. For over 50 years she has passionately advocated on behalf of peace, human rights, women’s issues, and monastic and church renewal. A much sought-after international speaker, she is also a best-selling author of more than 60 books, hundreds of articles, and an online column for the National Catholic Reporter. She has served as president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and president of the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses, and for 12 years, she was prioress of her community, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania. Sister Joan is executive director of Benetvision, a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality, and animator of the online movement, Monasteries of the Heart. She holds a doctorate in communications from Penn State University.
Read more about Joan Chittister’s life, career and books here.
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