“A Time of Living Graciously” is a slender volume containing some of Brigid Lowry’s thoughts about ageing and death. It’s a gentle volume, and one that many people will find thought-provoking.
Depending on how you read it, it’s an extended non-fiction essay or, if you prefer to consider each chapter separately, a number of brief essays on the same topic. Either way, Lowry adopts a kind tone, which many will find appealing. There’s nothing new here, but Lowry presents her thoughts in a way that is kinder and less demanding than many self-help books.
The book is subtitled “Reflections on Growing Older”, and I felt this did it something of a disservice, as it seemed misleading. Quite a few of Lowry’s reflections seemed to be about death. Notably, preparing oneself mentally, emotionally, and legally for the fact that it’s closer than ever. This is a pretty important issue for people as they age, and many will find that Lowry’s gentle but direct tone makes it approachable.
Then, too, Lowry barely touches on other issues. For example, the way other people interact with you when they start perceiving you as old, and how that impacts your self-image.
However, Lowry is clearly not trying to be comprehensive here. This is a collection of her personal thoughts and experiences, entwined with some gleaned from friends. I don’t think it’s intended to provide answers. It’s intended to make you think and to perhaps shape the later stages of your life thoughtfully.
I’m not in the age range this is primarily aimed at, but I can see it on the horizon. I found this volume interesting and absorbing. Some of it is relevant to all ages, particularly sections encouraging you to communicate with those you love and to be discerning about what you worry about. Others – like looking back on a life (hopefully) well lived – are more specifically aimed at those who are older. Even those might help younger people think about how they want to shape their remaining years.
This collection of thoughts is engaging and interesting, though older people may find it resonates more strongly than younger people do. The tone is friendly and approachable, and it’s an easy read despite sometimes confronting subject matter. It provides a good launching pad for readers to think through their own attitudes, experiences, and hopes.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading A Time of Living Graciously by Brigid Lowry. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing that joy.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, across all genres. There’s not much I won’t at least try. I’ve been an enthusiastic book reviewer for years. I particularly enjoy discovering writers new to me, and sharing good writing with others.
My career has included time spent writing and editing technical documents, but it’s fiction that really moves me. I’ve reviewed for a number of different outlets over the years, and have been a judge in literary competitions.
I’m now raising little bookworms of my own, which brings a whole new kind of joy to sharing books.
More of my reviews can be found on my review blog www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog .
BOOK CLUB: A Time of Living Graciously
“A Time of Living Graciously” is a slender volume containing some of Brigid Lowry’s thoughts about ageing and death. It’s a gentle volume, and one that many people will find thought-provoking.
Depending on how you read it, it’s an extended non-fiction essay or, if you prefer to consider each chapter separately, a number of brief essays on the same topic. Either way, Lowry adopts a kind tone, which many will find appealing. There’s nothing new here, but Lowry presents her thoughts in a way that is kinder and less demanding than many self-help books.
The book is subtitled “Reflections on Growing Older”, and I felt this did it something of a disservice, as it seemed misleading. Quite a few of Lowry’s reflections seemed to be about death. Notably, preparing oneself mentally, emotionally, and legally for the fact that it’s closer than ever. This is a pretty important issue for people as they age, and many will find that Lowry’s gentle but direct tone makes it approachable.
Then, too, Lowry barely touches on other issues. For example, the way other people interact with you when they start perceiving you as old, and how that impacts your self-image.
However, Lowry is clearly not trying to be comprehensive here. This is a collection of her personal thoughts and experiences, entwined with some gleaned from friends. I don’t think it’s intended to provide answers. It’s intended to make you think and to perhaps shape the later stages of your life thoughtfully.
I’m not in the age range this is primarily aimed at, but I can see it on the horizon. I found this volume interesting and absorbing. Some of it is relevant to all ages, particularly sections encouraging you to communicate with those you love and to be discerning about what you worry about. Others – like looking back on a life (hopefully) well lived – are more specifically aimed at those who are older. Even those might help younger people think about how they want to shape their remaining years.
This collection of thoughts is engaging and interesting, though older people may find it resonates more strongly than younger people do. The tone is friendly and approachable, and it’s an easy read despite sometimes confronting subject matter. It provides a good launching pad for readers to think through their own attitudes, experiences, and hopes.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading A Time of Living Graciously by Brigid Lowry. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
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BOOK CLUB: A Diamond in the Dust
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing that joy.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, across all genres. There’s not much I won’t at least try. I’ve been an enthusiastic book reviewer for years. I particularly enjoy discovering writers new to me, and sharing good writing with others.
My career has included time spent writing and editing technical documents, but it’s fiction that really moves me. I’ve reviewed for a number of different outlets over the years, and have been a judge in literary competitions.
I’m now raising little bookworms of my own, which brings a whole new kind of joy to sharing books.
More of my reviews can be found on my review blog www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog .