As an author on my own road to reinvention, I’m always on the lookout for stories about women who boldly seek adventures that propel them into second acts. I was thrilled to discover Claire Cook’s delightful novels and read about her extraordinary journey.
Reinvention is a recurring theme in Claire’s life and novels.
She wrote her first novel at age 45 in a minivan while her children were at swim practice. Five years later, she walked down the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of Must Love Dogs, the film adaptation of her second book.
After eleven best-selling novels and numerous speaking engagements, Claire has written a nonfiction book, Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way).
Using her trademark humor and wit, Claire tells her own story and that of other reinventors while providing tips on finding that sweet spot, staying on track, securing a support system, building a platform, and overcoming perfectionism.
You don’t have to be a writer or midlifer to appreciate this book. It will appeal to any woman who feels stymied or dissatisfied with her present circumstances. And by the end of the book, the reader will be able to answer Claire’s thought-provoking question: “What would you like your life to be in five years and what’s getting in your way?”
Quotable Quotes
Karma is a boomerang.
You don’t have to be good at it—that takes time and hard work. But you have to love it enough to want to be good at it.
If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters (204 if you’re in Japan!).
If failure comes with a lesson, take it. If it doesn’t, put it behind you and move on.
There were only three things standing in my way all that time: me, myself and I.
Dreams don’t have an expiration date. Not even a best by date. If it’s still your dream, it’s still your dream.
Where to find Claire…
What a great book for all of us. Life changes and we reinvent ourselves at any age. (I think I reposted… not sure it took!)
Thanks Mahrie! 🙂
Reblogged this on mahriereidwriter and commented:
Reinvention is a fact of life. At any age, moving forward may require the process.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
Thanks Viv 🙂
Rosie & Elizabeth, There were so many wonderful quotes. I highly recommend this inspirational and motivational book. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Whoa! I wrote my first novel while sitting in a minivan waiting for my kids at swim practice and I was 45 when I signed….hmmmmm…not sure if the red carpet is in my dreams, but I LOVE hearing stories like these.
My favorite quote is very similar to Claire’s: ‘Life is all about how you handle Plan B.’
Anne, Interesting coincidence! Get that outfit ready for the red carpet. Love your quote 🙂
My favourite quote is, ‘you don’t have to be good at it…’ because it’s reassuring. The fact that dreams don’t have best-by or expiry dates is another goody.
Oh this book sounds just my thing, I love, love, love the quotes you’ve chosen to share with us, especially the one about the letters of the alphabet, lucky old Japan!