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The Breaking Point Book Review |
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Book Reviews -
Women's Health and Psychology
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Written by Karen Schneider
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Sue Shellenbarger describes the day her midlife crisis came to a head: carelessly taking part in extreme sports she had no place in, just to experience the physical and emotional rush it temporarily brought her. One day, one such experience also brought her a broken collarbone, and something of a broken dignity. Realizing she was in the midst of a midlife crisis, she decided to document her experience.
After writing about her midlife crises in her Wall Street Journal Work & Family column, the response from her readers was surprising. Hearing woman after woman detail her own personal experience with midlife crisis, Shellenbarger realized trends were changing, and that it was no longer men that dominated these experiences and feelings. After eliciting this response, Shellenbarger decided to dig even deeper for her book, The Breaking Point: How Female Midlife Crisis Is Transforming Today's Women.
Shellenbarger provides researched data and personal stories of women
who've experienced their own midlife crisis. Usually stereotyped as the
problem affecting men, Shellenbarger details how it is reported more
and more often by women between the ages of 35 through 55.
Increasingly, these women grow weary of playing super mom, juggling
home and work, and having to repress their desire for passion, love,
and LIFE. Given the financial independence that comes with age, many
women are now acting out on their desires, shedding their former roles
in favor of the more exciting and fulfilling lives they hope to
uncover. In fact, it appears the reason many women are experiencing
these feelings now is because of the additional income and stress in
their lives. Generational roles have shifted, women are not as
repressed as they were previously, and so, the rules are changing.
The Breaking Point also reveals the different personalities women take
on when they experience their crisis. Shellenbarger predicts how some
crises simply open a door for the woman, creatively, emotionally, etc.,
but some prove to be damaging if the woman becomes too engrossed and
neglects other aspects of her life. Shellenbarger points out that while
all crises are not created equal, recognizing these signs may help to
work through the process and lead to fulfillment. The Breaking Point
was an insightful look into the emotions and experiences that shape the
midlife crisis, and is a recommended read for women of all ages.
© 2005 Karen Schneider
My Personal Finance Progress Report - my blog (http://ksfinancialprogressreport.blogspot.com/)
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