Connie Goldman’s New Book Explores Women’s Insights on Aging

Connie Goldman is one of America’s gems.  Author of five books, and a former daily and weekend host of National Public Radio’s All Things Considered,  her new release "Who Am I . . . Now That I’m Not Who I Was?" is a another gift. 

In this book, the Minnesota native who now resides in Hudson, Wis., collected conversations with 18 women between the ages of 50 and 80.   Each tells of her own life experiences, challenges and learning, sharing her personal truth in her own words.

Connie says, "I believe they’ve revealed themselves honestly and openly in an act of verbal undress.  Their stories are about the passion and possibilities of change in their lives throughout the years, about learning and growth, about discovery and wisdom."

The book is wonderful.  And to give you a sense of what you’ll find inside, I’d like to share a message from Connie from the second to last page:

                              Conversations That Can Make a Difference

I’ve always had a compelling interest in other people’s stories.  Listening to or reading the stories of others, we laugh, cry, empathize and sympathize.  I’ve found over and over again that I and others gain insight and wisdom from someone we don’t personally know and might never meet.  As someone reveals their story we discover things about our feelings, aspirations, priorities and values.  We share their courage, determination, new learning and strength.  Their experience can enrich and inspire us.

People often ask me where I find such interesting people to interview.  I tell them what I’m telling you now — Everyone has a story.  Just listen with your mind and your heart and they will share their travails and their triumphs. You too have a story that can inspire and inform others.

I hope some of the 18 stories in this book have offered you some insight and inspiration, a personal gift in disguise.  I’ve said the following five words many times over the years but they remain true for me and I hope for you.

                                     Facts Validate but stories illuminate.