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Book Review of Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women

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Helpful Score: 2


"Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women

Websters defines crone as a withered old woman. But as Jean Shinoda Bolen, a psychiatrist and professor at the University of California Medical School, points out crone refers to "a juicy older woman with zest, passions, and soul. If you aspire to be one, the secret is to be yourself, while your mind, heart, and body still function well enough, and you appreciate being alive."

According to Bolen, there are 13 qualities crones need to cultivate including meditation, being fierce about what matters, choosing the path with heart, speaking the truth with compassion, improvising, laughing together, and savoring the good in your life. "These qualities are not cultivated overnight, "Bolen writes. Crone years are growing years, when women can devote their time, energy, and creativity to what really matters to them.


I thoroughly enjoyed reading Crones. It was humorous and full of wisdom.
Women in our society have a tendency to view ageing as an uphill battle to be fought. After reading Crones, I developed a different viewpoint. Perhaps it is because I lost my own grandmother and have a renewed appreciation for the wisdom that comes with age. Then again, I may be developing some of the qualities that Cronedom includes. Either way, I am left with a sense of peace and look forward to growing older." --Colette, BellaOnline's Women's Lit Editor