Joy for Beginners, Erica Bauermeister
Joy for Beginners, Erica Bauermeister
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Joy for Beginners

Author: Erica Bauermeister

Narrator: Cassandra Campbell

Unabridged: 7 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 06/09/2011


Synopsis

"Moving, touching, wonderfully written, inspiring to read." -Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the RainAt an intimate, festive dinner party in Seattle, six women gather to celebrate their friend Kate's recovery from cancer. Wineglass in hand, Kate strikes a bargain with them. To celebrate her new lease on life, she'll do the one thing that's always terrified her: white-water rafting. But if she goes, all of them will also do something they always swore they'd never do-and Kate is going to choose their adventures.Shimmering with warmth, wit, and insight, Joy for Beginners is a celebration of life: unexpected, lyrical, and deeply satisfying.

About The Author

Erica Bauermeister is the author of The School of Essential Ingredients, 500 Great Books by Women: A Reader's Guide, Let's Heart It For the Girls: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14, and Joy for Beginners. She  was born in Pasadena, California and currently lives in Seattle with her family. Bauermeister received a PhD at the University of Washington. Cassandra Campbell is an actress, director, and teacher who has performed in New York at the Public Theater, the Mint Theater, and the Clurman Theatre. She is an accomplished voice-over artist whose credits include numerous audiobooks, documentaries, and commercials in both Italian and English.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Merand

I love Bauermeister's writing! I don't know how she manages to do it. Every word is perfect, every description tangible, every moment striking. There are many books I have given 5 stars too - usually because the story is fun or enjoyable, not necessarily because the writing itself is so incredible.......more

Goodreads review by Kristen

Normally I would never rate a book in the "chick lit" genre more than 4 stars. But, this book made me do something I've never before done; I re read it the same week I finished it. I felt like the characters were calling me back to get to know them better. And, when I read about the six women again,......more

Goodreads review by Jill

A few years ago, a new phrase burst into our vernacular: the bucket list, based on a movie in which two men confront their limitations and prepare a list of things they must do. The list is predictably exotic: skydiving, flying over the North Pole, eating dinner at Chevre d’Or in France. In Joy for B......more

Goodreads review by Kristen

When I first read the synopsis of this book, it sounded like something I would really enjoy. I liked the premise, the thought of character development and growth; however, I found little of that in this book. I kept on trying to like this book, but it just didn't work for me. I think that Erica Baue......more

Goodreads review by Karen

I can’t help myself, I love her writing! I don't know how she manages to do it. Every word is perfect, every description tangible, every moment striking. I am grateful to her for bringing these stories to me (yes, that is how I feel), and thus, sharing with you. I feel like these women, her beautifu......more


Quotes

Praise for Joy for Beginners

“A joy to read. Bauermeister gives us characters who revel in the best of what life has to offer—loving relationships, fine food, good books, and travel—and she writes with keen observance and wry wit...Readers will be inspired to leap into their own lives with renewed gusto.”—Stephanie Kallos, author of Sing Them Home

“Erica Bauermeister’s prose is evocative and compelling.”—Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

Bauermeister has created a cast of textured and nuanced characters who individually and as a group speak to what makes women interesting and enigmatic. Her prose is velvety smooth, revealing life at once mournful and auspicious. Joyful, indeed.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“How transporting to live, even briefly, inside these women’s lives.”—Laura Hansen, Bookin’ it

“Sensual...evocative...A book designed to fill you up and make you hungry for life.”—Publishers Weekly

Joy for Beginners is ultimately a celebration of life; a literary confirmation of the power of friendship.”—Carol Cassella, author of Oxygen