Shine On: How To Grow Awesome Instead of Old (It's Never Too Late to Shine On)

It would be easy to dismiss Claire Cook in her new incarnation as a non-fiction self-help author, but don't. She's the real thing. At the core of all successful self-help books are stories laced with wisdom, humor and insight ... and who has more of those to offer than Claire Cook?She is fearlessly authentic, braving discussions ranging from facial fuzz to over-plucked eyebrows. It's her "we're all in it together tone" that made her feel like my oh so wise, best girlfriend Claire, rather than an accomplished author.She shares her low's and self-doubts:"I start to wonder if I have anything left to say. If I'll ever finish another book. And if I do mange to finish one, if it will turn out to be pathetic, as opposed to the amazing book I should have written. Maybe I should just hang it up and try to get a job at Trader Joe's instead. Maybe I'd get a discount on coconut oil."Having stared into the abyss and fantasized about Trader Joe's as my own last best hope, I knew this was a woman after my heart. Her tried and true antidote for these moments--take action. So simple, but powerful!She offers up wise, tough-love advice that flips your obsessive negative thinking sideways:"Here's the thing: When it comes to our ages, we're not kidding anyone, except maybe ourselves. Even if we color our hair, get oodles of plastic surgery, wear three sets of shapeware, and have killer genes, there will be some telltale sign of our chronological age--our chin, our neck, the veins on the back of our hands. That doesn't mean we don't look good. But it doesn't mean we don't look our age either.So maybe the thing we need to do is get over ourselves...nobody else cares."The overall wisdom I gleaned from "Shine On" is that if you want to "grow awesome instead of old" don't become a dinosaur by shutting yourself off from change, whether it's technology, social media, exercise, the outdoors or new adventures. And Claire leads by example, trying it all, sharing her missteps and fixes for adventures "gone wrong.""Shine On" inspired me to face the monsters in the closet, helped me break through analysis paralysis and most importantly made me laugh until it hurt over the silliness of it all.Kudos, Claire. You're clearly a woman for all seasons.

I love SHINE ON, by Claire Cook. Like her book NEVER TOO LATE, this one inspired me to make a change in my life. Why should we look at being over forty as drudgery? I like Claire Cook's way of looking at things. She makes this stage of life seem more like an adventure and less like a sentence. Plus, the author's voice is lively, matter of fact, and witty. If you are looking for an inspiring read filled with hope, fun, and advice on how to handle being over forty, this is the book to read.

I feel very inspired by this book and Claire's lighthearted approach. I have renewed my daily journaling by focusing on my Shine On list. Also appreciate the practical suggestions on products and recipes.

Shine On appeared in my life at just the perfect time. As I embark upon this NEW YEAR, I'm armed with inspiration and optimism, thanks to Shine On. Unlike so many "self-help" books I've read and long forgotten, this charming volume will stay with me. Far more than a book, it offers a concept—a refreshing new "flip the script" approach. Claire Cook took me on her journey, sharing ups and downs, challenges I related to. The brevity of the chapters, the delightful surprises (recipes, lists to be made, beauty tips), good advice, and a friendly, confidential tone all made the reading sheer delight. Shine On was like a visit with a dear friend who had only my best interests at heart! I've recommended the book to all my best gal pals. Hope they report back to me so we can compare notes and applaud our progress. P.S. At the Amelia Island Book Festival in Florida some years ago, I met the real Claire Cook; she's every bit as wonderful in person as on the page.

Not what i expected. It was okay but if i'd known what it was about i wouldn't have purchased. Not my kind of book.

Here's a new year - generally a time when everyone thinks about starting over, starting new, starting ... well, something! So it is the perfect time for author Claire Cook to debut her latest book, "Shine On!: How To Grow Awesome Instead of Old." In her bubbly and optimistic style, Claire shares both personal stories and other's stories on how to take charge of your life, kick off the duldrums and become the fabulous, happy person who is somewhere inside you! Following your dreams is an important part of Claire's outlook, and reinvention of your dreams, your hopes, and your life is made to look possible through her witty but wise advice. Not only does Claire have success stories, she also includes diet and nutrition tips, as well as beauty and grooming tip. Personal appearance plays a big role in being happy, and Claire happily offers her personal experience as a role model for developing a new chapter in the reader's life. If you are looking for a spark to lit your new year's resolutions, then Claire Cook is the match you are looking for. I highly recommend this new book. You're never too old to get started!

After reading a review on this book, I decided to order it - but was a little skeptical about whether I would dive right into the book or not. However, I did - and couldn't put it down. Read it in less than a day - but I'll be returning to it for the helpful advice that the author shares throughout the book. Self-help books are usually rather dry and not very interesting to me - but this one grabbed me, made me think, laugh and aspire to make some changes - and to accept some things that may not need to change. I'll be sharing it with my daughter who turns 40 this year - and will probably buy a copy or two for good friends. B

Lovely warm advice, Kind of like having a slightly bossy friend helping you out.

Funny and an easy read, but full of little nuggets of ideas to improve everyday life for any woman over 40. Love it!