Synopsis
In 35 reflections, women who have challenged traditional career models share their diverse experiences and thoughts on when/if to retire and stages of retirement. Two New York academics, one retired, introduce issues and influences on this new dialogue on redefining female identity beyond the workplace. The book is not indexed. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Library Journal
Bauer-Maglin (director, CUNY Graduate Ctr.) and Radosh, who has taught psychology at Brooklyn College, have compiled this timely volume just as the baby boomer women come into retirement age. The book offers 32 reflective essays and interviews, mostly by women who have, or who are about to, retire. Two-thirds are academics with university jobs that give them pension plans and opportunities to continue working in some form. Few of the essayists are facing hard economic choices beyond the age of 65. With the exception of some caregiving essays, the issues discussed lean toward leisure-class concerns (e.g., the loss of professional identity, doing meaningful work in retirement). Though generally lacking in diversity, the collection does feature a lesbian couple, a disabled Native American, and an African American single mom who won't be able to retire. This meditative, anecdotal approach presents many lively, enterprising women, some of whom have tried new adventures in retirement-Peace Corps volunteer, house renovator, horse breeder, and political activist. As a complement to Nancy Dailey's more academic and statistical study When Baby Boom Women Retire, this is recommended for larger public and academic libraries.-Janet Sassi, New York Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.