Acceptance

[kiakar]

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sarahsal wrote:
I think we never stop "coming of age." There always seems to be more things to learn, especially about who we are and who we can be. Sarah

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So true, Sarah. That says alot about everything about us.

[KathyS]

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sarahsal wrote:
I think we never stop "coming of age." There always seems to be more things to learn, especially about who we are and who we can be. Sarah

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Sara, so true. As the song goes....
the more I live,
the more I learn,
and the more I learn
the more I realize the less I know.
Kathy S.

[vivico1]

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sarahsal wrote:
I think we never stop "coming of age." There always seems to be more things to learn, especially about who we are and who we can be. Sarah

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Thats what I mean Sarah, coming of age stories can be any age, not just the teen growing up genre they pin it to. And dont you think the stories of coming of age that happens when we are older, like in this book are even better than the younger ones I think they have more heart we can relate to but also such wonderful humor when adults are finding themselves lol.

[Wrighty]

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vivico1 wrote:

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sarahsal wrote:
I think we never stop "coming of age." There always seems to be more things to learn, especially about who we are and who we can be. Sarah

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Thats what I mean Sarah, coming of age stories can be any age, not just the teen growing up genre they pin it to. And dont you think the stories of coming of age that happens when we are older, like in this book are even better than the younger ones I think they have more heart we can relate to but also such wonderful humor when adults are finding themselves lol.

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It also seems like there are "coming of age" stories for the different stages of our life. The obvious example is when we are young but we also come of age/learn/ change during or after important events or milestones. As with Miriam (in the book) after her divorce, or after a career change, marriage, when children come and then later leave the nest, losing family or friends, moving, retirement, illnesses and injuries... Some moments don't seem so eventful but I know when I look back on my life there are changes that mark these different stages. Times I have come of age, again. Does that make any sense?

[vivico1]

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Wrighty wrote:

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vivico1 wrote:

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sarahsal wrote:
I think we never stop "coming of age." There always seems to be more things to learn, especially about who we are and who we can be. Sarah

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Thats what I mean Sarah, coming of age stories can be any age, not just the teen growing up genre they pin it to. And dont you think the stories of coming of age that happens when we are older, like in this book are even better than the younger ones I think they have more heart we can relate to but also such wonderful humor when adults are finding themselves lol.

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It also seems like there are "coming of age" stories for the different stages of our life. The obvious example is when we are young but we also come of age/learn/ change during or after important events or milestones. As with Miriam (in the book) after her divorce, or after a career change, marriage, when children come and then later leave the nest, losing family or friends, moving, retirement, illnesses and injuries... Some moments don't seem so eventful but I know when I look back on my life there are changes that mark these different stages. Times I have come of age, again. Does that make any sense?

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yes it does Wrighty, its all about growing, and being willing to. It can be forced on you as some events are forced on Miriam but its how you grow with it that makes it your coming of age experiences, those who dont grow, dont know.

[Wrighty]

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vivico1 wrote:yes it does Wrighty, its all about growing, and being willing to. It can be forced on you as some events are forced on Miriam but its how you grow with it that makes it your coming of age experiences, those who dont grow, dont know.

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Thanks! You helped me explain it better.

[tll]

Does she care about other peoples judgement? In truth don't we all. In the beginning that is all that she is focused on. She feels as though belonging to the right group will somehow make her and her life happier. She does everything right (handwritten thank you notes) but the only thing she has accomplished is alienating those that love her the most. She makes you feel so sorry for her because it seems like she wants to fit in so badly. Even when she dislikes the people that she is wanting to accept her. Like Agnes, she speaks mean of her but she goes out of her way to be accepted into the same circle of freinds. So sad.

[sarahsal]

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tll wrote:
Does she care about other peoples judgement? In truth don't we all. In the beginning that is all that she is focused on. She feels as though belonging to the right group will somehow make her and her life happier. She does everything right (handwritten thank you notes) but the only thing she has accomplished is alienating those that love her the most. She makes you feel so sorry for her because it seems like she wants to fit in so badly. Even when she dislikes the people that she is wanting to accept her. Like Agnes, she speaks mean of her but she goes out of her way to be accepted into the same circle of freinds. So sad.

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What is so great with Miriam is that after being stuck for awhile trying to live the same old way...she did allow the people who loved her to prod her into change and growth. Thank goodnes for people who are willing to make themselves vulnerable by telling us the "truth that hurts." Sarah