If I'd Known Then by Ellyn Spragins: Book Cover
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If I'd Known Then: Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Letters to Their Younger Selves by Ellyn Spragins (Editor)

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  • Publisher: Perseus Publishing
  • Pub. Date: April 2008
  • ISBN-13: 9780738211206
  • Sales Rank: 26,172
  • 182pp
 
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Synopsis

Powerful wisdom for young women, in a new collection from the editor of the New York Times bestseller What I Know Now™

Publishers Weekly

Spragins's ingenious book is the rare self-help volume that young women would elect to read and decidedly enjoy. The author profiles 35 highly accomplished women and asks them to write a letter of counsel or encouragement addressed to their younger selves. The result is a collection of life directives that are highly personal and disarmingly honest. The contributors-who include actress Jessica Alba, activist Zainab Salbi and comic book artist Ariel Schrag-are stars in their own right, but their letters reveal that even winners have problems-the same fears, concerns and shortcomings as anyone else. And in many cases they are still struggling-which raises the question: how wise can women in their 20s and 30s (no matter how accomplished) be? Very, it turns out. These artists, athletes and entrepreneurs compassionately address bad relationships, bullies, eating disorders and crises of faith without ever sounding jaded or condescending. This book offers sound advice and is highly recommended for women just starting out. (May)

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Biography

Ellyn Spragins, who wrote the “Love & Money” column in the New York Times for three years, encourages women to share their wisdom through her What I Know Now™ series and seminars. She lives in Pennington, New Jersey with her family.

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If I'd Known Then: Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Letters to Their Younger Selvesby Anonymous

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July 16, 2008: Have you ever wished you could write a letter to yourself when you were younger to give yourself hope or encouragement to get through a difficult time? That's what the 35 women did who appear in If I'd Know Then, Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Letters to Their Younger Selves. Readers will recognize many of the writers as well as receive introductions to remarkable women they may not have heard of before. The letters are all heartfelt, with the authors talking directly to the young girls they once were. It's a wonderful reminder that no matter how famous or wealthy or popular someone is, we all share many of the same insecurities, doubts, fears and self-imposed limitations. This book is part of the What I Know Now series, and I think it's a great addition for younger readers. I was particularly struck by the story of Mindy Lam, who was labeled an unlucky child when she was born in China and treated harshly during her childhood. She overcame incredible hurdles to come to this country, learn to speak English and find a way to support herself before stumbling upon an idea for creating jewelry that has made her successful beyond her imagining. All the stories are inspiring. Moms in a mother-daughter book club can write letters to their younger selves as a meeting activity to inspire discussion. And girls could also think about issues they're dealing with now that they may see differently in a few years. I believe girls in 8th grade and up would enjoy reading If I'd Known Then.

If I'd Known Then: Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Letters to Their Younger Selvesby Anonymous

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May 21, 2008: Spragins has collected some extraordinary journeys here. These young women are like dear friends who give us the essence of an anxious emotional intersection and trust us enough to listen and learn from their vulnerable moments. I was particularly moved by the actresses and songwriters and artists. They reminded me how difficult these callings are, how frought with confusion, and how courageous these women are to own all that angst. It's inspiring to be reminded of the artist's way--- each carving out their own complex destiny. I'm giving this book to my nieces and young friends moving out of college... it's comfort for their young searching hearts.