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Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention
After giving us eleven novels in fourteen years, USA Today bestselling author Claire Cook (Must Love Dogs, which became a movie starring Diane Lane and John Cusack) has reinvented herself once again with her first nonfiction book—Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way).
Wondering how to get to that life you really thought you'd be living by now? Finally ready to dig up that buried dream? Still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up? Then Never Too Late is the book you’ve been looking for.
Claire Cook speaks to real women—our fears and obstacles and hopes and desires—and gives us cutting edge tools to get where we want to go. Bursting with inspiration, insider stories, and practical strategies. Filled with humor, heart, encouragement, and great quotes.
You'll hop on a plane with Claire as you figure out the road to your own reinvention. She’ll share her own stories, successes, and failures, as well as those of other reinventors, plus tips for getting a plan, staying on track, pulling together a support system, building your platform in the age of social networking, dealing with the inevitable ups and downs, overcoming perfectionism, and tuning in to your authentic self to propel you toward your goals.
A little bit memoir, a lot inspiration, Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way) is real, grounded, and just the book you need to start reinventing your life.
Read an excerpt and download the free Never Too Late workbook at ClaireCook.com
Wondering how to get to that life you really thought you'd be living by now? Finally ready to dig up that buried dream? Still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up? Then Never Too Late is the book you’ve been looking for.
Claire Cook speaks to real women—our fears and obstacles and hopes and desires—and gives us cutting edge tools to get where we want to go. Bursting with inspiration, insider stories, and practical strategies. Filled with humor, heart, encouragement, and great quotes.
You'll hop on a plane with Claire as you figure out the road to your own reinvention. She’ll share her own stories, successes, and failures, as well as those of other reinventors, plus tips for getting a plan, staying on track, pulling together a support system, building your platform in the age of social networking, dealing with the inevitable ups and downs, overcoming perfectionism, and tuning in to your authentic self to propel you toward your goals.
A little bit memoir, a lot inspiration, Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way) is real, grounded, and just the book you need to start reinventing your life.
Read an excerpt and download the free Never Too Late workbook at ClaireCook.com
290 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2014
50 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cook
32 books843 followersCLAIRE COOK wrote her first book in her minivan at 45. At 50, she walked the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the adaptation of her novel Must Love Dogs, starring Diane Lane and John Cusack, which is now an 8-book series. Claire is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 25 books for 40-to-forever women, including her latest series, Bonus Time.
If you have a buried dream, take it from Claire, It's Never Too Late to Shine On!
Stay in the loop for new releases, giveaways, inspiration and insider extras at ClaireCook.com.
Read excerpts at ClaireCook.com/books/
Connect with Claire:
Instagram.com/ClaireCookwrite
Facebook.com/ClaireCookauthorpage
Linkedin.com/in/clairecookwrite/
BookBub.com/authors/claire-cook
Goodreads.com/clairecook
If you have a buried dream, take it from Claire, It's Never Too Late to Shine On!
Stay in the loop for new releases, giveaways, inspiration and insider extras at ClaireCook.com.
Read excerpts at ClaireCook.com/books/
Connect with Claire:
Instagram.com/ClaireCookwrite
Facebook.com/ClaireCookauthorpage
Linkedin.com/in/clairecookwrite/
BookBub.com/authors/claire-cook
Goodreads.com/clairecook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 17, 2014
If you dream of reinventing, reshaping, and expanding your life, then this book is for you! With her trademark wit and charm, Claire Cook unveils everything she’s learned on her own personal journey to reinvention. Intermingled with insights, valuable information, and spot-on advice, Claire shares fascinating stories about herself and other women who have dared to reach for their dreams. And, she tells the truth (sans candy-coating) about the bumps, setbacks, and detours she’s navigated while traveling the road.
It’s impossible to read this book and not feel inspired to throw open the door and discover a world that you thought was beyond your reach. Highly recommended.
It’s impossible to read this book and not feel inspired to throw open the door and discover a world that you thought was beyond your reach. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2014
Just finished reading Never Too Late. Awesome, inspiring, funny, so real, and so fun the way Claire weaves different stories throughout her own experience and advice. Loved every last drop!
With her signature humor and grasp of what it means to be a woman in today's world, Claire gives us an honest, inspiring look at how other women have found their lost dreams and brought them to life. She tells her own roller coaster story of ups and downs, and gives practical advice and guidance for getting unstuck. I feel ready to take those first steps toward my own dreams, and I truly do believe it is Never Too Late. Thank you, Claire!!
With her signature humor and grasp of what it means to be a woman in today's world, Claire gives us an honest, inspiring look at how other women have found their lost dreams and brought them to life. She tells her own roller coaster story of ups and downs, and gives practical advice and guidance for getting unstuck. I feel ready to take those first steps toward my own dreams, and I truly do believe it is Never Too Late. Thank you, Claire!!
July 22, 2014
Fabulous! Claire had to be speaking to me, ha! This book is about ANYTHING you have felt is your calling, mine just happens to also be writing. This is just what I needed to start my two pages each day, I actually have several stories to tell.
I have been part of online writing groups but there was too much coming in from too many people and too many directions, but Claire made it more personal and to the point, she is a "real" person and one of "us" :) I have been caught in the full-time mother/wife mode for 23+ years now. I gave up my career as an executive assistant in Atlanta and really miss it. I was always a writer and reader from a very young age, then I let life and guilt for wanting something just for me get in the way.... telling myself that once I get this and that done, then I will sit down and write, but it never happens because there is always a this and that, and Claire uses these exact words, as well as the word "reinvention" that I have been slinging around for at least 10+ years now, knowing that at my "age" trying to re-enter my career field would be very disappointing even though I have kept up my skills, knowledge of technology and professionalism..... it is all very different now. I do have an online Etsy business which I have enjoyed immensely, it is a great supplement to get my daughters through college and launched into the world, but it is time consuming "busy" work. I have given from my heart through my hands for so long I am almost feeling tapped out.
Well, NO MORE...... Claire has done it for me, she has given me "permission" to reinvent myself. At a young 53 years old, I realize that I am closer to the end than the beginning of this life, so I had better start really living it! I have survived cancer, just dealt with getting my mom into assisted living, am working with agencies to help my learning disabled brother, launched two lovely daughters into the world and am trying to rekindle romance with my big ol' teddy bear hubby! Digging in feels good, look out world, here I come, the chains of worry, stress and responsibility are falling away!
I have been part of online writing groups but there was too much coming in from too many people and too many directions, but Claire made it more personal and to the point, she is a "real" person and one of "us" :) I have been caught in the full-time mother/wife mode for 23+ years now. I gave up my career as an executive assistant in Atlanta and really miss it. I was always a writer and reader from a very young age, then I let life and guilt for wanting something just for me get in the way.... telling myself that once I get this and that done, then I will sit down and write, but it never happens because there is always a this and that, and Claire uses these exact words, as well as the word "reinvention" that I have been slinging around for at least 10+ years now, knowing that at my "age" trying to re-enter my career field would be very disappointing even though I have kept up my skills, knowledge of technology and professionalism..... it is all very different now. I do have an online Etsy business which I have enjoyed immensely, it is a great supplement to get my daughters through college and launched into the world, but it is time consuming "busy" work. I have given from my heart through my hands for so long I am almost feeling tapped out.
Well, NO MORE...... Claire has done it for me, she has given me "permission" to reinvent myself. At a young 53 years old, I realize that I am closer to the end than the beginning of this life, so I had better start really living it! I have survived cancer, just dealt with getting my mom into assisted living, am working with agencies to help my learning disabled brother, launched two lovely daughters into the world and am trying to rekindle romance with my big ol' teddy bear hubby! Digging in feels good, look out world, here I come, the chains of worry, stress and responsibility are falling away!
April 10, 2016
I don't even know where to start when describing how awful this book is. According to the description it is supposed to be a self help book that will start you on the path to reinventing your life to what you dreamed it would be. In reality it is a combination of story about a business trip and a recounting of how the author started writing. She led a wonderful life prior to becoming an author but that wasn't enough so she wrote a novel which sold immediately to the first publisher she submitted to (which so rarely happens that it is like a unicorn) and then her next novel was made into a successful movie. You'd think that would make her happy but it doesn't.
I wish I hadn't wasted the money or the time on this.
I wish I hadn't wasted the money or the time on this.
July 17, 2014
In this wonderfully readable and inspiring book, Claire Cook shows us how to shift gears and reinvent ourselves at any age. Her stories of real women who discover what they really want to do with their lives -- and then do it! -- make this book hard to put down. It's just what you'd expect from this always charming novelist.
January 17, 2023
I will admit that I don't read many self help books but as the bridge from being a more than full time psychotherapist to being retired and loving Claire Cook's fiction; I brought a book that had been on my shelves for years. I must say Claire is down to earth, immensely talented, a delight and so generous with her experiences and the wisdom coming from both success and mis-steps. She is a person that as you read, you feel like she is sitting next to you sharing. Well done and thank you!
July 19, 2014
This book was the perfect tool at the perfect time for me. I've done plenty of reinventing, believe me - divorce, career changes, relationships, empty nest, moving, and then moving again. But the thing is, I often felt like I was doing it wrong, like everyone had the secret code but me.
As I read this book I was inspired, and a bit relieved. Hey, Claire Cook struggles too, and so don't a lot of other women (and men) when working hard to change their lives. Maybe I'm not alone! No, I know i'm not.
Reading this has helped me to get motivated to yet again go through some reinvention (you didn't think you just did it once did you?!).
Life would be so unexciting without change. Most of us kind of dread it, but now with this book, we've got some directions and a great cheerleader helping us to see it's not so scary, and we're all in it together.
As I read this book I was inspired, and a bit relieved. Hey, Claire Cook struggles too, and so don't a lot of other women (and men) when working hard to change their lives. Maybe I'm not alone! No, I know i'm not.
Reading this has helped me to get motivated to yet again go through some reinvention (you didn't think you just did it once did you?!).
Life would be so unexciting without change. Most of us kind of dread it, but now with this book, we've got some directions and a great cheerleader helping us to see it's not so scary, and we're all in it together.
July 14, 2015
A practical and engaging read to recommend to all women (and perhaps men though it seems self-help readers are mainly female for some reason? ...a topic for another book) who are at the point in their lives, no particular age, where they seek what the author calls 'reinvention', or a second/third/fourth/nth career.
Also a courageous read: "If I sound less than sympathetic, it's because writing this section is giving me major flashbacks to my own pre-reinvention days....I kept myself ridiculously busy because I was afraid if I had any extra time, I might have to look at the fact that I'd chickened out on living the life I was born to live."
Yes Ms Cook, I will certainly add your book to my pile of 'bibio self-medication'!
Also a courageous read: "If I sound less than sympathetic, it's because writing this section is giving me major flashbacks to my own pre-reinvention days....I kept myself ridiculously busy because I was afraid if I had any extra time, I might have to look at the fact that I'd chickened out on living the life I was born to live."
Yes Ms Cook, I will certainly add your book to my pile of 'bibio self-medication'!
July 17, 2014
Wonderful book! My usual reads include light fiction and light mystery. Claire Cook is the reason I branched out to read Never Too Late, my first "make me a better me" book. Actually Claire's latest included a
travelogue on Isla Mujeres, Mexico as well as an autobiography. I felt that I learned so much about Claire and her journey that we became friends by the end of the book. I met many exceptional women in these pages, including me. I realized I've been reinvented several times and am now plotting my next personal journey. There's no preaching, it's more like a conversation with a dear friend. Loved it!
travelogue on Isla Mujeres, Mexico as well as an autobiography. I felt that I learned so much about Claire and her journey that we became friends by the end of the book. I met many exceptional women in these pages, including me. I realized I've been reinvented several times and am now plotting my next personal journey. There's no preaching, it's more like a conversation with a dear friend. Loved it!
September 18, 2014
Novelist Claire Cook's foray into the self-help field reads like a pep talk from a good friend. I loved that she doesn't make you feel you have to adopt her roadmap for reinvention. She tells what worked for her and encourages you to create your own. Her advice is wise and never overbearing and delivered mostly through example. Success, as she defines it, is as much about achieving personal happiness as professional goals. Anyone who finds themselves at a crossroads would benefit from reading NEVER TOO LATE. An enthusiastic two thumbs up from me.
July 18, 2014
With her first non-fiction novel, Never Too Late, Claire Cook takes your hand and leads you down the path of reinvention. Having traveled this path in her own unique way, she gives insightful, thought-provoking stories of those she’s met on her journey. The stories are both humorous and touching, teaching us that failing is not really failure, it is actually success. Never Too Late, gives inspiration, guidance and invaluable tips for those of us who have ever wondered, “What happened to ME?”
August 7, 2014
What a fun, easy read! I found it to be both inspirational and entertaining. As a writer, I especially loved hearing how the novel, MUST LOVE DOGS, became a movie.
June 22, 2019
This is an amazing book that I have read at exactly the right time. Claire Cook has packed this book with practical advice, motivation, and stories of reinvention. I loved the book so much that although I borrowed the book from the library I purchased it as well as her other book, Shine On. This is going to be my year of self discovery!
March 22, 2022
This was a quick read. A few sections really resonated with me. However, a lot of the book felt like more of an autobiography. I would recommend this to someone looking on tips to start a new business.
September 7, 2017
great advice
January 17, 2022
Interesting insights and great stories that explain different takes on what authors feel and go through.
October 19, 2016
The tales in this book were helpful and pretty inspiring on how to reinvent your life no matter what your age/circumstance/financial status may be. The story of Claire's overall reinvention lended some helpful tips and tools as well. I really liked the "2 pages a day principle." The story of Claire writing in her van was a bit redundant. A nice read overall.
August 20, 2014
Mid-life reinvention is possible if you're willing to draw up a realistic plan and stick to it.
NEVER TOO LATE: YOUR ROADMAP TO REINVENTION is Claire Cook's memoir/how-to hybrid about how she achieved her long-delayed dream of becoming a writer. Cook has over a dozen novels to her credit. One, MUST LOVE DOGS, was adapted into a popular feature film.
The narrative thread of this book is a reinvention conference Cook spoke at in Mexico. As readers attend the conference with her, she offers anecdotes about her own initial journey away from her writing dream, the obstacles she faced reclaiming it, and how she balances it with the rest of life on a day-to-day basis. Cook's style is warm and friendly. Her personal stories are both humorous and revealing. She does an excellent job of showing readers how to personalize their goals and create a step-by-step system to reach them. Additional encouragement is offered via Cook's website, Facebook page, and a newsletter. Readers also have access to a free downloadable workbook to help them plot and manage their own reinvention.
One aspect of the book that I found interesting is how Cooke's vibrant "connect with me" message bumps up against a quieter effort to maintain clear boundaries. At times she seems caught between her honest desire to be a virtual/literary cheerleader for her readers (follow me on Twitter and I'll follow you) and her concern over reader expectations for one-on-one personal interaction. I doubt Cook intended readers to sense her dilemma, but it is a real one. Being approachable and supportive while avoiding a flood of personal requests is a challenge for successful writers--especially those working independently. There's no publisher, agent, or PR professional to act as gatekeeper between author and audience. Cook works hard to maintain a balance, and she's mostly successful.
I'd recommend NEVER TOO LATE to anyone who fears her dream may have passed its expiration date. On top of offering realistic advice, the book is entertaining and incredibly human.
Merged review:
Mid-life reinvention is possible if you're willing to draw up a realistic plan and stick to it.
NEVER TOO LATE: YOUR ROADMAP TO REINVENTION is Claire Cook's memoir/how-to hybrid about how she achieved her long-delayed dream of becoming a writer. Cook has over a dozen novels to her credit. One, MUST LOVE DOGS, was adapted into a popular feature film.
The narrative thread of this book is a reinvention conference Cook spoke at in Mexico. As readers attend the conference with her, she offers anecdotes about her own initial journey away from her writing dream, the obstacles she faced reclaiming it, and how she balances it with the rest of life on a day-to-day basis. Cook's style is warm and friendly. Her personal stories are both humorous and revealing. She does an excellent job of showing readers how to personalize their goals and create a step-by-step system to reach them. Additional encouragement is offered via Cook's website, Facebook page, and a newsletter. Readers also have access to a free downloadable workbook to help them plot and manage their own reinvention.
One aspect of the book that I found interesting is how Cooke's vibrant "connect with me" message bumps up against a quieter effort to maintain clear boundaries. At times she seems caught between her honest desire to be a virtual/literary cheerleader for her readers (follow me on Twitter and I'll follow you) and her concern over reader expectations for one-on-one personal interaction. I doubt Cook intended readers to sense her dilemma, but it is a real one. Being approachable and supportive while avoiding a flood of personal requests is a challenge for successful writers--especially those working independently. There's no publisher, agent, or PR professional to act as gatekeeper between author and audience. Cook works hard to maintain a balance, and she's mostly successful.
I'd recommend NEVER TOO LATE to anyone who fears her dream may have passed its expiration date. On top of offering realistic advice, the book is entertaining and incredibly human.
NEVER TOO LATE: YOUR ROADMAP TO REINVENTION is Claire Cook's memoir/how-to hybrid about how she achieved her long-delayed dream of becoming a writer. Cook has over a dozen novels to her credit. One, MUST LOVE DOGS, was adapted into a popular feature film.
The narrative thread of this book is a reinvention conference Cook spoke at in Mexico. As readers attend the conference with her, she offers anecdotes about her own initial journey away from her writing dream, the obstacles she faced reclaiming it, and how she balances it with the rest of life on a day-to-day basis. Cook's style is warm and friendly. Her personal stories are both humorous and revealing. She does an excellent job of showing readers how to personalize their goals and create a step-by-step system to reach them. Additional encouragement is offered via Cook's website, Facebook page, and a newsletter. Readers also have access to a free downloadable workbook to help them plot and manage their own reinvention.
One aspect of the book that I found interesting is how Cooke's vibrant "connect with me" message bumps up against a quieter effort to maintain clear boundaries. At times she seems caught between her honest desire to be a virtual/literary cheerleader for her readers (follow me on Twitter and I'll follow you) and her concern over reader expectations for one-on-one personal interaction. I doubt Cook intended readers to sense her dilemma, but it is a real one. Being approachable and supportive while avoiding a flood of personal requests is a challenge for successful writers--especially those working independently. There's no publisher, agent, or PR professional to act as gatekeeper between author and audience. Cook works hard to maintain a balance, and she's mostly successful.
I'd recommend NEVER TOO LATE to anyone who fears her dream may have passed its expiration date. On top of offering realistic advice, the book is entertaining and incredibly human.
Merged review:
Mid-life reinvention is possible if you're willing to draw up a realistic plan and stick to it.
NEVER TOO LATE: YOUR ROADMAP TO REINVENTION is Claire Cook's memoir/how-to hybrid about how she achieved her long-delayed dream of becoming a writer. Cook has over a dozen novels to her credit. One, MUST LOVE DOGS, was adapted into a popular feature film.
The narrative thread of this book is a reinvention conference Cook spoke at in Mexico. As readers attend the conference with her, she offers anecdotes about her own initial journey away from her writing dream, the obstacles she faced reclaiming it, and how she balances it with the rest of life on a day-to-day basis. Cook's style is warm and friendly. Her personal stories are both humorous and revealing. She does an excellent job of showing readers how to personalize their goals and create a step-by-step system to reach them. Additional encouragement is offered via Cook's website, Facebook page, and a newsletter. Readers also have access to a free downloadable workbook to help them plot and manage their own reinvention.
One aspect of the book that I found interesting is how Cooke's vibrant "connect with me" message bumps up against a quieter effort to maintain clear boundaries. At times she seems caught between her honest desire to be a virtual/literary cheerleader for her readers (follow me on Twitter and I'll follow you) and her concern over reader expectations for one-on-one personal interaction. I doubt Cook intended readers to sense her dilemma, but it is a real one. Being approachable and supportive while avoiding a flood of personal requests is a challenge for successful writers--especially those working independently. There's no publisher, agent, or PR professional to act as gatekeeper between author and audience. Cook works hard to maintain a balance, and she's mostly successful.
I'd recommend NEVER TOO LATE to anyone who fears her dream may have passed its expiration date. On top of offering realistic advice, the book is entertaining and incredibly human.
December 2, 2021
amazing reinvention
Claire is a gifted writer who encourages everybody. I also took her business of creative writing course and she was great. Encourages and at the same time realistic. All of us are constantly reinventing our lives and Claire helps with her wit and wisdom.
Claire is a gifted writer who encourages everybody. I also took her business of creative writing course and she was great. Encourages and at the same time realistic. All of us are constantly reinventing our lives and Claire helps with her wit and wisdom.
June 3, 2016
Hell-o, Wilderness? I’d like to cry out here for a while, if I may. “Never Too Late” by Claire Cook currently has 73 reviews on Amazon.com. Out of those 73 reviews, only 6 are NOT 5-star, and only 1 is a 3-star. I’m about to give it its first 1-star rating.
I like a good motivational book, and especially one that deals primarily with writing. This one looked interesting. I bought. I read. This is my impression:
“Hi! I have an amazing life. Even before I had an amazing life it was still pretty amazing (how many of you have received a Governor’s Award for Innovative Programming?) but it wasn’t the amazing life I secretly wanted so I finally wrote a book and sold it to the first publisher who looked at it, and my second book was made into wildly popular movie and now my life is super amazing and I have amazing friends who also live amazing lives because I cut loose all the losers who don’t have amazing lives (really; see the chapter titled 'Rise Above the Negativity') and if you want to be amazing like me just look at my amazing life and take lessons from that.”
That may sound a bit harsh, but that is basically what the book is about. It is a rambling, episodic account of a business trip to Isla Mujeres (I don’t, either) for a speaking engagement, meant to show that her life is not all roses and sunshine, which then shows her life to be roses and sunshine as she bravely endures air travel and unfamiliar luxury hotels whilst waltzing around paradise with her amazing friends doing amazing things.
These travelogues are interspersed with other accounts of her life and all of them are supposed to convey some sort of lesson.
Example (taken directly from an actual chapter and summarized; none of this is made up):
She starts by reminding you, again, that her book was made into a movie and she was rubbing elbows for a time with Hollywood elite and then went on to write more books. But everyone kept asking about the “popular” book and the wildly popular movie of the same name.
She then goes on to mention the other books she’s written and all the awards she has won, but notes that, at cocktail parties or while being interviewed on network TV, it’s always the “popular” book they bring up.
She complained about this to her agent and her agent told her “That’s a star problem!” which I supposes is Amazing Land language for “First World Problems.”
She felt properly chagrined, and took a look back at her un-amazing life and was happy that her “popular” book/movie was still available in DVD and included in box sets and still shown on television and still popular with readers and receiving lovely reviews (she helpfully provides an example).
The chapter ends with her promise to tell more stories like that because: “…they are fun and I am lucky enough to have them to tell. And also because the experience taught me some good reinvention lessons, and my hope is they might help you out as well.”
That is an extremely tenuous lesson tacked on to a wad of self-promotion. Almost all of the chapters are like that. This isn’t a self-help book, it’s a Clare Cook Infomercial.
Two mitigating factors:
1. I only read 25% of the book; I simply couldn’t take any more. If the book gets better, I apologize, but I do not believe it does as I spot-checked a number of later chapters and they were no different.
2. I did actually get something useful out of it; at one point she advises writing things down in a notebook. Some time ago I dropped my pen and paper notes in favour of using my phone. This really isn’t working; the phone is good for a lot of things but it is rubbish for taking notes. So I’m going to go back to pen and paper. Thanks, Claire.
I like a good motivational book, and especially one that deals primarily with writing. This one looked interesting. I bought. I read. This is my impression:
“Hi! I have an amazing life. Even before I had an amazing life it was still pretty amazing (how many of you have received a Governor’s Award for Innovative Programming?) but it wasn’t the amazing life I secretly wanted so I finally wrote a book and sold it to the first publisher who looked at it, and my second book was made into wildly popular movie and now my life is super amazing and I have amazing friends who also live amazing lives because I cut loose all the losers who don’t have amazing lives (really; see the chapter titled 'Rise Above the Negativity') and if you want to be amazing like me just look at my amazing life and take lessons from that.”
That may sound a bit harsh, but that is basically what the book is about. It is a rambling, episodic account of a business trip to Isla Mujeres (I don’t, either) for a speaking engagement, meant to show that her life is not all roses and sunshine, which then shows her life to be roses and sunshine as she bravely endures air travel and unfamiliar luxury hotels whilst waltzing around paradise with her amazing friends doing amazing things.
These travelogues are interspersed with other accounts of her life and all of them are supposed to convey some sort of lesson.
Example (taken directly from an actual chapter and summarized; none of this is made up):
She starts by reminding you, again, that her book was made into a movie and she was rubbing elbows for a time with Hollywood elite and then went on to write more books. But everyone kept asking about the “popular” book and the wildly popular movie of the same name.
She then goes on to mention the other books she’s written and all the awards she has won, but notes that, at cocktail parties or while being interviewed on network TV, it’s always the “popular” book they bring up.
She complained about this to her agent and her agent told her “That’s a star problem!” which I supposes is Amazing Land language for “First World Problems.”
She felt properly chagrined, and took a look back at her un-amazing life and was happy that her “popular” book/movie was still available in DVD and included in box sets and still shown on television and still popular with readers and receiving lovely reviews (she helpfully provides an example).
The chapter ends with her promise to tell more stories like that because: “…they are fun and I am lucky enough to have them to tell. And also because the experience taught me some good reinvention lessons, and my hope is they might help you out as well.”
That is an extremely tenuous lesson tacked on to a wad of self-promotion. Almost all of the chapters are like that. This isn’t a self-help book, it’s a Clare Cook Infomercial.
Two mitigating factors:
1. I only read 25% of the book; I simply couldn’t take any more. If the book gets better, I apologize, but I do not believe it does as I spot-checked a number of later chapters and they were no different.
2. I did actually get something useful out of it; at one point she advises writing things down in a notebook. Some time ago I dropped my pen and paper notes in favour of using my phone. This really isn’t working; the phone is good for a lot of things but it is rubbish for taking notes. So I’m going to go back to pen and paper. Thanks, Claire.
November 25, 2014
Obsessive reader that I am, I constantly find myself recommending books to people. Once in a while, a book comes along that I not only want to recommend, but that I want to boast about through a megaphone, handing out copies with a simple, “You’re welcome.” I don’t have a megaphone handy—plus that might be a little off-putting—so this review will have to suffice in telling you that you must do yourself a favor and read Claire Cook’s Never Too Late.
Fans of Claire Cook’s eleven novels will tell you what is just so great about her writing. Her books are funny, smart, sometimes feature a dog, and always make you think. Never Too Late, her first dive into the non-fiction world, is written with the same witty prose, while giving the reader a good, motivational kick in the butt. Subtitled “Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way),” the book serves as a guide to help readers push themselves into whatever that next stage in life is, providing insight and concrete next steps for getting there. Cook weaves in her own reinvention story—writing her first novel in a minivan at 45, walking the red carpet at 50 for the film premiere of Must Love Dogs—while encouraging readers to go after their own goals. She offers practical, tangible advice on topics like building your platform and making the most of social media, while also speaking to the heart, reminding us that dreams don’t have expiration dates.
What perhaps resonates most of all is that from page one, we feel that we know Claire Cook. She’s a sister, aunt, confidante or friend. She understands the roadblocks that might get in the way of our reinvention journeys—fear of failure, fear of success, not knowing where to begin—and acknowledges that these feelings are normal. Through her own stories and the stories of those she’s met along the way, she reminds us that although these roadblocks may cause slight detours, they shouldn’t stop us from reaching our destinations. Her writing exudes positivity, kindness and encouragement. She leaves us feeling motivated, and not wanting to say goodbye to our coach. (And thanks to Twitter, Facebook and clairecook.com, we don’t have to!)
To fellow writers, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, as the advice will really hit home and be beyond beneficial. To anyone else, it is still an incredibly important read—the pointers and inspiration can be applied to any field, dream, or crossroads in life. It is the kind of book you will return to again and again, and Claire Cook is the kind of writer you will only want more from. If you can honestly say that you’ve never stopped and wondered if you’re doing everything you want with your life, this book might not be for you, because unicorns and figments, as far as I know, can’t read. Everyone else? Go out and enjoy Never Too Late.
:::::Putting down my megaphone::::
You’re welcome.
Fans of Claire Cook’s eleven novels will tell you what is just so great about her writing. Her books are funny, smart, sometimes feature a dog, and always make you think. Never Too Late, her first dive into the non-fiction world, is written with the same witty prose, while giving the reader a good, motivational kick in the butt. Subtitled “Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way),” the book serves as a guide to help readers push themselves into whatever that next stage in life is, providing insight and concrete next steps for getting there. Cook weaves in her own reinvention story—writing her first novel in a minivan at 45, walking the red carpet at 50 for the film premiere of Must Love Dogs—while encouraging readers to go after their own goals. She offers practical, tangible advice on topics like building your platform and making the most of social media, while also speaking to the heart, reminding us that dreams don’t have expiration dates.
What perhaps resonates most of all is that from page one, we feel that we know Claire Cook. She’s a sister, aunt, confidante or friend. She understands the roadblocks that might get in the way of our reinvention journeys—fear of failure, fear of success, not knowing where to begin—and acknowledges that these feelings are normal. Through her own stories and the stories of those she’s met along the way, she reminds us that although these roadblocks may cause slight detours, they shouldn’t stop us from reaching our destinations. Her writing exudes positivity, kindness and encouragement. She leaves us feeling motivated, and not wanting to say goodbye to our coach. (And thanks to Twitter, Facebook and clairecook.com, we don’t have to!)
To fellow writers, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, as the advice will really hit home and be beyond beneficial. To anyone else, it is still an incredibly important read—the pointers and inspiration can be applied to any field, dream, or crossroads in life. It is the kind of book you will return to again and again, and Claire Cook is the kind of writer you will only want more from. If you can honestly say that you’ve never stopped and wondered if you’re doing everything you want with your life, this book might not be for you, because unicorns and figments, as far as I know, can’t read. Everyone else? Go out and enjoy Never Too Late.
:::::Putting down my megaphone::::
You’re welcome.
March 20, 2015
Claire Cook’s platform is “Reinvention.” So what is my reinvention? For Claire it began in her minivan. She will tell you more about it in the book. Mine started back in 2006 when my best friend said you devour books. You need to write. I pushed this idea away initially because I felt that I was so bad at it. When I moved to Georgia everything changed. I happened to move as the recession began. I needed a job. When I finally found one it didn’t really fit the bill for everything I needed. While trying to find more income I decided to work on my skill of writing but where to start?
Claire would tell you herself that it all begins with networking! She describes her trip to the Isla Mujeres in Mexico to attend a conference We Move Forward where she is the keynote speaker. These initial chapters discuss the purpose of networking and why it is necessary for reinvention. I felt that Claire did a great job of explaining the concept. Could there be more to this concept for me to focus on writing?
The next part of the book discusses how she got her start in her reinvention and how you can do the same. For me it is writing so what did I do to start? I started by picking one day in my schedule when I could sit and write. I also started visiting and sitting at the feet of many authors including Claire Cook. Once I was able to be slightly more financially set I started taking the Momentum class with Emma Mc Laughlin and Nicola Kraus.
The final aspect of Claire’s book discusses your platform which includes technology. Then through your website extending your platform onto Facebook, Twitter, and others you can extend your platform. For me I started this little blog called Writer’s Corner five years ago and then gradually extended into Facebook and Twitter. I recently added Pinterest.
Claire would tell you herself that it all begins with networking! She describes her trip to the Isla Mujeres in Mexico to attend a conference We Move Forward where she is the keynote speaker. These initial chapters discuss the purpose of networking and why it is necessary for reinvention. I felt that Claire did a great job of explaining the concept. Could there be more to this concept for me to focus on writing?
The next part of the book discusses how she got her start in her reinvention and how you can do the same. For me it is writing so what did I do to start? I started by picking one day in my schedule when I could sit and write. I also started visiting and sitting at the feet of many authors including Claire Cook. Once I was able to be slightly more financially set I started taking the Momentum class with Emma Mc Laughlin and Nicola Kraus.
The final aspect of Claire’s book discusses your platform which includes technology. Then through your website extending your platform onto Facebook, Twitter, and others you can extend your platform. For me I started this little blog called Writer’s Corner five years ago and then gradually extended into Facebook and Twitter. I recently added Pinterest.
September 5, 2014
As an author on my own road to reinvention, I’m always on the lookout for stories about women who boldly seek adventures that propel them into second acts. I was thrilled to discover Claire Cook’s delightful novels and read about her extraordinary journey.
Reinvention is a recurring theme in Claire’s life and novels.
She wrote her first novel at age 45 in a minivan while her children were at swim practice. Five years later, she walked down the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of Must Love Dogs, the film adaptation of her second book.
After eleven best-selling novels and numerous speaking engagements, Claire has written a nonfiction book, Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way).
Using her trademark humor and wit, Claire tells her own story and that of other reinventors while providing tips on finding that sweet spot, staying on track, securing a support system, building a platform, and overcoming perfectionism.
You don’t have to be a writer or midlifer to appreciate this book. It will appeal to any woman who feels stymied or dissatisfied with her present circumstances. And by the end of the book, the reader will be able to answer Claire’s thought-provoking question: “What would you like your life to be in five years and what’s getting in your way?”
Quotable Quotes
Karma is a boomerang.
You don’t have to be good at it—that takes time and hard work. But you have to love it enough to want to be good at it.
If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters (204 if you’re in Japan!).
If failure comes with a lesson, take it. If it doesn’t, put it behind you and move on.
There were only three things standing in my way all that time: me, myself and I.
Dreams don’t have an expiration date. Not even a best by date. If it’s still your dream, it’s still your dream.
Reinvention is a recurring theme in Claire’s life and novels.
She wrote her first novel at age 45 in a minivan while her children were at swim practice. Five years later, she walked down the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of Must Love Dogs, the film adaptation of her second book.
After eleven best-selling novels and numerous speaking engagements, Claire has written a nonfiction book, Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention (without getting lost along the way).
Using her trademark humor and wit, Claire tells her own story and that of other reinventors while providing tips on finding that sweet spot, staying on track, securing a support system, building a platform, and overcoming perfectionism.
You don’t have to be a writer or midlifer to appreciate this book. It will appeal to any woman who feels stymied or dissatisfied with her present circumstances. And by the end of the book, the reader will be able to answer Claire’s thought-provoking question: “What would you like your life to be in five years and what’s getting in your way?”
Quotable Quotes
Karma is a boomerang.
You don’t have to be good at it—that takes time and hard work. But you have to love it enough to want to be good at it.
If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters (204 if you’re in Japan!).
If failure comes with a lesson, take it. If it doesn’t, put it behind you and move on.
There were only three things standing in my way all that time: me, myself and I.
Dreams don’t have an expiration date. Not even a best by date. If it’s still your dream, it’s still your dream.
September 3, 2014
I just finished reading Claire Cook's "Never Too Late: A Roadmap to Reinvention" and I am raring to go on my own reinvention. This book fell into my life right when I needed it. I was at a crossroads as a writer. Do I let the book I have been working on for years fade into oblivion so I can write the new book that is in my head? Do I buckle down and finally finish that book and get it out there already? Do I give up on writing completely, now that I have found myself a career that I love in the book business? I have to tell you, I could have gone in any of these directions.
This book made me realize that it truly is not too late to follow my bliss and live the life I was meant to live. Claire did it. She was my age when she did it. I can do it too. I could share all the parts of the book that I highlighted, but there are so many, it would be easier to share the parts I didn't highlight. Plus, what is a motivational thought to me, may not be something that resonates with you, so I really just recommend that you read the book yourself and see where it leads you.
I knew a decade ago when I briefly met Claire at a writer's workshop that she was someone to emulate, and seeing how her career has exploded since that time proves it. The fact that she took the time to share these insights on reinvention with the rest of us goes a step further to prove it. So whatever your dream is, rather than letting it die, you should read this book. You will not be disappointed. When you are done, head to her website and subscribe to her newsletter and you can instantly download the Never Too Late workbook to help in your reinvention efforts.
Live the life you were meant to live, and remember that it is Never Too Late!!
This book made me realize that it truly is not too late to follow my bliss and live the life I was meant to live. Claire did it. She was my age when she did it. I can do it too. I could share all the parts of the book that I highlighted, but there are so many, it would be easier to share the parts I didn't highlight. Plus, what is a motivational thought to me, may not be something that resonates with you, so I really just recommend that you read the book yourself and see where it leads you.
I knew a decade ago when I briefly met Claire at a writer's workshop that she was someone to emulate, and seeing how her career has exploded since that time proves it. The fact that she took the time to share these insights on reinvention with the rest of us goes a step further to prove it. So whatever your dream is, rather than letting it die, you should read this book. You will not be disappointed. When you are done, head to her website and subscribe to her newsletter and you can instantly download the Never Too Late workbook to help in your reinvention efforts.
Live the life you were meant to live, and remember that it is Never Too Late!!
October 4, 2024
On my old blog I reviewed Claire Cook's fun novel The Wildwater Walking Club.This month I read her very helpful "reinvention" guide: Never Too Late: Your Roadmap to Reinvention. It was well worth the small cost for the Kindle version. I took notes, said "yep" and "Amen" throughout and came away feeling the book was written to me PERSONALLY because it is so well targeted at what I'm trying to do in my life right now. That Claire began writing as a Mom sitting in a parking lot waiting for her kid to finish pre-dawn swim practice just takes a whole lot of excuses away! No, I really don't need the complete office on page 14 of the Pottery Barn catalog or that super-cute antique book skin for the MacBook I don't own to actually write. Well, I've already proved that, but part of me keeps wishing, hoping--in short procrastinating on my dream. This book, with its wealth of short references to other successful reinventions, has motivated me to keep on keeping on. I want to do what I set out to do--write and publish my novels. If you are looking, for whatever reason, to reinvent your life do yourself a favor and start with this book.
Want to change your career? Re-think your life's purpose? Find a way to retire but earn a living? Downshift while you raise kids but still pursue other dreams? This is your book. Great stuff here.
Want to change your career? Re-think your life's purpose? Find a way to retire but earn a living? Downshift while you raise kids but still pursue other dreams? This is your book. Great stuff here.
September 19, 2014
Claire Cook has a warm way with words that makes you think she is sitting right next to you, with her arm around your shoulders, sharing her life. In "Never Too Late" we travel with her on a path that informed her reinvention and all the while she is pointing out practicalities and pitfalls that we'll encounter as we move forward with our own reinvention. As a fledgling Indy writer/publisher I initially picked up her book for tips and tactics from someone who recently decided to publish on her own. Not as much as I would have liked in that department, Claire started out with a charmed life in the traditional publishing world and a lot of her experience there fills the book. Her advice is more for those just getting started, still searching for a path to travel and underexposed to social media. Not that she talked down to her readers - just a lot of preliminary advice, more of a "101 class" than advanced studies. That said, I liked "Never Too Late" and I recommend it. I love Claire Cook's humor and her spirit; it was great to hang out with her for a while.
October 28, 2015
So for those of you looking for the standard review, I suppose it would go something like this. Claire Cook’s Never Too Late is exploration of reinvention. The book holds true to the author’s voice that we have all come to love. However, instead of weaving together a fictional story with plots and characters, she manages to combine advice, the stories she has collected, and her own personal experiences in a way that goes far beyond the cookie cutter self-improvement books.
However, if you want my from the heart review, it would go something like this. Claire Cook’s Never Too Late is inspiring, real, and filled with advice that you can actually use. She puts it all into perspective and gives you real-life ways of approaching your own reinvention. Without gushing or being to melodramatic, this is the exact book I needed to read at this exact moment in my life.
Read the complete review http://artbookscoffee.com/book-review...
However, if you want my from the heart review, it would go something like this. Claire Cook’s Never Too Late is inspiring, real, and filled with advice that you can actually use. She puts it all into perspective and gives you real-life ways of approaching your own reinvention. Without gushing or being to melodramatic, this is the exact book I needed to read at this exact moment in my life.
Read the complete review http://artbookscoffee.com/book-review...
July 31, 2014
A fun read, the book gives lots of advice with the author’s usual enthusiasm. Structured around an inspirational conference at La Isla de Las Mujeres (Island of the Women), Cook uses anecdotes from her own life as well as from the lives of attendees to make the point that it’s never too late to become the person you planned to be. The book will be a keeper for many, where you dog-ear the pages or highlight a line—a mood booster for all women with specific helpful points for writers. Many writers pen “how to” books and they’re always helpful, but perhaps not a funny as this one. Her decision to let her hair grow out and the attempt to save a feral cat with kittens are more than memorable. Cook's fun-loving and generous approach to life come through loud and clear.
September 2, 2014
Can't believe this is my first Claire Cook book! And it's nonfiction. I picked up this book, because I feel a bit like Claire must have felt when her life started to change. I moved to a new town, felt like I was starting over in a sense and wanted to try to make some changes in my life, but needed a little guidance. Her book was written in a way that it was like Claire was there next to me on the sofa, talking to me. Her advice is simple, straight forward and doable. I want to start writing and she was just one of us, a wife, mother, employee, friend, neighbor and she just started writing when she could, in her case early in the morning while her kids had swimming practice. Her life turned around at 45 and I just think that's so awesome. Now, I get to go back and enjoy the fiction books!
December 10, 2015
I picked this up because, well, how could I not? I named my blog and then discovered it, like it was meant to be.
For anyone ready to reinvent, and particularly for those who want that reinvention to include a writing career, you'll find Cook's thoughts both informative and inspiring.
Here's one of my favorites: "I've also considered that perhaps if you procrastinate as long as I did, you get to skip some of the awful stages on the path to wherever it is you're going and just cut to the chase."
I think she has a good point. Writers starting a little later in life, after mucking around and living so much more of it, are more likely to 'cut to the chase'. Not only have we earned the right to "skip some of the awful stages", we've hopefully developed some skill at doing so.
For anyone ready to reinvent, and particularly for those who want that reinvention to include a writing career, you'll find Cook's thoughts both informative and inspiring.
Here's one of my favorites: "I've also considered that perhaps if you procrastinate as long as I did, you get to skip some of the awful stages on the path to wherever it is you're going and just cut to the chase."
I think she has a good point. Writers starting a little later in life, after mucking around and living so much more of it, are more likely to 'cut to the chase'. Not only have we earned the right to "skip some of the awful stages", we've hopefully developed some skill at doing so.
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