The Red Hat Society: Fun and Fellowship After 50

by Sue Ellen Cooper

Finally, the official book of The Red Hat Society, which is sweeping the nation. Inspired by the Jenny Joseph poem that begins: 'When I am an old woman I shall wear purple/With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me,' Sue Ellen Cooper bought herself a red hat. Soon it became her signature gift for friends turning 50. In 2000, Cooper and her friends formed The Red Hat Society, whose only rule is no rules-it's simply a play group encouraging women over 50 to have fun, support each other, and find kindred spirits. THE RED HAT SOCIETY is their official book, covering marriage, children, grandparenting, careers, retirement, physical, mental and spiritual aging, friendship, mothers, daughters, sisterhood in hard times, clothes, rituals, the genesis of The Red Hat Society, and of course, information on how readers can start their own chapters.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

441 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Monkeyface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to The Red Hat Society: Fun and Friendship After Fifty by Sue Ellen Cooper
Believing that a woman's fiftieth birthday should be a time for celebration, not a milestone to be feared, Sue Ellen Cooper started giving a red hat to all her friends approaching the big five-oh. This soon became her signature gift. When she and her friends went to tea in full regalia (wearing a red hat and purple is a must), the first chapter of the Red Hat Society was born. In just three years, the concept spread like wildfire: There are now over three hundred thousand Red Hatters across the U.S.A., Canada, and even around the world...all forging new friendships, deepening old ones, and, most important, having fun. You don't have to be a member to enjoy the official book of the Red Hat Society. Remember what it was like being a little girl and playing with your friends? This book shows you how to recapture that wonderful sense of joy and sisterhood. Filled with inspiring real-life stories, you'll meet other women just like you who are making peace with their bodies (finally!), learning to revel in the here and now, and striking out on exciting new adventures. Let the Red Hatters in this book help you discover what they know that fun really does begin at fifty! I give this book 5 stars an a 10. I so enjoyed this book that I signed up to be a red hater!

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from my mother when I turned 50😊 along with a red hat! I intend to pass it on to my daughter as well. Whether you belong in a red hat club or not, this book has lots of words of wisdom.

[Sue Jackson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I like the premise of enjoying your life after the age of 50, this book was just too perky for me. I'd think by the time a woman reaches that age or beyond, she'd know what she enjoys.

I did like the the Red Hat's top 10 rules for living and they did serve as a great reminder to enjoy life. The details just seemed like a group of cheerleaders from days gone by. It's just not my thing and, frankly, I don't know anyone who would join. Those that I know would be more apt to wear walking shoes or aerobic gear than having tea wearing purple and a red hat.

I wasn't aware that the Red Hat Society was still active but this book was suggested because I'm over 50. It obvious is helpful for some.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are fifty or older, this is your handbook for The Red Hat Society. It’s an organization with no rules, just fun times together. Women are just out to have fun, not sit home and grow old. We probably all have a group of women we could join together with to form a chapter. This book has lots of information and laughs.

[Gaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational. Beautiful story and facts about how women need women and find a place in this great club. It makes my desire to see the women in the women’s club I belong to closer and more caring. I took it as a call to action for myself.

[Rebecca Cecil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LIKED IT OK. LOTS OF QUOTES. BUT THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE MORE OF A STORY BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT WAS JUST TEELING YOU HOW THE " RED HAT SOOCIETY " CAME TO BE, WHICH WAS INTERESTING. BUT IF YOU WANT A STORY LINE TYPE BOOK THIS IS NOT IT.

[Farrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminds me that there is something to look forward to doing after age 50 outside of tasting the cold barrel of my gun

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely introduction to a beautiful society!

[Annie ⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great concept. I abhor red hats and purple clothes but this group is awesome.

[Danna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book for my 50th birthday 11 years ago. It set on my shelf until I needed some reading material during a snow storm. I always liked the idea of the red hat society and own a hat and a couple of outfits. Someone much younger than I am whom I admire made fun of me and said that she was totally embarrassed for anyone in that group. I guess that stopped me from becoming part of something that sounds so fun. Eleven years later I pull the book off the shelf and vow to enjoy my life and not worry about what other people think. It is not that important. Looking for a chapter that loves life and fun!

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Taking their cue from the poem Warning by Jenny Joseph, these women always wear purple dresses or pant suits with red hats, apparently all of the same shade. Sounds alternately like fun and even though they say they’re a disorganization, they have the regimentation of the purple outfits with red hats. All of them. Some of their fun sounds like fun. Some sounds like not-fun, but I'm an introvert and have no problem with my own quiet society. I don't have to have a raucous good time.
I wore a uniform in high school and college band and that was enough of uniforms for me.

[Barb Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daugther gave me this book ...... and it inspired me to start my own group. I was Queen for 4 1/2 years......of the Belladonna Beauties! Then finally said someone else has to take a turn.Now I'm the Queen Mother but there are othe Queens sharing the work and planning. The fun we have had and the friends we have made are priceless. One of the best gifts my daugther ever gave me!

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading a little ways into it, I realized I'm not one of these women after all. I'll just find my own way to, as I heard Mark Hunter (2009 Toastmasters International Speaker of the Yeaer) say, "grow old disgracefully."

[Cws]

LP 305.2

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book about the Red Hat Society including history, and tons of ideas, information and suggestions. Makes me want to join!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd always wondered about the organization. They always seem to have a great time when I see a group out and about. Interesting

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it! Sounds like fun!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

true story - age 50+ social women's society wear red hats, purple clothing, and socialize

[Jodi]

didn't finish

[Jocelyn Montalvo Cullum]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14038241

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun history of the beginning of The Red Hat Society. Enjoyed it for what it was