Reader Reactions to Book
Women aquaintances who have bought the book and read it already (everyone says they can’t put it down!) are walking up to me and talking freely about their own sex lives and relationships. It’s as if we’re continuing a conversation in progress. I love this!
I feel like I’ve opened up a topic that women were hungry to discuss. So many women are already telling me, “It’s about time!” And it’s not just the older women — younger women are saying, “I don’t plan to give up sex when I’m 60… or 80!”
I’m looking at what women say as clues to what they’d like to see in the next book. As I travel and promote the book, I’ll be noting what women ask and tell me, and when their eyes light up when I discuss something.
If you know what you would like to read in my next book, please post a comment here!
You have touched the nation’s soul and, like Kinsey so many years ago, brought forth a taboo topic that is not only timely but actually near the top of nearly everyone’s mind.
— Charlie Price, author of Dead Connection
I purchased an autographed copy of your book as a present for my wife. We both are 68 years (young) and have been married 47 years. Both of us have read your book and it has given new life to our sex life! THANK YOU for coming to our aid as an advocate for an active, enjoyable sex life after sixty.
My compliments and congratulations go out to you, Joan, for writing such a great book. I am happy for your success that you so greatly deserve!
After taking Better Than I Ever Expected out of the library, I liked it so much that I ordered it from Dolphin Books in Port Washington (NY), my wonderful local independent bookstore (run by two women and staffed mostly by women). I had a great conversation with the woman who took my order — who then ordered several copies to have in the store, and suggesting giving it as a Valentine’s Day present. It could make a lot of couples happy!
Sally Wendkos Olds
author, The Eternal Garden: Seasons of Our Sexuality
I couldn’t put your book down, and that’s not just because I know the author and her lover! It was so sensitively and beautifully written but it was also so complete.
I must disagree on some comments I saw on your blog however: I think it’s a very important book for men to read – and I will give it to Rod next. There’s a lot for both of us to learn about and talk about, and the book opens up an avenue for that discussion. It is very liberating to read other’s opinions and experiences and will certainly help to invigorate my sex life and boost my self confidence about myself as a “seasoned” woman.
Please know that your words about your love and delight for Robert brought tears – I am so happy that you have found each other. You are both so lucky!
Annie
Hello, Joan. I finally had some spare time this weekend and found myself reading “Better than I Ever Expected” cover-to-cover in one sitting. I just loved your book!
First, you may be surprised that I found it “touching.” Your tenderness toward Robert–and his to you in return–is a joy to read about. Only at the end did you reveal his serious health problem, and your shared concern that your time together may (I refuse to say “will”) be shorter than you had expected. My eyes filled with tears as I read those lines. On the other hand (for your next book!), it reminded me of the many times I’ve sat across the table from my husband, picturing and fearing the day his chair might be empty. After our 40th anniversary, it definitely and sadly passed into my thoughts that we do not have another 40 years ahead of us. And so life goes on, teaching us to cherish each day as it comes.
On a much lighter note, I enjoyed the upbeat comments of women my age who also had enthusiastic, positive words for their long-term husbands and their shared love-life.
One final word. After finishing the book, I turned again to the cover and realized that the title didn’t reveal that the book was almost exclusively about and for women (with the exception of a few comments from Robert). I would have enjoyed hearing the male side of sex after 60. Perhaps that’s another book to add to your long to-do list of sex after 70, sex after 80, sex after…
Again, congratulations on a super book which I’m sure we’ll soon see on the bestseller list!
I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your book. It’s a wonderful balance of memoir, others’ personal reflections, and fact. A very enjoyable, well-written, and useful read. I will be recommending it to clients.
You did a great job.
Tina B. Tessina, PhD LMFT