I purchased this book, along with several other photo essay type books. As an avid photographer, I like collecting the work of others. This book was easily the best of the bunch - it will not disappoint. The photography is captivating, and extremely well printed on quality paper stock (a rarity in these days of cheap self published books). The accompanying text is inspiring and motivational. I highly recommend this book.

Babyboomers are not the only ones who will identify with the stories of the famous and "not-as-famous" FEARLESS WOMEN in this book. Included along with short bios of fifty incredible women are beautifully done black and white photos showing them in their "hayday" as well as now. Not just a coffee table book, but one which gives interesting stories of accomplished, humanitarian, courageous people. This is an inspiring book which leaves the reader wanting to know more about these "fearless women."

This review comes from a post I made on 21 July 2005 on an actors' forum, in honor of one of the amazing, fearless women profiled in the book.

I have a story to share.

Yesterday, my husband came home with a stack of mail from our post office box. As usual, the stack was pretty thick and was mainly headshot submissions, postcards from actors, invitations to shows, and a few bills. :\ At the bottom of the stack, however, there was a very thick express mail package. Heavy. Large. I know that Keith had to wait in a line to pick it up, as the post office would have put a yellow slip into our box so that we'd know we had something waiting.

Filled with curiousity, I began opening the package. Inside the first envelope, there was a second. Inside the second, there was a third. My excitement was building. "What *is* this?!?" Couldn't wait to find out!

Imagine my delight when I saw the gorgeous photograph on the cover of this book, immediately alerting me to the fact that the amazing Pamela Jansen had sent me a copy of "Fearless Women: Midlife Portraits" by Nancy Alspaugh and Marilyn Kentz, with photos by Mary Ann Halpin.

First, the book is simply gorgeous. These women are, in fact, fearless and their portraits are breathtaking, their stories inspiring, and their courage outstanding. But what touched me the most is the letter Pamela wrote. I won't share it here, as it was personal and beautiful, but I have to let you know... I cried.

I read the letter, I turned to Pamela's chapter, I read the inscription, and I cried some more.

Keith said to me, "I want you to keep that letter out. Anytime you need to be reminded of the beauty that is GRACE, you read that letter and continue on."

Pamela, after reading the letter again and placing it into the book for safekeeping, I pulled out your headshot, held it up, and said, "I WILL find a way to cast you someday."

And that is for sure. It is probably the only gift I could give back to you, for having shared so beautifully with the WORLD by being profiled in this wonderful book. I am humbled and honored that you sent this book to me. I am forever on your side and will be sure that others know what a gift LIFE is, as evidenced by your amazing story.

Everyone... GET your hands on this book. You will be blown away, inspired, delighted, and motivated to live your dreams like only you can.

I hope you don't mind the plug, Pamela. I just had to share my thoughts. Much love,
-Bon.

This book contains photographs of some of the women I admire most. Unfortunately, the women are posed holding a large sword as a prop to indicate their fearlessness.

I suppose that this was the feature that "sold" the book idea, but I would much prefer portraits of my heroines without the sword. The sword is a symbol of much more than fearlessness, and detracts from the book. It makes the book corny.

My husband bought it for me for mother's day last year; I'd guess from an amazon recommendation -- but it was a most disappointing gift -- one that I would never leave out for others to view. This wouldn't be true if the swords weren't in every photo.

After looking at three of the photographs and reading the first page of the introduction, I immediately purchased three copies of this book - one for myself, and one for each of my sisters. Now halfway through looking at these amazing women and reading their inspiriational stories, I am empowered and inspired. Life is long, and the middle of it is fabulous! My first book was published when I was 53 and my next one is due out when, God willing, I will be 57. So take heart all you "women of an age." The best is yet to come, as the authors of this book and the women in its pages will show you. You, too, can join this company in making this the most delightful time of your life! Give this book to every "Boomer Babe" you know.