Praise for 50 Ways to Leave Your 40s

"What a consummate achievement this book is. Written by Sheila Key in a folksy, colloquial style, it imparts great wisdom to those who would like to know how to look at their 50's and beyond as a time of fulfillment and joy. Peggy Spencer also did a great job. I like the "doc in the box" feature - it adds intellectual and thought provoking elements to each of the "ways." I highly recommend you buy this book and enjoy!"

-- Kevin F. Tucker, Roseville, MN

"Any mid-life reader will find plenty of enjoyable and worthwhile nuggets. You may not agree with all of the advice in this book but there is wide range of topics and they are all delivered with much wit and wisdom. The author plays the role of a good friend who is telling you just what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. The truth is cushioned with optimism and humor and floats to the surface in bite sized pieces. Instead of telling your best friend that they need to floss, watch less TV, get a prostate exam or unwind with a road trip-- give them this book and let it do the work of telling the truth with pizzazz. By the way, get your own copy because you need the same counsel."

---K. Judkins "balding biker dude" (Shreveport, Louisiana)

"Have you ever hoped to meet the author of a book you really enjoyed, thinking that you're just bound to enjoy that person? And then, you actually meet that author and think, YUCK?

Well, that's not the case with this book. If you are lucky enough to hang out with Sheila Key sometime and you're like me, you will come away thinking, "geez, not only has she actually LIVED this book, but she is a heck of a lot of fun, too." I know, because I've known Sheila for 20 years, and even though we haven't seen each other in about 10 years, I've looked forward every New Year's to receiving her cleverly homespun newsletters. Through them, I've watched her beautiful children grow and seen how Sheila's smiling face has somehow retained that youthful look of mischief mixed with excitement--no doubt related to some new and interesting pursuit.

Sheila knows a thing or two about nurturing wonder, mental and physical health, creative stimulation, and a juicy existence. So I for one was thrilled when she told me about her book project. Having been her editor when she wrote for a newspaper, I grew accustomed to Sheila always exceeding my expectations (which are exceedingly high). And, since I was just entering my 50s and really needing such a book, I knew Sheila would not let me down.

I've just started reading, and if I wait until I finish it to write a review, that could take some time. As I figured out after the first chapter, this isn't a book you skim through. It's one you dip into on a regular basis, drink in inspiration, and, thus recharged, go try something new--or remember that long-forgotten thing that brings you joy and lightens your step.

I'll be back when I have more to report. For now, I just wanted to say I love this little book and am looking forward to knowing it better. As I slog through my long work days (finishing a book of my own), it is my reward at the end of one day--and an inspiration for the next."

--Gina Pera "ADHD Partner Support Group Moderator" (San Francisco Bay Area, United States)

"If you or a friend are one of the 5 million people who are turning 50 this year, then Heads Up. There’s a nifty little book just out that will help ease the pain. “50 Ways to Leave Your 40’s” by Sheila Key & Peggy Spencer, MD is chock full of inspirational ideas, useful information and healthy tips to help propel you through the second half of your life. The fifty chapters are divided into four sections: Body, Mind, Soul & Heart. Serious and not so serious topics are addressed in a fun and interactive way using catchy chapter titles like “Get Your Motor Running” (metabolism), “Take a Load Off Fanny” (weight-loss); “Book ‘Em Danno” (vitamin intake), “Shake It Up Baby, Now” (mental & physical exercise) and “Launch Your Legacy” (ethical will). What I love about this book is that it can sit on my night stand and offer me up little bits of wisdom from time to time when needed. I highly recommend that you ”Da Doo Run Run” to your local bookstore or online purveyor and pick up a copy or two."

-- Helen on BookBound Blog

Sheila Key's good nature, warmth, and wonderful humor sparkle on every page, and Peggy Spencer's wise advice balances it perfectly. This book is one of the best gifts you'll ever give any 50-something friend...or yourself."

-- Colleen Anderson, "Mother Wit Design" (Charleston, WV)

"So far, the statistics are convincing: everyone ages. How we age, however, is largely a choice. In 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR 40s, Sheila Key and Dr. Peggy Spencer serve up a delectable recipe for healthy aging that is both delicious and joyful."

--Larry Dossey, MD, author of The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things

"What a treasure trove! 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR 40s is a joyful, irreverent (and at the same time, very reverent) enthusiastic, and incredibly informative book. The authors present their suggestions for zestful and meaningful living in wonderfully inviting ways. I loved it!"

--Sue Patton Thoele, author of Freedoms After 50, The Courage To Be Yourself, and The Mindful Woman

"Dipping into this treasure trove of a book makes me want to go back in time so I can leave my 40s again. 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR 40s offers so many creative ideas, so much thoughtful information and is so darn much fun, I'm sure I'd do it more gracefully, heathfully, and happily the second time. Congratulations and thanks to Sheila Key and Peggy Spencer for giving all of us a life-affirming map to follow no matter what our age."

---Judy Reeves, author of A Writer's Book of Days and Writing Alone, Writing Together

"Sheila Key and Peggy Spencer know that a new decade of life is the beginning, not the end, of something great. With generous helpings of wisdom and wit, 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR 40s is a recipe for joy during what comes next."

---David Niven, PhD, author of The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People and The 100 Simple Secrets of the Best Half of Life

"Good, juicy, inspiring words and ways to live as a gloriously aging soul."

---SARK author and artist of Fabulous Friendship Festival