Critical Praise

"Moving, touching, wonderfully written, inspiring to read. Joy For Beginners takes us on the emotional journeys of seven women seeking to transform their lives, and proves that sometimes what we really need to inspire us to change is a good, firm shove. Erica Bauermeister's prose is evocative and compelling; this book is definitely worth the leap."

—Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

"This book is a joy to read. Bauermeister gives us characters who revel in the best of what life has to offer --- loving relationships, fine food, good books, and travel --- and she writes with keen observance and a wry wit about the ways women help one another take on the challenges of what needs doing. Readers will be inspired to leap into their own lives with renewed gusto."

—Stephanie Kallos, author of Sing Them Home