If I Knew Then
Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging
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Narrated by:
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Jann Arden
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Written by:
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Jann Arden
About this listen
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Jann Arden—bestselling author, recording artist and late-blooming TV star—is back with this funny, heartfelt and fierce memoir on becoming a woman of a certain age. The power, gravity and freedom she's found at fifty-seven are superpowers she believes all of us can unleash.
Digging deep into her strengths, her failures and her losses, Jann Arden brings us an inspiring account of how she has surprised herself, in her fifties, by at last becoming completely her own person. Like many women, it took Jann a long time to realize that trying to be pleasing and likeable and beautiful in the eyes of others was a loser's game. Letting it rip, and damning the consequences, is not only liberating, it's a hell of a lot of fun: "Being the age I am—that so many women are—is just the best time of my life."
Jann weaves her own story together with tales of her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and the father she came close to hating, to show her younger self—and all of us—that fear and avoidance is no way to live. "What I'm thinking about now aren't all the ways I can try to hang on to my youth or all the seconds ticking by in some kind of morbid countdown to death," she writes, "but rather how I keep becoming someone I always hoped I could be. If I'm lucky one day a very old face will look back at me from the mirror, a face I once shied away from. I will love that old woman ferociously, because she has finally figured out how to live a life of purpose—not in spite of but because of all her mistakes and failures."
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What the critics say
“Storyteller. Counsellor. Life coach. Canadian singer Jann Arden wears all those hats—and more—in her latest memoir . . . If I Knew Then will strike vibrato chords with readers. Like her song lyrics, Arden’s phrasing is simple, authentic and rich. It resonates. She wears her wounds on her sleeve, and isn’t afraid to show her scars." —Winnipeg Free Press
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What listeners say about If I Knew Then
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Al Har
- 2020-12-27
Jann unplugged
I listened in one sitting. Such an honest brave account of her life. Best of all narrated by Jann.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-01-01
A must listen.
Absolutely loved it! Listening to JoAnn's voice made it real. Made me appreciate myself and not be afraid. Linda O.
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- CathB
- 2021-01-31
great book
I buzzed through this and would highly recommend it, especially for women- life journeys perspective-though Jann's thoughts could give a good number of men a moment to pause -.I will listen a 2nd time to pick up whatever I may have missed - thank you Jann
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- Leanne C.
- 2021-08-18
50+ Hesitant? Get this yesterday
I've listened to this title over and over again and never tire of hearing Jan tell her story and take me with her boldly into these new waters I'm newly navigating north of 50. Thoughtful. Kind. Bold. This volume has been a great comfort to me. Hopefully it will serve you well too.
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- Bookworm
- 2021-10-02
Spirit sister
You have accompanied my sisters and I throughout our lives at a time where we were a little younger. We sat and listened to you up close at the forum in Montréal. My sisters sing your songs, they can hold a tune. To listen to your words, I feel gratitude that you are with us. Thank you Jan, I love your authenticity.
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- Reviewer
- 2021-05-25
I loved it!
This was a beautiful heartfelt story. I feel that everyone should read/listen to this book.
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- Michelle Suleman
- 2021-02-04
Amazing book!
I loved this book so much! ❤️ I could relate to many things that she wrote about. At the end I was left with wanting to hear more and was sad when it was done. Jann is not only a gifted musician but a wonderful storyteller.
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- Leanna Makortoff
- 2022-11-27
I love this book
I so enjoyed this book and I Recommended to all my friends! Embracing my inner crone!
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- Amazon Customer
- 2024-04-02
I love Jann
I like hearing her voice tell her story. Learning the chapters of life. And providing comfort in aging when you go against the “normal”
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- Dan Fortin
- 2020-12-28
ENLIGHTENING
What a wonderful book by a truly wonderful woman. It was so good to hear how someone I have always loved has made it to who she is today. I could have listened to her for hours more, reflecting on her wisdoms!
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2 people found this helpful