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  • If I Knew Then

  • Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging
  • Written by: Jann Arden
  • Narrated by: Jann Arden
  • Length: 3 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (625 ratings)

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If I Knew Then cover art

If I Knew Then

Written by: Jann Arden
Narrated by: Jann Arden
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Publisher's Summary

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."

©2020 Jann Arden (P)2020 Random House Canada

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

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I wish it was longer!!

Jann is such an eloquent writer and storyteller. And FUNNY!! 🤣
As with Feeding My Mother I must go back and write down all the witty, wise words and phrases. Such raw honesty and heart... So good.
Jann, your parents are so proud, I am sure.
I'd love to sit and share a pot of Earl grey and a plate of carbs with you any day!
💖

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9 people found this helpful

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I feel like she is writing my life..my thoughts,

Brilliant work in clear and straightforward style that is 100% authentic. my favorite piece is that it is her telling her story...not someone reading me a story. thankyou Jann.

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4 people found this helpful

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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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Motivational and Extremely Entertaining

I have been listening to this book over and over again!!! I love it!!! Jann is a “artist to the core”. The words she uses paint a perfect picture with feelings that made me gasp in laughter! I find myself listening to it on the mornings that I need a good chuckle and pick-me-up. I work in a school but much of the books meat is relatable. It is so easy to listen to beginning in any chapter and I would love to see her live just to put a face to my current compass....and yes, I’ve just turned 50 and “the crone in me has been set free”.

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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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Review

Thanks for strength and wisdom! What a gift you have Thanks for your honesty. Thanks.

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Humorous Relatable a Must Read

I have played it twice in less than a week. Thoughtful, thought provoking, funny. Chapter 1 on Dying and WILLS should be mandatory reading. I loved this book. I am a Jann Arden fan, but those not familiar with Jann will enjoy this.

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Jann’s narration

Definitely glad I listened to her instead of reading it. Jann’s narration brings things up much more vividly.

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Honest, heartfelt, touching and emotionally energizing; leaving me, excited for the next chapter of my middle-aged life

Jann has allowed me to see and realize that the middle (midlife) is the best and not to be dreaded and grieved and feared. Her writing and speaking and humour and humility are so appreciated. thank you Jann Arden for sharing your gifts and your life with us.

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❤️🤗🙌🤣❤️

Sister from another mister (albeit just as broken). I feel like my big sister just took me under her wing and imparted her wisdom. I have some catching up to do! What a great place in life to be for her 🤗

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