Patricia Heaton

I like actress Patricia Heaton, and enjoyed the two TV shows she's starred in, Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle, which were classic comedies while they were airing and now in reruns. So when I saw this book I immediately wanted to read it. I knew it wasn't just a memoir after reading some of the Goodreads reviews, so was prepared that she starts off the book with her own story, and then the rest of the narrative focuses on 14 others who have created "second acts" or careers. Some of these people, including the author, have faith-based foundations, but many of them acknowledge only their own strength and capabilities for their success.

The brief profiles of those included are varied, interesting, and upbeat. I appreciated that they were each just a few pages long and got to the heart of their second act. There are a few short questions for the reader after each profile, which would help someone searching for a second act or direction in their new career possibilities.

I especially liked the conversational style of this book, and it is extremely well-written, which made me wonder if there was a ghost-writer. But knowing that Patricia's first career (before acting) was journalism, reassured me that she is just that talented.… (mere)