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At age 50, Maria Leonard Olsen drank her way out of a 25-year marriage. She had, against advice, put all her eggs in the motherhood basket, willfully derailing her successful law career. As teenagers, her precious children did not need her in the hands-on way they previously had. Her husband and she had grown apart because, among other things, they failed to nurture that important relationship. She was depressed and stuck.When she turned 50, she had the distinct feeling that she was on the downward slope of her life. Actuarially speaking, she was. So when she turned 50, her gift to herself was to go on a crusade to make the most of whatever time she had left. She set out to do 50 new things that were significant, at least to her. The list spanned physical challenges, adventure travel, and lifestyle changes. Each taught her something about herself and about how she wanted to lead the next years of her life to come. This work follows the work she did to accomplish those 50 new things and shows readers how to make their own action lists – whether it be joining a knitting club or hiking the Himalayas, every item has significance for each individual and speaks to her needs and desires. The list is the match to spark the fire that will light the years after 50. Readers will hear about Maria’s adventures and the rewards of each. Accomplishing new things, learning new skills, deepening personal and spiritual relationships, and seeking out challenges will add the spice to a life that may feel repetitive, insignificant, inauthentic, or just plain boring.Editorial ReviewsReviewLibrary Journal – May 1, 2018 Olsen, Maria Leonard. 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life. Rowman & Littlefield. Jun. 2018. 212p. index. ISBN 9781538109649. $34; ebk. ISBN 9781538109656. SELF-HELP When lawyer/journalist Olsen reached age 50, she decided to try 50 new things that were significant to her. As a woman in recovery, the author values the time she has left, and through her own story, urges readers to do the same via activities such as singing like no one’s listening, riding a horse, and performing random acts of kindness. She enumerates many more exercises under the headings of “spiritual endeavors,” “thrill seeking ventures,” “lifestyle changes,” and so forth, but the message is that we should value and embrace life to the fullest. VERDICT An inspiring read for those who are in or have passed through middle age.From the AuthorThe year I turned 50 was a watershed year for me.  I became an empty-nester, re-entered the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom, got divorced, got sober and finally started living a life authentic to me.Freed of matrimonial and daily childcare responsibilities, I set off at age 50 to “find myself” after willingly giving so much of myself to my family.  Actuarilly speaking, I’d passed the midpoint of my life years prior and wanted to seize life by the horns while I still could.  In trying 50 new things, I learned more about myself than perhaps I’d learned in the first 50 years.  By sharing my experience, I want to shine a spotlight on what women can do and learn in this important chapter of our lives when our familial responsibilities typically diminish and we are able to explore what truly makes each one of us whole and happy. I am a women’s empowerment and writing retreat leader, radio talk show co-host, public speaker, attorney, author, Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor and Al-Anon sponsor.  I help women every day to move forward in their lives and achieve their life goals.  One of the gifts of the Feminist Movement is that we have so many choices and the ability to chapter our lives without necessarily following a typical script.I definitely went off script, with results that can help other women. Many women have asked me for my list of 50 things and have told me how inspiring they have found my journey to be.  May you find yours now!File Size: 2242 KBPrint Length: 199 pagesPublisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (June 8, 2018)http://www.amazon.com/50-After-Reframing-Next-Chapter-ebook/…