Gift from the Sea

A True Gift!!

Anne Morrow Lindberg¿s book, ¿Gift From the Sea¿, is a beautifully written story that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery. Inspired by her short vacation on the beach, she discovers the key to balance in life through her experiences. Although written for a wide audience, women can especially relate to this book because of the author¿s use of symbolism between the seashells and her various roles as a woman throughout life. The core message of this book is as relevant in today¿s world as it was when it was written in 1955.
¿Gift From the Sea¿ has been a best-seller, which I believe is due to the author¿s ability to eloquently relate to the pressures of life that most people feel, while bringing insight on how to cope with these pressures. She is the mother of five children and the wife of the famous Charles Lindberg. Her life has been filled with many responsibilities and challenges. She speaks honestly about her feelings and experiences as a mother, wife and friend.
Symbolism is a dominant feature in this book. Each chapter is named after a seashell, such as ¿A Channeled Whelk¿, ¿Moon Shell¿, ¿Oyster Bed¿, ¿Argonauta¿, and ¿Double-Sunrise¿. These shells and chapter names are used as a metaphor for her marriage, life, relationships, children and work. They subsequently divide each part of her life as it divides the book.
Her use of symbolism is effective in her writing because of the deep meaning she took from each shell. For example, the author used the lone moon shell to give importance for the need of solidarity in one¿s life. ¿If it is woman¿s function to give, she must be replenished too. But how? Solitude, says the moon shell. Every person, especially every woman, should be alone sometime during the year, some part of each week, and each day.¿ (p.42)
Anne Lindberg¿s brilliant use of symbolism in the chapter titled, ¿Oyster Bed,¿ spoke to me as a wife and mother. She related the oyster shell to the middle years of marriage and explained how the oyster shell struggled for life. ¿The oyster has fought to have that place on the rock to which it has fitted itself perfectly and to which it clings tenaciously. So most couples in the growing years of marriage struggle to achieve a place in the world. It is a physical and material battle first of all, for a home, for children, for a place in their particular society¿¿ (p.74) The manner in which she manages to weave the seashells she finds on the beach with life¿s challenges is poignant and timeless.
Although this book was written in 1955, the messages and lessons for achieving harmony in life are just as relevant today. The messages in this book are clear. We all must take time for ourselves. We must appreciate and value our relationships and experiences. I would recommend this inspirational book to anyone, as her writing is a true gift for anyone¿s soul.

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

This book was recommended by my Priest while experiencing difficulities in my life. Separation from my husband, dealing with a neice and nephew we took in, two birth children living in Texas due to the oldest divorce and child residing with her mother, an emotionally impaired and mentally challenged sister, death of mother, sister and grandmother in six month time span!

Intially I was not excited about the book; but as you read and immerse yourself in the author's preception and thoughts while on vacation with her family you become engrossed. The more you read, you feel like she has been reading your mind and some or all the topics become familiar.

Though I think her intended audience is for woman; I feel a man could get a good idea of things concern woman and how we feel.

I purchased two additional books and sent one to my daughter and the other to a dear friend.

I highly recommend it - quick read.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is one of my all time favorites.

Gift from the Sea is just that, a treasured gift. I read this book and then passed along to many others. It is truly a wonderful read not just for women but also men. I highly reccomend this book. Linbergh's words flow so beautifully.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Gifts from the Sea

A book that every woman, young or old, should read and re-read. It is a guide to a peaceful life. My Mother was the first person to give it to me and I have given it to my daughters-in-law.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My favorite book

I buy an average of a book a week and this is beyond a doubt my all time FAVORITE book. This small volume speaks to readers today even more than to those in the 50's when it was written. Our high-pressure, busy society could find respite in Lindberg's wisdom.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I picked up a Gift From The Sea after reading the historical fic

I picked up a Gift From The Sea after reading the historical fiction novel The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin, which is loosely about the life of the author Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I learned from The Aviator’s Wife that Anne was a smart, poetic, insightful and strong woman. This definitely shows through out the book A Gift From Sea. Her interpretation of shells along the beach comparing them to a woman’s life as we grow, marry, have children still keeping our individuality as strong women. 




What I like about a Gift From The Sea is that it is a book that can be reread over the years and you keep learning from it. I feel that this first time that I have read it, that I am (at 35) still an infant in my years and have yet much to learn from this world. I feel as Anne’s daughter Reeve said, in the intro I have that, it is a book that should be read once a year. 




The interpretation of the shells found along the beach, and comparing them to life, was sometimes lost on me but still interesting. 




In the end this a book I am keeping. I hope to return to it possibly once a year to reread. As much as I learned from it there is so much more that I will learn from it through the stages of my life.

A gift that keeps on giving....

I enjoyed 'Gift from the sea' immensely as a quick read with much power. In 1955 Anne Morrow Lindbergh spent time away from the daily hustle and bustle of her life on Captiva Island, FL where she wrote this book. Written as a memoir of sorts she takes the shells found on the beach as inspiration. She muses on things like love, simple living, solitude with the ocean as her backdrop. While many books like have popularized a feel good approach to well being and self care, do not put this book in that same category. It is as a woman reflecting on her life and sharing her unique point of view with the reader. It felt like reading an open diary. Meaningful and poignant, it seems like a book that could be kept in a library and read several times, each time with renewed appreciation!

Beautiful

I read Gift from the Sea when it first came out. Decided to reread after reading the book The Aviator's Wife. All women should read Gifts From the Sea. Anne Morrow Lindberg was a far better person then her husband.

This book helped me realize the many roles we play and the stage

This book helped me realize the many roles we play and the stages we go through in life.

full of timeless wisdom

The gift of the Sea is a perfectly timeless book filled with thoughts & inspiration all ages, You will read it every year.

Absolutely Timeless!

I read Gift from the Sea years ago and loved it. After reading The Aviator's Wife I was inspired to re-read it.It was as good as now as it was back then!

A Gift. This book is a gem, one I will cherish all of my days.

A Gift. This book is a gem, one I will cherish all of my days. I will share with all the women that I can for we all seem to walk a slippery slope with the certainty of losing ourselves. I will give these words of wisdom to my daughter so she can recognize and find joy in each of the shells of her life.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh describes this book best herself; "...as a signpost for another way of living. Simplicity of living as much as possible, to retain a true awareness of life. Work without pressure. Space for significance and beauty. Time for solitude and sharing."

Thank you Anne, I will always cherish your words.

Outstanding Read! This is one of the best books I’ve ever

Outstanding Read! This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. In concise, philosophical and thought-provoking language, Anne Morrow Lindbergh provides the reader with wonderful revelations of what it’s like to be a modern woman. As the wife of Charles Lindbergh, she certainly felt the constraints of public engagements and social events, as well as the demands of being a wife and busy mother of five children. Perhaps that is why she was able to provide such a keen insight into the value of solitude and creativity.

Often, in our “busy-ness,” we forget about maintaining and growing as individuals. Every man, woman and child needs time alone, every day, in which to nourish his soul. What joy can be found in creative tasks, even if they are as simple as arranging a vase of flowers or baking a batch of cookies. Women, by their very nature, wish to give. Sometimes, we give so much of ourselves that the well runs dry.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh used her valuable vacation time on a remote island to replenish herself. There, she embraced the simple pleasures such as watching the ebb and flow of waves on the beach, collecting shells on the shore and strolling on the sand beneath the twinkling stars. She didn’t need curtains to shelter the windows, cooked simply but well, and performed household chores only as necessary. She lived in the present, like a dancer perfectly poised in the here and now. In this special time, she found her center, replenishing the wellspring of who and what she was.

Rarely have I read such a wonderful book! Every woman should own a copy for her personal library and if men seek to understand the true nature of women, they should read it as well. I applaud Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s foresight and her rare ability to put into words what I feel deep inside my heart.

A really good book for women

I enjoyed the book. A thought provoking book. Pleasant. I'm so glad the author added the last chapter too.

I love this book

I have this book in print, and have given copies to several friends. I re-read it regularly, so I purchased it for my Nook as well. Lindburgh's thoughtful discussion of life in it's many stages makes me think, gives me peace, and enriches my spirit.

Excellent, and a book that you can read many times in your life.

I have gifted this book to every woman who has been dear to me. I have read it several times; each time getting something different out of it. Lindbergh is an amazing writer.

Great Inspirational read.

I read a chapter a day so I could reflect on each chapter. Good book group discussions.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A perfect book for anyone looking to get in touch with their true self!

This book is especially suited to women, but I see no reason why a man wouldn't enjoy it as well. It uses the sea as a metaphor for our lives and finding the balance we need in the busyness and craziness our world. When you consider how long ago she wrote it, it seems unbelievable how it still seems so topical today. Women will appreciate the understanding that Morrow-Lindbergh has of the roles that women play including mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, etc... and the importance of taking the time to care for yourself so you can be there for others. When you consider all that she went through in her own life, it is all the more inspiring to read her writings.

Wonderful Read!

Great gift! It was such a hit, I had to buy one for myself. It's so precious and inspirational!

A Gift to Treasure

Anne Morrow Lindbergh's book is a beautifully written narrative about the glories of Life and Change. For an over 40 year old book, the message is timeless and one that brings a peaceful feeling, similar to lying on a quiet beach listening to the ebb and flow of the waves. For this hectic, overly tasked world, it is a joy to read (and listen to on audio) again and again.