by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer
While browsing at my local library, I discovered this gem of a book. The title immediately resonated with me. And despite the fact that the anthology isn’t strictly about fibromyalgia, there were a lot of resonances.
I believe Shari Graydon’s, I Feel Great About My Hands holds special relevance for people living with fibromyalgia. Living with a chronic condition often means confronting constant reminders of limitation, loss, or societal misconceptions. This anthology, however, offers a refreshing counterbalance by reframing aging, and by extension, life with chronic illness, as a space for humor, self-acceptance, and unexpected joys.
For fibro warriors, the contributors’ reflections on embracing change, letting go of perfection, and finding strength in vulnerability resonate deeply. Many with fibromyalgia already face an “invisible” struggle, much like aging women often do. The book challenges cultural narratives that equate wrinkles with decline; in the same way, readers with fibro can challenge the idea that illness defines them. The humor woven through the essays is especially healing, reminding us that laughter and perspective can lighten even the hardest days.
Most importantly, the anthology celebrates resilience and the power of reframing one’s story. Just as these women choose to see beauty and freedom in aging, those with fibromyalgia can cultivate gratitude, compassion, and even delight amid challenges. Graydon’s book becomes not just about aging, but about living fully, regardless of circumstance.
Here is the book review of this wonderful anthology.
Shari Graydon’s I Feel Great About My Hands is a witty, honest, and uplifting anthology that reimagines what it means to age as a woman in today’s world. Through a collection of essays from more than fifty accomplished women—including authors, performers, politicians, and activists—Graydon curates a chorus of voices that explore the surprises, delights, and occasional absurdities of growing older. Rather than dwelling on loss, decline, or nostalgia, this book highlights the humor, freedom, and wisdom that come with maturity.
The collection opens with the idea that aging does not have to be synonymous with invisibility or despair. Instead, many of the contributors discover new forms of power and joy as they let go of the anxieties of youth. The essays range in tone from comedic to contemplative, but they are united by a refreshing refusal to be defined by societal stereotypes about aging women. Graydon herself frames the anthology with warmth and irreverence, creating space for contributors to speak candidly and often hilariously about their evolving identities.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its diversity of perspectives. Some essays focus on physical changes—gray hair, wrinkles, or hands that reveal the passage of time—while others emphasize inner transformations, such as increased confidence, self-acceptance, or freedom from external judgment. The title itself, I Feel Great About My Hands, encapsulates the playful spirit of the anthology: what society often treats as flaws can instead be embraced as badges of experience. For many of the women, aging brings not only resilience but also a sharper sense of humor and a deeper appreciation for life’s absurdities.
Graydon includes both well-known figures and lesser-known voices, which broadens the book’s reach. Celebrities and public figures share space with everyday women whose reflections are equally powerful and engaging. The result is a collection that feels both personal and universal, reminding readers that aging is a shared journey shaped by unique stories. Readers will likely recognize themselves in some essays while being surprised and delighted by others.
The book also stands out for its celebratory tone. While there are moments of poignancy, such as the acknowledgment of loss, illness, or the challenges of aging, they are always balanced by humor, resilience, and a refusal to succumb to negativity.
What makes this book particularly effective is its accessibility. The essays are short, lively, and easy to read, making the collection perfect for dipping into at any time. Yet despite their brevity, the reflections pack emotional weight and intellectual depth. The humor throughout also ensures the book never feels heavy-handed; instead, it offers a refreshing reminder that laughter is one of the best companions for aging gracefully.
In the end, Graydon’s anthology is a celebration of possibility. It reframes aging not as an end but as a continuation of life’s richness, filled with new opportunities for joy, mischief, and wisdom. I Feel Great About My Hands is a delightful, empowering, and often laugh-out-loud read that will inspire women of all ages to embrace their journeys with courage and humor.
