From her eponymous web series for women, Thomas-actress, activist and author (Free to Be.You and Me)-handpicks 60 of her site's followers and weaves their true stories into a chatty magazine-style compilation about the joy of self-fulfillment. No hurdle is too daunting for this group of women, who Thomas defines as a part of the "Reinvention Generation," not even age-many of the women profiled are in their 60s and 70s. Thomas opens with five women who launched their own businesses, charting their successes in brief. Beyond their financial achievements lie personal goals: one follower from Panama City shrinks to a size 10 from a 32, and another finally found time to attend college at 54. This motivational compilation includes a tonic for every challenge with the seemingly ageless, Thomas leading by example. As one of her followers points out, Thomas has "been all the way up and all the way to the very bottom" yet she continues to soldier on, illustrating that the key to success is taking action. Certainly the level of accomplishment displayed by her fans is a testimony to the author's personal charisma, which is on full display here and will no doubt invite an even larger following. Photos. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Although actor-author (Free to Be . . . You and Me, plus five others) Thomas has discovered 60 women who have changed their lives thanks to Thomas' HuffPost-linked website, each story is a joy to read but also an inspiration. Thomas edits tales ranging from a philanthropist's to a dance-studio owner's, including cutting-edge careers, such as running canine boardinghouses. Real names, real facts are de rigueur; meet Jamie James, inventor of the Cellfolio; Robina, who opens a Curves Peligrosas store for curvy bathers in a Mexican resort; and Lee Gale, who discovered acting late . . . and is doing so at 71 years of age in Los Angeles. All stories are written in a warm third-person voice, each finishing with a you go, girl inspiration. Pick it up; start any chapter. Thomas has captured a marvelous way to jump-start dreams, at any age.--Jacobs, Barbara Copyright 2014 Booklist

Thomas (Growing up Laughing) here gathers stories from women who have worked hard, persevered, took risks, and triumphed to have fulfilling lives. This book would resonate with women, and even men, at any age who need some encouragement to take an idea they have and bring it to fruition or to risk altering their lives. The stories are grouped by type, such as mothers of young children or women who changed careers, but really, they are just wonderful, encouraging stories of people who transformed their lives and the lives of others along the way, either through their work or their product. Each disk stands alone, so accidentally popping in disc four instead of three won't affect the listening experience. With so many various tales, it is pleasant to have several narrators to change up the tone. January LaVoy, Becky Ann Baker, Michele Pawk, Lois Smith, and Thomas herself are all well suited to the stories they read and bring these women real. Listeners will learn that nothing is gained without a lot of hard work, in many cases heavy investment, and much risk taking but, ultimately, the achievements are worth it. Verdict Highly recommended for public libraries.-Susan Herr, Bulverde/Spring Branch Lib., TX (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.