EMERGING: Boomers Speak Out About Life In and Beyond the Pandemic

EMERGING -- is well written, and includes personal stories of boomers and their response to the craziness of the last few years. Coupled with that, Richard and Leona draw on their years of experience to lay the groundwork for those who are re-assessing their role in this ol' world. I'm convinced Boomers are not 'done' yet! :) Think of the impact we can have in leading others, influencing others, and continuing to adapt, learn, and honor the Lord with our lives. -- Thanks for your work, you two! :)

For decades Richard and Leona Bergstrom have been the go-to source for baby boomers seeking to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. In this book they take those years of experience as researchers, teachers, and leaders and apply them to the life altering impact of the covid crisis.Their past books have been outstanding in making sense of wide-ranging research and their own extensive experience with boomers. What is so intriguing about this book is the juxtaposition of the specific with the broader perspective. In each chapter Richard or Leona address an issue created by the pandemic. But then they add the stories of a broad range of people to illustrate the point.This book speaks powerfully to the boomer generation that the Bergstroms have guided for generations. For those of any generation, however, there is wisdom here that has the potential to change lives. What does a well lived life look like in these times? Look no further than this book to guide you in answering that question in your own life.

When future historians study the impact of the global pandemic from 2020 to 2022, I hope they avail themselves of this valuable resource. Christian authors Richard and Leona Bergstrom interviewed many eyewitnesses who were there from the start when Covid happened, and they supplemented those reports with studies from a wide range of disciplines. These factors make EMERGING an oral history of tremendous worth.Richard and Leona tackle head on the challenges surrounding COVID (vaccines, masks, mandates) and the impact of those controversies on those in the 65+ crowd. They do so with no political agenda, fringe ideology, or conspiracy theory that colors their reportage. They disagree with those who call Covid a hoax and do so graciously and civilly. With optimism and hope they call for cooperation among those divided by issues brought on by this worldwide disease.In addition, the authors include fantastic resources for individuals needing help identifying the passions, motivations, and drives that lead to a purposeful life.While aimed at older readers, people of all ages will benefit from this gripping and important book.

I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this. It is the book we need right now!Honestly, there's a part of me that wants COVID-19 to be a thing of the past so I can get back to “normal,” as if that were possible. But in EMERGING, Richard and Leona Bergstrom show that the healthy way forward doesn’t mean forgetting the losses and lessons of the pandemic. Rather, by hearing the diverse, heartfelt stories of Boomers as they share what happened in their lives because of COVID-19, we are invited to reflect upon and learn from our own experiences, both the painful and the promising. In addition to sharing stories from others and their own lives, the Bergstroms offer rich wisdom to help us find meaning in the past and hope for the future.I recommend this book to all who realize that getting back to “normal” isn’t the point. Rather, we have the opportunity to learn from what we experienced so that we might live more creatively, fully, and fruitfully both now and in the future.

Though I just want to leave the COVID pandemic behind, the daily news of the latest variant makes it clear that we will be actively "emerging" for quite some time, making this book a must-read. Richard and Leona Bergstrom have told ALL our stories with compassion, wisdom and hope. With a balance of journalistic research and personal interviews, plus their own expertise on the boomer experience, the book is the catharsis I needed right now.