Bad Ass Grandma: The Book

When Alesa Lighbourne, 73, stumbled out of icy surf on a winter day, teenage boys bundled up on the beach called her a bad ass grandma. What did that mean? (She had to look it up to make sure it wasn't an insult.)

This started her on a journey, asking friends about their experiences living larger. Not necessarily riding a Harley or jumping out of a plane. No, this was about inner work.

Stepping outside of comfort zones. Giving back. Forgiving old hurts. Finding new wellsprings of resilience. Facing mortality.

As she collected stories from women she knew well, many grandmothers but many not, she discovered something important. Each time we overcome a fear, limitation or challenge, we become more open and flexible. We discover new aspects of ourselves. And this often brings us to a totally unexpected place (and the real destination) —living in a sense of awe.

“Thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply human… like a heartfelt conversation with a wise friend.” — Manhattan Book Review

“Funny, bracing, a little reckless, and fully alive.” — San Francisco Book Review