Spinning Straw into Gold

A brilliant exploration of women's lives and what fairy tales and myths reveal about us -- where we've been and where we're headed.What's your favorite fairy tale? Whether it's "Cinderella," "Beauty and the Beast," "Hansel and Gretel," or another story, your answer reveals something significant about you, your experiences, and your soul. In this penetrating book, Joan Gould brings to the surface the hidden meanings in fairy tales and myths, and illuminates what they can tell you about the stages in your own life. As Gould explores the transformations that women go through from youth to old age-leaving home and mother, the first experience of sexuality, the surprising ambivalence of marriage, the spiritual work required by menopause and aging-her keen observations will enrich your awareness of your inner life.Full of archetypal figures known to us all, Spinning Straw into Gold also includes stories from the lives of ordinary women that clarify the insights to be gained from the beloved tales that have been handed down from one generation to the next.

“"Brilliant . . . belongs by any woman's bedside, inside any commuting woman's briefcase, next to any woman's reading chair, for its surprising yet deeply recognizable truths about women's lives." Elizabeth Berg,author of The Year of Pleasures and Open House "Open Joan Gould's lovely book anywhere and you will find something recognizable, as relevant today as when you were a child. That's the magic of fairy tales. Be wise, be strong, and grab life like the heroes and heroines in Spinning Straw into Gold." Nancy Friday, author of My Mother, My Self and My Secret Garden "Taking the life of woman through her changes, from maiden to matron to crone, Joan Gould has written a passionate song of praise for life itself. Her book is as nourishing as the fairy tales she treats. Her inspired Spinning Straw into Gold rejuvenates us all." Robert Fagles, translator of The Iliad and The Odyssey "This is at once a deep yet thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable book." Maggie Scarf, author of Secrets, Lies, Betrayals and Intimate Partners From the Trade Paperback edition.”

“Brilliant . . . belongs by any woman’s bedside, inside any commuting woman’s briefcase, next to any woman’s reading chair, for its surprising yet deeply recognizable truths about women’s lives.”
–Elizabeth Berg, author of The Year of Pleasures and Open House

“Open Joan Gould’s lovely book anywhere and you will find something recognizable, as relevant today as when you were a child. That’s the magic of fairy tales. Be wise, be strong, and grab life like the heroes and heroines in Spinning Straw into Gold.”
–Nancy Friday, author of My Mother, My Self and My Secret Garden

“Taking the life of woman through her changes, from maiden to matron to crone, Joan Gould has written a passionate song of praise for life itself. Her book is as nourishing as the fairy tales she treats. Her inspired Spinning Straw into Gold rejuvenates us all.”
–Robert Fagles, translator of The Iliad and The Odyssey

“This is at once a deep yet thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable book.”
–Maggie Scarf, author of Secrets, Lies, Betrayals and Intimate Partners

Joan Gould's work has appeared in many publications, including The New York Times, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated. The author of Spirals, she lives in Rye, New York.Joan Gould is available to speak to groups either in person, via speaker phone, or online chats. Please contact her through her website at

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.