In his mid-forties, Art Berman was nearly two decades into a successful corporate career in New York City.
He was happily married, had a comfortable suburban lifestyle, and was a father to three remarkable children.
Then it all went sideways. First, from his office across the street from the World Trade Center, he witnessed the horrific events of September 11 and experienced their traumatic aftermath. Then, following a relocation to Minneapolis, his career—a primary source of his personal identity—crashed.
On his fiftieth birthday, with no forward path in sight, a now-jobless Art embarked on the trip of a lifetime, throwing caution to the wind and moving his family to Florence, Italy. There, Art began to excavate his own life piece by piece— rediscovering, reclaiming, and recreating his understanding of meaning and happiness.
From the sublime delights of twilight passeggiatas through Florence to helping a ninety-six-year-old World War II veteran complete the New York City Marathon, Art in the Middle Ages is a heartening reminder that it’s never too late for a fresh start. Above all, this inspiring and redemptive memoir is a welcome affirmation of how quietly remarkable a life can be.
This book is a must-read for mid-career professionals who suspect there has to be something more.
Praise for Art in the Middle Ages: A Memoir of Midlife Renaissance
“I loved this book. Art chronicles his difficult journey to make major life changes in a compelling narrative, and he shows the beauty in all of it.”
Marcia Ballinger, Principal/Co-Founder, Ballinger Leafblad, Inc. and Author of The 20-Minute Networking Meeting, Winning the Executive Interview, and Make the Jump: Reinvent Your Career in the Nonprofit Sector
“Art’s ‘hero’s journey’ is an inspiration. Moving and truly unforgettable, his story will resonate with anyone who seeks greater meaning and purpose from life.”
Mike Meyer, President, Meyer Partners and Author of Work and Win with an Executive Coach
“Starting from a harrowing story of surviving 9/11, this beautifully written memoir grabs you from the start and takes you on an unexpected journey, with a mid-life twist that just might inspire you to take a chance yourself.”
Dr. Dawn Graham, Author of Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success
“Art brings a unique personal perspective to a question we are all, ultimately, concerned with: What happens as we age and face life’s adversities? This book offers wise insights for how to turn crisis into calling.”
Richard Leider, Author of The Power of Purpose, Repacking Your Bags, and Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?
“Art in the Middle Ages inspires us to follow what Carlos Castaneda calls a “path with a heart”… a path of purpose, love, and commitment to family, community and being our best selves. Art offers guidance through his “page turner” story, and he is a wise and engaging writer. This book is an excellent guide for anyone considering either a transition to another job similar to where he or she has been professionally, or a transformation, perhaps to a non-profit sector leadership opportunity as Art did.”
George Dow, President, George Dow Consulting
“This is a beautifully written journey of midlife awakening triggered by the life changing experience of 9/11. Art shares his insights, struggles, and simple pleasures, and the reader gains an appreciation of the courage it takes to explore new possibilities and eventually create new beginnings. This book will inspire anyone who finds themselves wondering if there is another career path for them, or if they are ready for the adventures of the roads less taken.”
Kathy Andrus, Executive Career Consultant
Author Bio
Art Berman had a twenty-five year corporate career, holding several senior leadership roles. He has taught at two universities; led a nationally recognized anti-poverty program and a large, interfaith human services organization; and volunteered on numerous nonprofit boards. His search for more also led him to run over forty marathons, attend culinary arts school, rediscover his love for playing piano, and compete in National Senior Games 3-on-3 basketball tournaments. His all-time favorite role and job title, though, is Dad. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he continues to enjoy a very full life.
Art in the Middle Ages 