“life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, but rather to "skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, t“life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, but rather to "skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!” Hunter S. Thompson
A buddy read with Marialyce, this is one of the most fun “lighter novels with substance” that I’ve read.
The novel opens when a police officer pulls over a bus full of mostly seniors, all who, without being asked, are quick to confess to a variety of crimes.
From there we go back in time to find out led to the present dilemma.
Eccentric Daphne, having just celebrated her 70th birthday, alludes to a mysterious past, is tiring of her solitary life, and decides to join the senior center. Here she meets a motley crew including: * Lydia, the program director, is a woman in her mid-50s who is married to a complete ass and needs to find her backbone and her voice * Art, an aging actor with a bad habit and an estranged family * William, Art’s best friend * Ziggy, an 18 yr old single father trying to go to school & care for his infant daughter * Anna, who knits, but she’s not knitting potholders. I won’t ruin the fun by disclosing why she’s knitting oversized projects, but they are irreverent, a bit (ok, a lot) naughty, and hilarious. * an adorable aged dog named Margaret Thatcher * The children at a day care center
But the real star of the show here is Daphne who made me laugh out loud more than once. She’s completely delightful! She’s witty, snarky, opinionated, minces no words, and bears no fools. And she gets things done.
It may seem like a lot of characters but they each have a unique voice and story arc , so they are easy to follow. They all come together to save the community center but it’s about is much more than that.
Not only does this book destroy stereotypes of aging, these seniors are vibrant and intelligent, who have much to offer society and show the younger members of their group a thing or two. I loved the bond and intergenerational sense of community they built.
Don’t miss the author’s note at the end where she tells us her inspiration for the story.
I may not be aging as disgracefully as this group but I sure did have fun with them!
* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
How did the author manage to make a serious book about a woman shot in the head so FUNNY?!
Dr Charly McKenna is a dermatologist with a successful careHow did the author manage to make a serious book about a woman shot in the head so FUNNY?!
Dr Charly McKenna is a dermatologist with a successful career, a handsome husband, and an apt overlooking Central Park. Life is good until the night she’s shot in the head, leaving her with left neglect and no memory of what happened.
As she spends her days at a rehab hospital we get to know more about Charly as well as several of the patients & staff. The author is a physician, which lends authenticity to this part of the story.
I LOVED IT!! This is the most fun I’ve had listening to a book in a long, long time.
Although there is a mystery, don’t read this expecting a thriller. It is not, as the resolution is pretty obvious. Come for the characters, the charm, and the humor.
The narrator was superb. She had just the right tone and brought the characters to life. I absolutely recommend listening to those one!...more
This is a short listen filled with advice from the author’s glamorous and unintentionally hilarious grandmother. She pulled no punches as she bluntly This is a short listen filled with advice from the author’s glamorous and unintentionally hilarious grandmother. She pulled no punches as she bluntly (but always with love) dispensed her unsolicited advice on beauty, Bess’s boyfriends, fashion, and life in general. In turn poignant and hysterical, I found myself often laughing out loud, then choking up on the next page.
Unique in that the memoir is written from the point of view of her now deceased grandmother, this an oral history of the love and affection they had for each other. They simply adored each other. This is a lovely love letter to her grandmother and a tribute to the history of four generations of women in the family. I listened to the audiobook, which I highly recommend.
Bess Kalb is the Emmy-nominated writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live. I don’t remember who recommended this book, but I’m so grateful.
Now I'm off to find a Jewish grandmother to adopt me, ha! ...more