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outtoexist's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Incredible. Genuinely reminded me of the power of presence & gratitude so strongly that it made my days happier any time I listened - and hopefully will have that continued impact each time I remember it!
kathleenguthriewoods's review against another edition
5.0
(I listened to the audio version, which I highly recommend.)
A balm for the soul in our troubled times. There aren't a lot of surprises here, but great wisdom. Hard-won truths. Encouragement. Hope. Be sure to listen to the end to hear the interviewee's voices.
A balm for the soul in our troubled times. There aren't a lot of surprises here, but great wisdom. Hard-won truths. Encouragement. Hope. Be sure to listen to the end to hear the interviewee's voices.
xtinabaker's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
creedmk's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great read about how the oldest old people view happiness, and it might not be what you think. A few of my favorite quotes from the book are to be "happy in spite of..." and "heaven is my home, but I'm not homesick."
I hope to incorporate some of the wisdom from this book in my own life and adjust expectations as circumstances change, so that I can find happiness no matter the circumstances.
I hope to incorporate some of the wisdom from this book in my own life and adjust expectations as circumstances change, so that I can find happiness no matter the circumstances.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Journalist John Leland spent a year getting to know 6 men and women in their late eighties and early nineties. Here he shares the lessons he learned about resilience and happiness. In spite of many hardships, Fred found reasons to be thankful for each day. Ping found ways to keep herself happy and to re-calibrate goals at each stage of life. Jonas demonstrated that finding a purpose is key. All of the old folks had different life circumstances and all suffered the physical declines common at that age but all had lessons to teach. The biggest take-home for me is that a life at 90, which seems to have lost so much vitality when viewed from the 'young' age of 59, can still have great meaning, and yes even vitality, to the person living it. As Leland found, happiness is a choice we can all make at any age.
isabellamarg's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the different stories within this novel as it followed 6 elderly individuals. There was wonderful storytelling and great anecdotes on living a good life. This book made me rethink old age and the lives my grandparents lived.
nlwisz's review against another edition
5.0
This was just okay. Nothing revolutionary here, just some sweet stories about six people pushing 100 and some life advice that we’ve all heard before: live in the moment, you can’t change other people but you can change how you react, love is about giving not taking, don’t waste time worrying about things you can’t control. That’s about it.
I listened to this on audiobook, and for me the best part was the very end, when the author’s mom and a few of the “elders” made statements in their own words. That was cute.
I listened to this on audiobook, and for me the best part was the very end, when the author’s mom and a few of the “elders” made statements in their own words. That was cute.