Last Laughs-- A Pocketful of Wry for the Aging Reviewed By Fran Lewis of Bookpleasures.com
- By Fran Lewis
- Published November 23, 2011
- Humour
Fran Lewis
Reviewer Fran Lewis:
Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing
Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three masters degrees and
a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently. She is a member of
Who's Who of America's Teachers and Who's
Who of America's Executives from Cambridge. In addition,
she is the author of three children's books and a fourth Alzheimer’s
book is Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey: Ruth’s story
in honor of her mom. Fran
hopes to create more awareness for a cure of Alzheimer.
She
was also the musical director for shows in her school and ran the
school's newspaper. Fran writes reviews for authors upon request and
for several other sites. You can read some of my reviews on Ezine.com
and on ijustfinished under
the name Gabina.
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Click Here To Purchase Last Laughs - A Pocketful of Wry for the Aging
Author: Everett Mattlin
ISBN: 9781936401345
Publisher: Two Harbors Press
Old age what is that and
who thinks they’re old? Some kids look at 20 year olds and think
they are over the hill. Others think when you turn forty it’s time
to chuck it all in. Then, there are those who are young at heart,
invigorated and refuse to let any age get them down. So, what’s so
terrible if you want to sit in your favorite easy chair and watch an
old movie reread your favorite book or just stare off into space? How
about waiters that annoy you throughout dinner to find out if you are
enjoying your meal? What about dealing with voice mails, service
people and others that do not understand English and have lived here
forever? Author Everett Mattlin brings to light these issues and many
other that plague, haunt and annoy the not so elderly but those who
have lived their lives, reached 80 and want some recognition and
respect. Like Rodney Dangerfield would say: I get no respect. But, by
the end of this review I know this author will definitely not only
get respect but a great review.
Many people believe that the elderly are useless and done with their lives. NOT SO! But, as the author states when do they get to reap the rewards or benefits of living 8 decades, doing what he wants and not worrying about the requests and requirements of others. So, if he does not want to watch his grandkids- he shouldn’t. If he decides to hire a Gardner and not do the weeding himself because his knees hurt: Go right ahead. Some people deal with their limitations and age issues and others refuse to acknowledge them. I really love when he writes in the essay Groucho Lives about sitting through a movie and wanting it to be over. Not wanting to read books more than 275 pages. Imagine if all of the books I reviewed had only 275 pages, how many more I could read in a day? But, my favorite is the clothing issue or the proper clothing to wear to the opera. My mom always told me to dress for the occasion and never ever go out looking anything but your best. Weddings, the opera, restaurants and even a simple date required being dressed with taste and class. I have to agree that going to the opera definitely requires more formal attire and those that come dressed for the beach or a card game seem to demean the grandeur of the occasion.
The reality is no one wants to admit that they are old or feel old. Being grumpy, grouchy and definitely allowed to speak their minds older people as we call them or the elderly need to be allowed to exercise their own way of dealing with life and not worry about what the rest of the world deems the norm. Why is getting older or an elderly relative an embarrassment? I know younger people that take naps in the middle of the day, sit in front of the television set watching old movies or playing computer games.
Complaints about dieting, overweight adults, going out to dinner and reading the dessert menu first and the rest last, life can be a real pain when you get older. But, despite his complaints his sense of humor shines through and you have to laugh when he discusses exercising and those that try to lose weight, exercise and eat ice cream after they are done. Doctor’s appointments, cell phones you forget to turn on and you get the message too late, all part of what he complains about. Everything the author relates we all think about within ourselves and few say out loud. He is just writing or saying what everyone is really thinking to themselves.
Mirror mirror in front of my face: WHO IS THAT? NOT ME! Don’t be so sure? Images change. Everyone’s does and consider it your own timeline from start we hope to a very long finish. Age is not something I care to deal with or discuss. Wrinkles, although I do not have any, consider them signs of distinction and a life well lived. The author also includes a discussion about the facts of life, teens and their viewpoints on sex, movies and music, tipping and how to avoid it and the ailments that befall the elderly. Doctor’s visits seem to be the norm for him and discussing back problems and more the topics of interest when getting together with friends. The many remedies that work, don’t work and the search for the best mattress are all included in this book that will definitely make you think, laugh, smile and wonder where all the time has gone. From lack of energy to his wife going out with her friends, his ups, downs and in-betweens this book has it all and more. Living up to the challenges of marriage, life, never faltering and more the author gives the reader reasons to stop and think: Is old age what it is cracked up to be or is there more to my young life that I can still salvage? Going to a bookstore rather than buying online, visiting the library and doing research with a real set of encyclopedia is definitely the way to go. Bookstores are great and reading on the nook, kindles and eBooks not for me.
The final chapters deal with death, heaven, hell and his final thoughts on life and dealing with stress. Let’s hope he lives many more years and is able to share more of his thoughts, ideas, humor and sage wisdom with us. For writing such a humorous and honest account of life and because I am sure your wife would agree with me. I hereby give this book: FIVE RED JACQUARS