Is it time to start: Making the Best of What’s Left

When We’re Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered

by Judith Viorst

#MakingTheBestOfWhatsLeft #NetGalley

I suspect that Judith Viorst has been writing for longer than some of the readers of this post has been alive. Now in her nineties, she is as insightful and incisive as ever.

As many who are in their last fifth (the years between 80 and 100, and some of my friends who are older than I by a decade or more) know, aging is filled with indignities and wisdom. Viorst so manifestly shares both with her audience.

For the less than ideal, she notes the number of “ologists” (various medical specialists) who take up her time. Viorst writes about the big things that were taken from her (her husband) or that she had to let go of (her beautiful DC home), with poignancy. But there is also humor in these pages which readers should know.

This book has made me think deeply. I highly recommend it. I also recommend a piece of her advice though readers may already know it; don’t wait too long to say the things that you need to and to show how you feel about the people in your life.

Pick this one up for yourself or someone you know. You will be the better for it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 April 2025