50 Things To Do When You Turn 50

September 1, 2005
Erica Jong, Marianne Williamson, Harold Kushner and many lesser-known contributors to this volume offer a heap of advice, urging readers not only to "keep a sense of adventure," (29) but to "get smart about the IRS" (151) and to "read the Torah." (225). Each of the chapters is brief, ranging from practical financial advice (129-164) to less concrete tips on spirituality and mindset. Religious scholar Robert Thurman says, "To understand the meaning of life, I think you have to confront and deal with the meaning of death"; (220) public radio personality Garrison Keillor urges readers to "start telling the truth" and says that being 50 earns one the right to "dare to express simple preference. (Do you want to go over to the Swansons for dinner? No, I don't.)" (15) The contributors here range from a playwright and a poet (17-20, 26-28) to a professional astrologer (197-203) and an estate planning attorney (140-144), giving this collection the benefit of diverse points of view on various aspects of aging. Not all of the suggestions will appeal to all readers (you simply may not have the funds to invest in real estate(155)), but those who want reassurance that 50 is the age at which you start reaping the benefits of your labors will find much to appreciate here.

September 15, 2005
Helping baby boomers as they age has become a popular subject for writers who are often boomers themselves. The messages are usually upbeat and optimistic, ensuring readers that the best times are ahead. In "The Power Years", Dychtwald ("Age Power") and Kadlec, a senior writer at "Time" magazine, focus on the choices and opportunities that are available upon retirement, with more time for friends, family, learning, and fun. They combine inspirational case stories and practical advice to help seniors start new businesses and rekindle the love fires. While all readers will relish the positive message, the book will best suit the affluent.Editor Sellers commissioned experts like Rabbi Harold Kushner, clothing designer Diane Von Furstenberg, and makeup artist Bobbi Brown to write essays dealing with attitude, appearance, fitness, career, money, and fun. Garrison Keillor tells readers to stop complaining, while Harold Bloom advises them to read the classics. Doctors discuss nutrition and life-saving procedures, while financial experts talk about investments. It's a great book to browse or read piecemeal. Highly recommended; sales of the book will be donated to cancer organizations.In "The Time" "of Your Life", Wheeler, a columnist on aging for the Ventura County, CA, "STAR", has collected her best work on health, recreation, creative activities, grandparenting, new careers, and relationships; her goal is to help readers grow older with zest and enjoyment. To her credit, she also covers the importance of pets, crimes against seniors, and end-of-life issues -subjects not found in similar books on aging. This is an enjoyable and helpful read, though Wheeler's family anecdotes and pictures detract. For larger libraries.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.