There are many self-help books that tell us what to do and how to act as we age, but Van Dyke has more credibility because of his ability to say, "been there, done that." He has been lucky enough to spend a lifetime doing the things he loves to do, but as in all lives he has hit stumbling blocks. An early diagnosis of arthritis could have slowed him down, but he was (is) determined to keep going. Of course when the doctor told him as a young man that he would soon be in a wheel chair, he panicked. He didn't give in to the panic though and kept on moving. It is not so much doing away with life's unpleasant happenings, it is more learning to move through them. He believes that a determined attitude will help one live a complete life, and wants to share his thoughts with the audience he has entertained for over half of a century.
This book is good for older folks to relate to, but it is just as good for younger folks to learn from, while they are smiling through his lessons. We can all relate to looking in the mirror and wondering who that older lady/man is and why is he/she blocking your image. The author takes these everyday moments and makes us realize we all have them. He rambles a bit and repeats himself every now and again, but he makes some very valid points about attitude trumping aging. He made me smile years ago and Dick Van Dyke is still making me smile today. Read his book and heed his advice.
- Beverly
Publisher - Weinstein Books
Date of Publication - October 13, 2015