"In a good book the best is between the lines." –Swedish Proverb
Searching for a way to maintain youthfulness seems to be part of the human condition. Songs are written about it...who doesn't love Rod Stewart's " Forever Young?" Stories have been written about it through the ages. Written in the first half of the nineteenth century, Dr. Heidegger's Experiment by Nathaniel Hawthorne tells the story of four people desperate to achieve eternal youth. An eccentric doctor gives four of his friends an "elixir" from the Fountain of Youth and observes their behavior as they grow "young" again. The Picture of Dorian Gray was written by Oscar Wilde in 1891. Dorian Gray decides to sell his soul, to ensure that a portrait of him, rather than he, will age and fade. Both are fascinating stories that paved the way for more current authors to have fun with this topic.
The book Younger by Suzanne Munshower is a modern day peek at the search for youth. Anna, agrees to test a new top-secret product guaranteed to make her look thirty years younger, and the trouble begins. There is, of course murder and mayhem and a good mystery to follow. The topic of aging makes for good philosophical conversations at get togethers too. Should we do all that we can do to keep the allusion of youth? How much plastic surgery, Botox, etc. is too much? Can I wear my skirt four inches above my knees when I am forty? Fifty? Sixty? When does chic start to look just pitiful?
On a personal note, I decided to age gracefully. Although I see nothing wrong with a woman or man doing all she/he can do to feel attractive, I am too chicken to go under the knife or be subjected to needles and chemicals. On the other hand, it is not my place to judge other people's decisions. It is important for everyone to face the world feeling their best, and if they need help to do that, more power to them.
Speaking of power, I seem to be drained of much of mine this week. Between Zach's Bar Mitzvah and Michael's visit, I had little time to relax with my books. Younger is the only review I will share with you this week, but it is a good one that I hope you enjoy. I am back to my books though, and next week should be back to normal.
Happy Reading,
- Beverly
Searching for a way to maintain youthfulness seems to be part of the human condition. Songs are written about it...who doesn't love Rod Stewart's " Forever Young?" Stories have been written about it through the ages. Written in the first half of the nineteenth century, Dr. Heidegger's Experiment by Nathaniel Hawthorne tells the story of four people desperate to achieve eternal youth. An eccentric doctor gives four of his friends an "elixir" from the Fountain of Youth and observes their behavior as they grow "young" again. The Picture of Dorian Gray was written by Oscar Wilde in 1891. Dorian Gray decides to sell his soul, to ensure that a portrait of him, rather than he, will age and fade. Both are fascinating stories that paved the way for more current authors to have fun with this topic.
The book Younger by Suzanne Munshower is a modern day peek at the search for youth. Anna, agrees to test a new top-secret product guaranteed to make her look thirty years younger, and the trouble begins. There is, of course murder and mayhem and a good mystery to follow. The topic of aging makes for good philosophical conversations at get togethers too. Should we do all that we can do to keep the allusion of youth? How much plastic surgery, Botox, etc. is too much? Can I wear my skirt four inches above my knees when I am forty? Fifty? Sixty? When does chic start to look just pitiful?
On a personal note, I decided to age gracefully. Although I see nothing wrong with a woman or man doing all she/he can do to feel attractive, I am too chicken to go under the knife or be subjected to needles and chemicals. On the other hand, it is not my place to judge other people's decisions. It is important for everyone to face the world feeling their best, and if they need help to do that, more power to them.
Speaking of power, I seem to be drained of much of mine this week. Between Zach's Bar Mitzvah and Michael's visit, I had little time to relax with my books. Younger is the only review I will share with you this week, but it is a good one that I hope you enjoy. I am back to my books though, and next week should be back to normal.
Happy Reading,
- Beverly
Click on the book cover to order a title mentioned in today's blog:
  |
  |
  |
