I loved this book. It was funny and it really was a nice break from the everyday books. These scenarios and the presentation of them in the book were both comical and thought-provoking. I loved all of the stories and the glimpse of life at 83.

This is a delightful novel. As the title suggests, it is written in diary entries by an 83 year old man. He shares about his life in a nursing home, the beautiful camaraderie and exploits of his friends in the Old But Not Dead Club, and his musings on current events, specifically those in the Netherlands as this is a Dutch book translated into English. The book is bittersweet at times as the narrator and main characters are elderly and the book examines aging in an honest way. It is not overly sad though and the narrator's witty writing is often laugh-out-loud funny. I recommend to anyone who wants a better understanding of aging or simply enjoys a book with excellent character development.

Seeing the cover of The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen brought back wonderful memories of one of my all-time favorites, Adrian Mole. I was delighted to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of the book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been reading a lot of books about curmudgeonly old people lately, but I liked that Hendrik had a sweetness to him that offset his critical side. In fact, I found his critical side usually justified and productive. I liked that he wanted to surround himself with people with positive attitudes who want to enjoy their lives and help each other out. I did, however, feel a little sorry for the people who were excluded from their group.

Although I originally assumed that this was a work of fiction, when I noticed the author's name was the same as the title, I began to wonder if it was a real diary. I did a little research and learned my original assumption was correct. I found the book well-written and an interesting look at life of the elderly in The Netherlands. A lot of the observations seemed universal to me, but it was also nice to learn about another culture. It was a nice mixture of humor and realism. I look forward to the next installment and other works by the author.

Hendrik Goren is the 83 year old resident of a Danish retirement home. He decides to spend the next year writing (almost daily) in a diary as a scathing expose into the retirement home he lives in. What he ended up with wasn't quite that. While I was shocked that the "inmates" (as Hendrik calls the residents) aren't privy to the actual rules and regulations of their facility, it didn't seem like life was all that bad for them. Perhaps it is due to Mr. Groen's particular sense of wit or the friendships he made and shared with the reader. With all the honesty and heart ache that comes with old age, this book is a treasure!

Can't say this was a favorite of mine. Seemed like a cranky old guy.

<i>Jan 5: She pressed three slices of cake on me when I left... Those slices have found a home in the fish tank on the third floor

Jan 7: An investigation was launched yesterday into the sudden demise of the fish on the third floor. A considerable amount of cake was found floating in the water.</i>

Hendrik Groen doesn't like old people that much. But being as he's 83 and lives in a retirement home, they're hard to escape. He suffers from several ailments, but the good news is that his decline is progressing at an "acceptable rate"-- whatever that means. Even more vexing than the occasional senior moment or the prospect of wearing diapers are the insane and ever-changing rules and regulations at the home-- which no one is allowed to see in print or question. Alongside cutbacks in public services for pensioners, it seems the whole of Holland is ready to write off its greatest generation.

<i>I can't make the reality prettier than it is: sad, grim, and funny all at once.</i>

He fights back the only way he can. With a couple of like minded friends, he starts the Old But Not Dead club, and they start challenging themselves to do new things. But even being young in spirit-- for a couple of hours a week, at least-- can't keep the realities of old age at bay. For a year, Hendrik keeps a secret diary. It's full of snark and humor and heart, and a reminder that no matter how old you are, there's still life to be lived.