3.5 smart stars, rounded up to 4
I started writing my ‘old age manifesto’ 2 years ago. Steven Petrow spent ten years jotting down things as his parents aged and asked friends to share ‘concerns’ about aging. Stupid Things I Won’t do when I Get Old is honest, practical, and a little bit funny. Petrow shares stories, especially of his parents, in personable, yet relatable ways. He also shares insights from friends who aged well.

A few of the dos and don’ts: Don’t hoard, don’t drive when you shouldn’t, do use a cane or walker rather than fall and break bones, do get hearing aids if you need them, do shower so you won’t smell bad, do consider writing your own obituary, do make sure your final wishes are known, do make friends of many ages, and say, “I love you” often.

Narrator Michael Butler Murray had a well-paced, easy-to-understand-and-listen-to voice.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was really not the right book for me and not at all what I have expected. I must say that I have no interest whatsoever in erectile disfunction in older men, dying your hair to look younger or just straight out lying about your age.

We are all getting older, no matter your current age, and being self-aware as to our changing needs and limitations is important. It's also important to be open to learning and trying new things. This book is a look at how the author is trying to age gracefully and what he's learned by watching those who've gone before him with thoughtfulness and humor. I love that his goal is to try to be more aware of how others are impacted. Yes, we all love our independence, but there's a time when those car keys need to be hung up for good. Seeing friends age, I've learned one can either choose to be stuck in the past or to move forward. Our best years can be ahead of us if we're open to moving forward.

Thank you HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Such an interesting twist on growing older! I listened to the audiobook and it was sentimental, sweet, educational and heartfelt! Author Steven Petrow at times made me sad, laugh out loud, take notes and agree with his assessment of his own family and the general population. There is lots of great advice on aging and how to change up our habits to better enjoy our later years!! This is entertaining as well as being an excellent resource!! I hope I haven’t double spaced! #StupidThingsIWon’tDoWhenIGetOld#NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley, Steven Petrow and Kensington Books for the audiobook.

This book really gives an amazing peek in someone's life and how he lives despite his growing age. He made this book personal and relatable. He talked about relationship between parents and the children and how they change or evolve as we age. It was very relatable.

This book starts in a humorous way. And I would say most of the book goes that way but as we dive deeper, it depicts some deeper and serious issues. He write all of it in amazingly honest way.

It is also a LGBTQA+ book, and I am glad I listened to it in pride month.