
Member Reviews

I enjoyed “The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly” so much! Margareta’s writing voice is kind and full of curiosity, rather than chastising with a hint of tsk tsk. I found all her advice solid and great, with personal stories used as supportive evidence, this book was an absolute delight I could not put down, I was sad when I reached the end and hope for more from her in the future!

A collection of thoughtful, nostalgic, and compelling short essays from octogenarian Swedish author Margareta Magnusson.
It's like having a conversation over a cup of tea with a beloved older relative.
I haven't read her death cleaning book but it is referred to often in this book.
*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.

With THE SWEDISH ART OF AGING EXUBERANTLY, Margareta Magnusson once again proves the articulate, eloquent, and straight-talking wise one we all long to be when we grow up -- young or old, her perspective and attitude to life are refreshing, actionable, and joy-filled. I laughed, learned, mused, and enjoyed every minute with her. While I related personally to the time she accidentally took her children to a porn film and to the tiny blue library where she tended the books and read to children, there are countless,. well-told stories of ways one woman lived a remarkable life by being her genuine self, doing as came to her to do. I loved her first book and this one is even more pithy, useful, and accessible -- my fingers are crossed for a happy, healthy, and energizing 2023 for her, that she connects for gin and tonics with friends near and far and reads to those small, upturned faces. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Margareta Magnusson's 86 years have given her the insight and perspective on how to live well in one's senior years, and The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly is testament to this fact.
Magnusson's book is sweet and engaging, but at times, her essays ramble a bit. And while her sentiments are nice, readers won't find any great revelations in this book -- it's quite simply a lovely guide on how to navigate the aging process. Filled with present-day anecdotes, Magnusson also fills her essays with memories of her earlier life as a wife and mother.
Toward the end of this book, she includes some info on decluttering, which definitely makes me add The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning to my TBR (to be read) list.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Scribner for providing me with this electronic ARC of The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
One of the funniest most charming books I’ve read in a long time. This book is more of a memoir rather than a self help type of book. The 86 year old author does however offer tips and wisdom on how to age gracefully, such as: wear stripes, eat chocolate and don’t leave empty-handed. Her advice isn’t really even Swedish, but the manner in which she tells her story is. Her advice is “Swedish” in that as a nationality Swedes tend to be quite blunt, clear-eyed and unsentimental. As a result, I felt as if I was taking fika at the kitchen table with my mormor. Towards the end of the book I was left with one thought, aging is often difficult but doesn’t have to be if you approach it in a way that isn’t too drama filled.

Perhaps not a strict guide to aging well, octogenarian Margareta Magnusson (indeed Swedish) offers a glimpse into the art of aging wonderfully, particularly if you are also living in Europe with similar socioeconomic circumstances, in "The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly." Rich in gentle experience-laden recommendations such as "eat chocolate" and "take care of something every day" Magnusson offers readers of all ages a helping hand to reconsider our preconceived notions of aging.
Great for readers and buyers of self-help, memoir, family/parenting, and gift books (birthdays, Mother's Day).
Thank you to Netgalley, Scribner, and the author for the advance e-reader!

It was impossible not to be cozy drinking a warm beverage while enjoying this read. Margareta shares her experience of aging in a humorous manner that often left me giggling. As a young 20 something I wasn't sure how this book would land with me, but Margareta speaks to both those in the midst of aging and those who have a lot of life left to live.

“The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly” by Margareta Magnusson is a collection of advice and memories, in which Magnusson shares her thoughts on what makes life joyful and full. Both practical and fanciful, this short book is an interesting read!
One of the things I love most about this book is how the book isn’t aimed at one clear audience. Even Magnusson remarks that the book could be for older or younger readers. It gives the feeling that it’s never too late to adjust or make changes to live a life that is beautiful and full. I love that.
I also enjoyed the length of the book. Magnusson doesn’t feel the need to over explain or bring in details that the reader doesn’t really need. Just bite sized nuggets of knowledge on a variety of topics.
In the end, this was a 4 star read for me. I enjoyed it and will take a few things away from it moving forward.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book comes out Dec 27, 2022!

The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly, by Margareta Magnusson, is a short book of insights and memoir, based on 86 years of living. The title is somewhat misleading as there does not seem to be anything that implies a "Swedish Art." Nonetheless, the author is completely candid about the inevitable pitfalls of aging, recognizing what she must accept and find joy in both her current circumstances and her memories. I was reminded that old age is a process by which your world shrinks until you need no space at all. Of course, the book's message is that the time to get rid of unnecessary "stuff" and handle the business is NOW! While I liked the book, I think there are probably others on the market that have more depth or inspiration. Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.

We were introduced to 80+ year-old Margareta Magnusson in her first book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. This follow-up continues to display her sense of humor, self-awareness, insights on life, and story-telling ability.
A quick read, it feels like a visit with a dear elderly relative. If you're actually looking for self-improvement related or health advice, this might fall short of your expectations.
My thanks to Scribner for allowing me to read an ARC of this book on NetGalley. The book is scheduled for release on 12/27/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

This author previously wrote a book titled "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning", and it seems like her publisher wanted to stick with that branding for her latest book, "The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly". Despite the title, this book doesn't reveal any Swedish cultural secrets about aging. It would be more accurate to call this a gentle, wandering memoir of an octogenarian Swede. Her "lessons for aging" include wisdom like "eat chocolate", "try very hard not to fall", and "keep up with technology". It's nothing revolutionary, but it's enjoyable. A solid, warm read.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book

Delightful! It helps, no doubt, that I'm close in age with the author (although there's good advice here for readers of just about any age). But She tells it like it is - or should be - in a humorous, entertaining but matter-of-fact manner.
Truth is, I decided to request this one simply because her other best-selling book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, sounded so right-on-the-money (I don't know about you, but my potential heirs are way less than thrilled at the thought of having to get rid of all the things my husband and I have collected over the years). To me, they're all precious memories; but to them, almost all of it is George Carlin "stuff." Anyway, I identified with the author's take on that subject, so I wanted to see what she has to say in this one.
And I certainly wasn't disappointed; she offers more practical advice for us oldies but still goodies. But this time, happily, I've already put much of it into play in my own life (well, except for the getting a walker or cane part; that one, I think, I'll resist to the very end - or at least till one of my doctors tells me that unless I get one, it's my end is likely to come sooner than I want). Like her, I'm up for "making aging itself into an art." Her creative approaches, even those I'm already doing, are a huge boost in that direction.
Of course, I can't get too specific without spilling too many beans, but I'll mention a couple of personal favorites: First, if you bring something new into the house, take something else out. Nobody wants to clean up your stash after you're gone. Second, surround yourself with younger people. You'll stay in touch with what's going on around you and learn a lot; but as the author points out, they also provide a way to "stay in tune" with the young person you used to be.
The book concludes with a few more tips on "death cleaning" - which I heartily recommend as well (even if at this point it's more of a do-as-she-says than do-as-I-really do issue). Bottom line? Love the book; it's great for older folks like me, but there's plenty of good advice here for younger generations as well. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

I read ankther book by the same author that i really enjoyed about "death cleaning" which i really enjoyed. I also really liked this book and the essays the author wrote about her life. Sometimes I felt like they jumped all over the place and they werent necessarily a cohesive booms, but I guess thst is the beauty of essays, they don't have to completely flow since they can stand alone.

I loved this! What a beautiful follow up to The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. This was sweet and thoughtful and funny. It has made me pause and rethink the way I view aging and how I can start aging better!

A charming little volume that is part advice, part memoir, from Swedish octogenarian Margareta Magnusson. This is not a self-help book, but the author's musings on her life and her view of the world. Accompanied by adorable pen-and-ink illustrations.

A quick, pleasant little book. The author tells stories of growing up, as well as raising her own children in various short stories. Towards the end of the book, she tells what it is like for her as an 80 something living today. Thanks to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster for the preread in exchange for an honest review

This book was as charming as its predecessor--full of anecdotes and sketches and places that allows you to laugh at the silliness of so many situations we take so seriously. There is joy in this book, and I only wish it were coming out sooner so I could begin to gift it to people I love.

The Swedish Act of Aging Exuberantly
by Margareta Magnusson
Pub Date: December 27, 2022
Scribner
* Nonfiction * self-help
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. As with death cleaning, it’s never too early to begin and The Swedish Art of Aging Well shows us how to prepare for and understand the aging process, and the joys and sorrows it can bring. While Margareta still recommends ongoing downsizing and decluttering (your loved ones will thank you!) her ultimate message is that we should all be less afraid of the idea of death.
Wise, funny, and practical, The Swedish Art of Aging Well is a gentle and welcome reminder that no matter your age, there are always fresh discoveries ahead, and pleasures both new and familiar to be enjoyed every day.
This book was like a breath of fresh air! 4 stars

This book was just OK. I loved her first novel, The Swedish Art of Death Cleaning. This second book is a compilation of essays about growing older. I appreciate her demeanor and matter of fact approach to life. She had an adventurous life and I appreciate her writing style. However, the stories did not feel particularly cohesive or aligned. Instead it was like a random book of essays.
Several pages were missing from my preprint ebook copy. I suspect it has to do with the conversion to NetGalley. The missing pages did not ruin any of the essays.

This is a fun read, best enjoyed with a cup of strong coffee and a thick slice of Swedish rye bread. Although the author rambles and backtracks at times, if you think of it as an afternoon of entertaining conversation with a clever elderly grandma, you will enjoy this book.