This book is about the Final Fifth, as the author has coined it, meaning the years between ages eighty and a hundred. Judith Viorst writes of her own experiences with the Final Fifth, as well as those of friends and acquaintances she interviewed. In recent years. Viorst was widowed and writes about her experiences living on her own, coming to terms with what her life is today, and what it will become. I'm a woman in her 50's, but can only hope to live the type of fulfilling life the author appears to have in her 90's.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book and give my honest opinion.

Judith Viorst, at 94, has written thoughts about being in your “Final Fifth” of life. The tone was funny, but vulnerable and honest. There were a lot of intimate details related to her feelings about her late husband. There are a lot of perspectives from others in Judith’s retirement community. I found myself laughing and crying multiple times.

One of my laughing moments was when Judith complained that everyone said she needed to give up driving. She’s a safe driver! She’s never even texted while driving before! And, well, honestly it’s because she doesn’t know how to text 🤣

Judith adds short, sweet poems at the end of each chapter and I enjoyed them much more than I would have anticipated. I can see myself referring back to them in the future.

I think this would be enjoyed by not only those are in their Final Fifth of life, but also by anyone who may have relatives or friends in this stage of life. My grandma is 94 (and still lives alone!) so I found myself thinking of her a lot.

At pretty much every stage of my life, I have come to a point where I had to ask – why doesn’t someone tell you this? It is usually after stumbling into some trap I could have avoided if only. Now here’s Judith Viorst, in her mid 90s, still pumping out books and poetry that are both affective and effective. This one is called Making the Best of What’s Left. It is an advance copy of the final chapter of the human user manual – things you would be well advised to know and not have to learn the hard way. Knowing them in advance can save eons of frustration, though perhaps not all of the aggravation.

Western society is horribly unhelpful. Friendships are hard to build and harder to keep. Family cannot be depended on. Everyone has to make their own way through the minefields. Wisdom is not being passed from generation to generation. This book is a collection of anecdotes, stories, memories and evaluations from someone navigating what she calls the fifth fifth of life. Thankfully, it is not much about doctor appointments and more about the pitfalls and occasional benefits of extreme aging in the USA. Be prepared to take notes. And laugh.

She found one’s nineties are a different era, not merely an extension of their eighties. They can actually be a time of happiness, as the stress of children, families, mortgages, and jobs have relented. There is time for friends, culture, and relaxing. There can be learning for pleasure, and responsibility-free enjoyment of grandchildren and great grandchildren. For more and more, these benefits can come without also losing their independence.

The experiences of the eighties can help prepare one for what Philip Roth called the massacre. In Viorst’s words: “I have now reached the age when there’s no such thing as hypochondria, when any lump, bum, bruise or cough could mean fatal, when the test I’m taking tomorrow or the scan I had last week might bring me definitive news that the end is near.”

If there is one piece of advice, one “guiding principle” she can agree to give everyone facing their nineties, it is “DON’T FALL DOWN” (Her caps). The more help a person has with this, the better off they will be, she says. Falling down is punishable by all kinds of privileges being taken away, as the formerly respected and respectable human becomes an uncertain liability.

She has heard if not experienced all the complaints. Grandchildren don’t call or visit. Travel is just not worth the hassles. There is loneliness. One former Washington DC socialite bemoaned the fact that while everyone used to clamor for invitations to her famous parties, now that her husband has died, no one calls at all, not even just for lunch. Once the connection to power was removed, she was left totally alone.

The answer, no matter how difficult to hear and execute is: “’Have your own circle of friends. Build a life for yourself around your own interests and expectations. . . . When they [your children] see you being active and involved,’ she (“Betty”) reassures us, ‘they will want to see more of you.’” In this, Viorst is quoting a new woman friend in her retirement community, who has the perspective to see life this way. Because the irony is that though people who need people are the luckiest people, nobody likes a needy person. They want to see a self-assured, competent person who will contribute to the day, not one who drains the energy from it. Even grandchildren see it.

The book reflects a sharp mind, still sarcastic as ever, still just as insightful, and just as definitive. It is both emotional and moving. It is a great public service. Readers will follow as her family spreads out across the country, as her sons begin directing her and her husband’s lives, and as physical deterioration crimps their style. She recognizes some of her senior moments in great stories she can laugh at now.

They gave up their gigantic monster of a house that had been their refuge and sanctity for more than half a century, and downsized to an independent living retirement community in their own, familiar section of Washington. They found the friendliness of the other residents to be gigantic, if not overwhelming, and everyone’s open and positive attitude to make the most of this new era in their lives, to be totally diverting. Boredom there is self-imposed only. Note to self.

Nonetheless, she has her moments. She likes to lie in bed and call out the names of people in her life who have died. She brings up memories of them, to keep them front and center in her life and in the cosmos. Yet she and many she queried said they no longer live in the future or the past. They are firmly in the present, making every day count, and nothing more. Thoughts and plans for legacy and reputation fall away as priorities. What is important is enjoying what is left. Another note to self.

Viorst has a huge collection of books and articles to her credit. Her humor can be very direct and scathing. Her insights are simple and straightforward. She might be best known for a children’s book title that is stolen and reused (without credit) almost daily: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Anyone who could get that published and have it become a meme long before memes existed, should have a reader’s automatic respect and attention for anything else with her name attached. Viorst’s stated goal, and one she has succeeded at, is being reliable. She honors her commitments, be they to family, community, or readers.

In the last book of hers I reviewed, she gave her husband a severe pummeling in a poem where she repeatedly said “Don’t you dare die before me.” But he did, sending Viorst on a trip she had not planned, making new friends in their retirement community, querying them about aging, life, death, daily living, and wisdom for the ages, among other things. She quotes them in this book. She deals with life, but has to admit in a poetic way: “I have no interest in starting again—with anyone, though I’m happy for and rooting for those who do. I don’t want some Perfect Pete or Terrific Ted. I just want my imperfect Milton to stop being dead.”

David Wineberg

Making the Best of What’s Left by Judith Viorst is in my honest opinion one of the best books of 2025.. Judith has been writing for over fifty years including fantastic poetry books and wonderful children’s books. Now in her nineties she has written this book about those from age 80 to 100., calling it, the final fifth. It is both humorous and poignant. She talks to her dead husband, telling him she needs him and asking him not to be dead. She is very honest and shares memories, which are both sad and happy.
I’m 62 and I truly enjoyed this book.
I was sent this book to review and my opinion is my honest and my own.

This book is an entertaining read about the last fifth of life as define by the author. She is in her 90’s and relates stories about herself and her friends as the last lap of life. It covers several subjects which I won’t list here, but addresses the challenges of growing old and adapting to the situation. She does this with a great deal of humor and causes us rapidly approaching this stage to pause and ponder the future.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

As a longtime fan of the author, I was happy to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book about life from age 80-100. Although there was plenty of the humor that she is known for, the subject matter includes widowhood, illness, downsizing to a retirement community and other unhappy life events. I appreciated that she made several suggestions about how to use this time of life in a positive way, and she described how different people dealt with the challenges. Her description of life in a retirement community was particularly interesting and how attitude makes such a big difference. She also showed great insights about family dynamics when one is older. I think this book is more autobiographical than many of her other books, and I think she used the book as an opportunity to acknowledge present and past people in her life. I think this book would make a thoughtful gift to people entering this point in life as well as new widows.

Judith Viorst is a beloved and comforting authority on aging. Anyone who has ever thought about what happens when you are too old (or nearly too old) to maintain a home of your own and considering a retirement community. She is honest and quite funny, sharing generational truths and the joy (and challenges) or being elderly.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read/review(and enjoy) this book.

I loved this book! It was just what I needed to read at this time in my life, in fact, I will be buying a hardback copies for myself, family, friends and donating one to my retirement community's library.
A more detailed review will be posted on Goodreads and Amazon, closer to the publication date. Thank you for letting me read an advance copy!

I suspect that Judith Viorst has been writing for longer than some of the readers of this post has been alive. Now in her nineties, she is as insightful and incisive as ever.

As many who are in their last fifth (the years between 80 and 100, and some of my friends who are older than I by a decade or more) know, aging is filled with indignities and wisdom. Viorst so manifestly shares both with her audience.

For the less than ideal, she notes the number of “ologists” (various medical specialists) who take up her time. Viorst writes about the big things that were taken from her (her husband) or that she had to let go of (her beautiful DC home), with poignancy. But there is also humor in these pages which readers should know.

This book has made me think deeply. I highly recommend it. I also recommend a piece of her advice though readers may already know it; don’t wait too long to say the things that you need to and to show how you feel about the people in your life.

Pick this one up for yourself or someone you know. You will be the better for it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

Viorst is old, and she knows what happens to people who are old. And yet, she's remarkably both realistic and positive about the gifts of old age, and the sadness that comes with it. In Making the Best of What's Left, she writes a guidebook for those of us who are getting old, and those of us who love people who are old. And she points out both the difficult points and the bright moments that are left for us all. Both inspiring and a little melancholy, this was a quick read, and left me inspired by Viorst's continuing wit and the joy she finds in every day life.

I would like to thank NetGalley, author Judith Viorst, and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced copy of Making the Best of What's Left: When You're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered. This review reflects my personal thoughts and opinions, independent of any influence from the author, publisher, or NetGalley.

Review
Bestselling author Judith Viorst, at age 94, once again delivers an engaging, witty, and deeply reflective exploration of life’s later years in Making the Best of What's Left. With her hallmark blend of humor and wisdom, Viorst offers a compelling and, at times, sobering examination of aging and the inevitability of life's passage. While her humor shines, the book’s real power lies in its poignant reflections on embracing the twilight years with courage, grace, and acceptance.

Viorst’s sharp and entertaining writing stands out. She masterfully balances humor—often a much-needed antidote to life’s heavier realities—with profound insights into aging, mortality, and the passage of time. Her anecdotes are relatable and reassuring, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and attitudes toward growing older. Viorst reminds us that while aging may take much from us, it cannot rob us of the opportunity to cultivate joy, meaning, and purpose.

For those who study Stoicism, the book resonates with familiar themes: the impermanence of life, the futility of railing against what cannot be controlled, and the wisdom of focusing on what we can. Viorst’s words echo Marcus Aurelius’s meditations on accepting life’s cycles and finding peace by living in alignment with nature. She encourages readers to confront aging and death not with dread, but with a Stoic sense of resilience and equanimity—choosing to embrace what remains, rather than lament what is lost.
That said, the book’s focus on mortality may feel overwhelming to some readers. At times, the tone can lean toward the melancholic, risking overshadowing the uplifting insights. Additionally, the shifts between lighthearted humor and serious reflection can feel abrupt, potentially disrupting the reading experience for certain audiences. Still, these moments are integral to the book's honesty, reminding us that life’s joys and sorrows are inseparable.

For older readers, Making the Best of What's Left offers comfort, camaraderie, and solidarity. It provides a valuable perspective for caregivers and family members seeking to support their aging loved ones with empathy and understanding.

In sum, Viorst’s thoughtful, witty approach transforms a difficult subject into a profound and worthwhile read. As a student of Stoicism, I see in her work a reflection of life’s greatest challenge: to confront the inevitable with courage and to find meaning and joy even in life’s final chapter. This book is a journey worth taking, not just for those navigating their twilight years, but for anyone seeking wisdom and grace in the face of life’s impermanence.

Rating: 3.5/5

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Making the Best of What's Left" and all opinions expressed are my own. I thought this book was just ok. This is not about your average person. Judith has money and was able to go from a big house to a very very very nice retirement community. I guess I just didn't connect to that.

I've been a fan of Judith Viorst for decades and this book did not disappoint. Written in her trademark frank and humorous style, she talks about the perils of ageing and all that comes with it including how to come to terms with downsizing, dealing with empty nests, aging bodies and how seniors tend of slide into the periphery of society. This is a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Ms. Viorst is still a poignant and insightful writer who is as sharp and clever as ever. Highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

It's no wonder that Judith Viorst has composed a heartwarming, sensitive story about the Final Fifth (years 80-100) of her life and others.
I'm not quite there yet but I guarantee this book will appeal to all ages, perhaps, with an emphasis on those almost there or who just arrived.
It's a tribute to her husband who she is mourning but, also, a tribute to those people who can still enjoy life and take advantage of what time is left.
She writes so beautifully, quite humorously too! I especially enjoyed the poems she included throughout the pages.
What a beautiful book written by a beautiful woman!

A smart, warm, and funny book about topics that are usually difficult and depressing, such as aging, illness, and death. I think that Judith Viorst is an excellent storyteller and a wise woman, even taking into account that, as she wrote in the book,“Most of us, I suspect—and I very much include myself—tend to sound wiser than we actually live.”

My only complaint is that Viorst and all her friends she describes here live in a very privileged bubble: all are affluent, educated, heterosexual, and usually married with children. They face challenges like moving from a spacious old house to a luxurious retirement community or spending a lot of time at doctor's appointments - and reading about it made me more and more uncomfortable, knowing how many elders cannot even afford the rent in their small apartments or have access to proper health care. I'm afraid that most regular folks will have a hard time following some of her advice on how to "make best of what's left.”

Thanks to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I received a copy of the book "Making the Best of What's Left" by Judith Viorst, from NetGalley. The author writes of being older. She describes being in the "final fifth" of her life. She is 94 years old and the final fifth is 80-100. She writes of being recently becoming a Widow when she lost her husband Milton at almost 63 years of marriage. She writes with a sense of humor and sadness of what happens in the final fifth of life.
When they grew older they sold the large house they had lived in for over 50 years to live in a smaller apartment. she writes of losing her husband. Other elderly people and what it has been like for them as they are in the twilight years. Slowing down, hearing and sight loss. Not seeing your relatives as much. losing so many friends and relatives. Not been as "seen" and feeling invisible. she also writes poems at the end of each chapter. some amusing some sad. A good read about being an older person.

I received a free copy of, Making the Best of What's Left, by Judith Viorst, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Judith Viorst is an author, she is now in her nineties, and is making the best of her time left. This book is full of stories and poems, an enjoyable read.

This book is wonderful. I just turned 70. It is tough to face the unknown. Judith has answered many of the questions we have. I have just ordered her 70 book. I recommend this book for everyone aging and feeling alone. Thank you Judith and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. I will tell my friends.

I’ve long been a fan of Viorst‘s work, both her children’s books and her humorous series on aging. This was harder for me to read because it’s just not humorous anymore. It’s real and I know I will relate to it if I am lucky enough to get to my 90s but it just made me so sad. Her husband has died and mine is 9 years older than me so he probably won’t get nearly as many more years as I. I don’t want to think about having to give up my house and having nobody pay attention to me and not traveling because it’s too hard and getting confused. I’m not even sure I’d want to read about this when I will relate to it. I’ll already know and I think it will be even sadder then. So I’m not sure who I recommend this book for, though it’s as well written as any of her work has ever been.

This book is such a unique concept - a 94 year old writing about the final fifth of our lives (80 - 100). The author writes beautifully, eloquently, and is extremely intelligent. We think we know what it'd be like to be an old person, but as she describes the intricacies and the reality of living it, we see we have no idea actually.

The only thing I didn't love was it's very obvious this person and her family are very financially secure, very well supported with lots of help. There is immense privilege here that shows aging as an interesting journey to reflect upon, whereas someone poor with no support would experience aging as increasing levels of hell.

But I enjoyed the well written thoughts and personal exploration on a stage of life very few people even make it to.