From Publishers Weekly
Scott, the Today show weatherman for more than 20 years, sees himself as an active 79-year-old. While he looks back fondly on his earlier jobs, e.g., as the first Ronald McDonald, he says that, with more time to spend with his family, he's quite happy at the moment. Scott declares that the happiest times of people's lives are their childhood and their "old age." To prove this thesis, he sought comments from a variety of individuals-famous and not-on their current lives. These comments provide surprisingly optimistic views among senior citizens. Most people say that they're happier by keeping busy-with volunteer work or jobs. Despite losing spouses or suffering serious illnesses, they feel more relaxed than when they worked because they needed their salary. One man says, "When at the tender age of eighty, I learned of computers and how e-mail worked, I was immediately aroused. I had to be in on this. It forever after became the joy of my life." Former Yankee Yogi Berra says, "You don't have to take any guff from anyone. If you don't want to do something, you don't have to. Unless your wife says it's real important." The book is a nice gift idea; however, it disappoints. Scott offers just a five-page introduction with very little personal information. The entire book is simply quotes from individuals. Other than Scott's name, there's not much substance here besides the ultimate message-old age can be rewarding.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
What's good about getting older? That's the question "Today Show" personality Willard Scott asked celebrities and a range of people from all walks of life. Scott introduces each piece, with four narrators tackling the voices of the respondents as they share anecdotes and inspirational thoughts. The passages from ordinary people come across better on tape. It's slightly odd to hear the words of, say, Fred Rogers or the former President Bush coming from a less familiar voice. The readers wisely avoid doing impressions and character voices, concentrating instead on capturing emotion and personality. Scott goes for chuckles and smiles, rather than deep philosophy, and his audiobook hits the target. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Scott, the weatherman for the Today show, enthusiastically wishes centenarians all over the country a "Happy Birthday" once a week. In this work, read by Ray Dash, Barbara Rosenblat, and others, the author asked people of various ages from a cross section of backgrounds, "What are the great pleasures of getting older?" The answers, not surprisingly, are often sweet and gentle and occasionally hilarious. Most of those who've answered his question have lived long enough to see the humor in any given situation, are willing to poke fun at themselves, and dwell on the joys of aging. Vignettes about grandchildren and senior citizen discounts and wise advice as to how to best live one's life are in abundance. The famous-Phyllis Diller, John Updike, and Art Linkletter-have been included as well as everyday Americans who've had the courage and curiosity to follow their impulses. Recommended for public libraries with large audio collections.-Pam Kingsbury, Univ. of North Alabama, Florence Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

AudioFile