If I Live to Be 100

Title: If I Live to Be 100

Author: Neenah Ellis

Original Print Date: 2002

Quick Summary: Neenah Ellis was working for NPR (National Public Radio) during the time she set off on this fascinating project. She decided to to interview some of America's centenarians to gain insight to early 20th century events and what it was like to experience them. She was looking for answers or stories regarding things like what it was like to have a grandparent in the Civil War, or living through WWI & WWII, or what the dust bowl was like, or how their lives changed during the depression, and so on. However, the path changed very quickly and this project seem to take on an identity of its own. Its focused switched to the people themselves and more so on their current lives and emotions rather than their past. It impacted Ms. Ellis more than she ever imagined and through the interviews she shares with the reader this book is guaranteed to give you a renewed sense of perspective on life and a deeper appreciation for the little things.

My thoughts: This book touched me on so may levels. One moment I am laughing at the goofiness of the elderly and the next I am crying at their depth and level of understanding and acceptance of life. It is an extremely powerful book. The people she interviewed are so incredibly unique by providing their personal stories and how they have been shaped into the person they are today. Something I found intersesting, was a recurring theme with most of the centenarians: the innate need and want for human interraction and companionship. One woman had a group of girlfriends who completely adored her and took turns taking care of her, another yearned for a wife to share his time with (which he found), and others participated in backgammon nights. The neatest part of this book was when I turned to the chapter about a married couple both 100 years old who had been married for 80 years! Can you even imagine? I feel like this chapter taught me more than any parental advice ever could. It taught that loyalty, respect, and unconditional love can be one of the greatest virtues of life. To read how in love they still were with each other after all of that time was unbeleivable. During their interview the husband would reach out and hold his wife's hand every once in a while as he talked and taked all about her. It was the sweetest thing. He was so proud of her and proud to be with her. When he shared the story about the first time he saw his wife all I could think of was 'wow.' People today are always looking for the next bigger and better thing and forget to take a look at what amazing people are right underneath their nose. Some of the story goes that the first time he saw his wife was at a school dance in 1917 and he courted her via horse and buggy. They were married within a couple of years. I could go on and on about this man....does this type of guy even exist anymore? If so, I live at....I digress... I cannot recommend this book enough. It is filled with the most fascinating stories and personal revelation that is sure to fill you up and leave you appreciating the small things. It easily ranks as one of my top 3 favorite books.

Favorite Centenarian: Harry Boeff

• He has lived in the same house since 1926!





• His memory stretches far and wide. I wish so much I could have been a fly on the wall during this interview because I am sure his stories far surpassed the chapter in the book.





• He went through a childhood that none of us could ever imagine today and he pulled through it unscathed and made the best for his situation by creating the life he wanted.
  
  
  
  

The Flirt

Title: The Flirt

Author: Kathleen Tessaro

Original Print Date: 2008

Quick Summary: What a character web this story is! All of the characters' stories seem to revolve around the main character, Hughie. Set in London, Hughie is young, broke, and at a standstill in his life. His main excitement consists of casual, no-strings-attached sex with lingerie designer Leticia. Unfortunately for him AND her they both seem to be falling for the other, which is completely against their rules, but inevitable(personally, I am not sure that sex with no feelings is really possible). While reading the paper one morning, just before he is about to dine and dash, he comes across an intriguing classified ad for a job opening. It read, "Unique situation available for an attractive, well-mannered, morally flexible young man. Hours irregular. Pay generous. Discretion a must!" With nothing to lose he sends in his qulaifications and after an uncanny interview he lands the job. Then, the fun and twisting journey begins!

My thoughts: First thought when I picked up this book was that it would be a chick flick, romantic comedy type book, but it proved to be much more. Instead it was full of fun, complex characters and their unique life struggles and triumphs. I was amazed at how well Ms. Tessaro integrated all of the characters and their personalities into the story. She caught me off guard with a twist toward the end I did not see coming. That's the best kind of story when you are reading along and then all of a sudden something shocking and unexpected shakes up the storyline. I think the overall message of the book is that, although we are all different, we must stay true to who we are and always go with our gut instincts. They are usually spot on even if others do not understand. Hughie, Leticia, Sam, Olivia, Amy, & Jonathan especially struggle with this throughout the book, but they find that once they give in to their intuition things seem to make more sense, although the pieces don't always fall into place as they expect them to.

Favorite Character: Red Moriarty

• I love how she surprises herself with her previously untapped talents




• I think her frustration and downtroddenn outlook on life at the beginning is a blessing in disguise which causes her to have to 'go with the flow' and discover her true calling, which goes hand in hand with one of my main mottos of life. Things always happen for a reason.

Rating: Must Read! I cannot wait to read other books by this author. Such a fun and different book!