Ann Burack-Weiss is back. After exploring the experiences of those who cared for ill or disabled family members (
The Caregiver's Tale)
and women writers grown old (
The Lioness in Winter
), she has turned the lens on herself, an 85year old woman living alone in New York City as she reflects on past experiences and embraces each new day.
She is the old woman you pass by on the street every day. She is not seriously ill nor is she in blooming health. She will have good days and bad days until there are no more days . Not knowing when that will come, she is putting one foot after another, finding meaning where she least expected it. Her voice is often hushed by the fear and distaste of younger people for a preview of their own decline, by her own degrading of what she has to offer.
In a rich collection of essays , Burack-Weiss speaks out. She invites you to come into her life, look around, and select what might help you in re-evaluating yours. Bring tissues but also be prepared to laugh. And perhaps begin to write your own story of growing old.