4 stars/5 for How to Age Disgracefully by Clare PooleyHow to Age Disgracefully started a little slowly for me, but it picked up speed as it went along. I believe I would have felt more engaged earlier if the novel had a central main character to root for (Daphne!), but instead there is a full, flawed-but-entertaining ensemble of main characters. Eventually, I grew to love them all, but it took a while with so many storylines.Still, the overall story is sweet, the characters are unique, humorous, and fun, and by the time the novel ended I had a smile on my face and was hoping for a sequel. Ms. Pooley has a gift for creating heartwarming and funny characters that I think of fondly, long after I’ve finished reading her books. If you haven’t already read her first two novels, The Authenticity Project and Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, be sure to add them to your WTR list as well.
I chose to read this book because it was said to be humorous, and I fall in the age group featured in the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters were interesting with fun backgrounds, some even surprising. I liked the neat wrap up. I facilitate a seniors group at my church and will recommend this read.
Not my usual genre but thoroughly enjoyed the book! The characters are quirky and yet, develop well. A little slow to start, worth continuing.
This was a really fun, heartwarming book. I had trouble putting it down. It's got zany characters, dogs, intrigue, and family drama. But it's mostly about people of varying ages standing up for each other. I laughed and cried but mostly just smiled. Now that I'm almost 70 it's nice to read a book that puts older people in a good, but not perfect, light. I think people of any age or gender will enjoy this.
Great book I purchased for my book club. Very funny with a surprising ending.
As a 54-year-old woman myself, Daphne was a perfect character! But so was Lydia, who comes across as younger, but is also in her “invisible” 50s. This book was hilarious and touching, while being so authentic! These are the relationships we all hope to have!!
Each chapter a different character with all meshing together beautifully for a great and entertaining read. Never a dull moment.
Things I look for in a book... Funny, Easy Flow, Interesting and Short Chapters. Bonus if characters are relatable. A cleverly written book about multiple strangers finding common ground & friendship in a very unique way. It's disappointing to have to let these characters go. Need a sequel! Looking forward to read more books from this author.
A fun light hearted read! Heartwarming story of unlikely friendships bonded over a mutual cause. I am now certain that quirky people make the best friends!
Delightful read, I found the characters very relatable and interesting and quite amusing at times. Little slow at first but really took off once characters were introduced.
Clare Pooley writes engaging stories with interwoven sub plots that are fun to read. I recommend this story.Perfect for summer beach read!
If you’re looking for a light and funny read, this book is what you need. If you’re looking for something with more of a bite, look elsewhere.
Great story and characters you grow to love. Highly recommend this book to every reader. You won’t be disappointed. Go Daphne!
This author & this book! I will definitely be reading her novels a second and even a third time in the future! Why you say? Well why do you watch movies you’ve seen before? Exactly! That’s why
A fun read with a wild cast of characters and lots of surprises - definitely an enjoyable read with a few cool dogs in it.
Pooley’s amusing an accurate depiction of an inter generational experience is captivating. Mixing yesteryear with current times and how all benefit.The Ultimate Book Club Memphis, TN
Great characters, each with their own interesting pasts. It’s fun to see the elderly treated with such respect for their amassed knowledge as well as their keen senses of humors.
This book is an easy, breezy, a quick, fast read, comedy, not serious, but fun. The book is told by four of its characters, Art. Daphne, nickname, Daffy, Lydia, and Ziggy. Daphne is the best of the bunch. A leader, a lady afraid of nothing or nobody. She has been in her lovely apartment, venturing out for a quick errands for fifteen years. Now that she is seventy, she needs to change her lifestyle. And how well she does this. Everyone around better look out. Ziggy is eighteen, a teenage father who splits his time with Kylie with his mother. Art wants to train a dog to make him rich. Lydia is a weak soul dominated by her husband. Kids off to college. The book started off slowly, but got better and better as it went on. L.O.L. Some of these folks have secrets that don't need to be told.My first book for Clare Pooley, a book club choice.
I really enjoyed the characters and the way they were revealed somewhat slowly, like the way we mostly meet and get to know new aquaintances in real life.
This is a cute book, a way to pass some time. It’s what one might call a travel book. Things are sometimes much more delightful on a plane than they are at home. When I was reading the book I felt like it would make a very cute B rated movie. Again, perfect for a plane.
