I'm supposed to feel so blessed to be seventy-five years old. Hell, I tell people that myself, but that's mostly to make myself feel better. [pg 1]29: A Novel by Adena Halpern
Touchstone, 2010
Fiction; 269 pgs
Sometimes I come across an unexpected gem of a book. In this case, it's a book I never would have given the time of day had the publisher not sent it to me for review. I hadn't requested it, so I could have easily passed it over for the next book. But in the moment I picked it up, it seemed like the right thing to do. And it was.
Adena Halpern's novel, 29, is funny and charming. It's the story of a 75 year old woman, Ellie Jerome, who wishes on her birthday to be young again for a day. She longs to live the life her granddaughter is living, to start over and make different choices than she had the first time around. When she wakes up the next day, she discovers her wish has come true. Suddenly, she is young again and she can't wait to live life to its fullest.
Wrapped up in a story about taking chances and having fun, this is also a novel about family, friendship, love and regrets. It is about growing old--the way we see ourselves and others. It is also about appreciating what one has, while at the same time, not being afraid to make changes. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Ellie.
Ratings:
(Very Good)
For more information about the author and her books, visit her website.
Source: Received book from publisher for review.
Touchstone, 2010
Fiction; 269 pgs
Sometimes I come across an unexpected gem of a book. In this case, it's a book I never would have given the time of day had the publisher not sent it to me for review. I hadn't requested it, so I could have easily passed it over for the next book. But in the moment I picked it up, it seemed like the right thing to do. And it was.
Adena Halpern's novel, 29, is funny and charming. It's the story of a 75 year old woman, Ellie Jerome, who wishes on her birthday to be young again for a day. She longs to live the life her granddaughter is living, to start over and make different choices than she had the first time around. When she wakes up the next day, she discovers her wish has come true. Suddenly, she is young again and she can't wait to live life to its fullest.
Wrapped up in a story about taking chances and having fun, this is also a novel about family, friendship, love and regrets. It is about growing old--the way we see ourselves and others. It is also about appreciating what one has, while at the same time, not being afraid to make changes. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Ellie.
Ratings:
(Very Good)For more information about the author and her books, visit her website.
Source: Received book from publisher for review.
© 2010, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Very interesting concept and not to mention thought-provoking too. I'm glad you enjoyed reading the book, Wendy. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this one, and need to get to my copy soon. Glad u liked it.
ReplyDeleteWell, I definitely would have passed this one by if I had not read your review. I LOVE the premise!
ReplyDeleteOh to make those changes we look back on as oops moments. Sounds like a good book. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see good reviews for this book. It caught my eye several weeks ago and it's on my buy list. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked this one, Wendy. This one just hit the spot for me as well. It had some deeper themes than what one might surmise at first glance.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I've got a giveaway for two copies of this book over at my place through next Tuesday. Anywone reading this should stop by and enter! (Hope you don't mind the promotion for this, Wendy)
Reminds me of a short story by Stephen King, where a group of elderly in a nursing home get to be young again for one night. The premise is so sweet, nostalgic, and also heart-breaking. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I wouldn't have given it a second glance.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really interesting book! I know that I have my own troubles with growing older, and I think it would be neat to read about a woman who gets to turn back the hands of time, even if only for a moment. I am really interested to find out what she does with this opportunity. Thanks for sharing this review with us, I had not heard of this book from any other source, and it would have been a shame not to know it was out there!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a real treat, and I hadn't heard anything about it up till now - thanks, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI read an awesome review of this one at Kay's blog and now seeing that you really enjoyed it makes me want to pick this one up soon!
ReplyDeleteThis does look like fun. It's probably not one I would normally pick up if it was unsolicited, but I love finding those little gems when we least expect them. :)
ReplyDeleteThis does look like fun. It's probably not one I would normally pick up if it was unsolicited, but I love finding those little gems when we least expect them. :)
ReplyDeleteDid the character get to go back AND keep her memories? I think that is a great fantasy to get to go back and live a day as a young person, but I would really only want to do it if I could also retain my lifetime of learning life's lessons!
ReplyDeleteI've seen the cover on my blogs, but haven't taken the time to read a review because I was not interested. I'm glad I took the time to read yours because it sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so cute. I don't know why but I thought it was about something totally different. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a charming book. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
ReplyDeleteI never would have picked this up from the cover, but it sounds like a fun read! I'll definitely be finding a copy somehow. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good Wendy. Who wouldn't want even one day to go back and change things - to make a difference maybe. This novel sounds intriguing. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful. I wouldn't mind being younger if I could take my current knowledge back with me - otherwise I'm afraid I'd make the same mistakes all over again.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the cover!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd this sounds like a movie just waiting to happen. Glad it was a lovely surprise for you.
Sounds like a wonderful story...I think most of us would enjoy being young again for just a day. well, okay, I'm not that much older than 29, but I imagine when I'm in my 70's I'll want to be young again for at least one day. haha
ReplyDeleteI was 29, 3.5 years ago. LOL! This book sounds lovely. I sure want to read it. Thanks for the review, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI had such a great time reading this book! Thank you all for your great comments. I am sorry I haven't kept up with individual responses. Hopefully I can get back on track in that regard soon.
ReplyDelete