Library Buzz: Older and Wiser

(Originally published in the Butler County Times Gazette 1/2/14. "Library Buzz" is written by Toria Hamilton.)

Since I recently had a birthday, people teasingly ask me if I feel old now. The truth is I won't be satisfied until I hit 35. I hated being a kid, I hated being a teenager, and – as much as I liked college – I hated being a college student. Chalk it up to being “older and wiser” or whatever, but I get happier every year. I look forward to being a troublesome old lady like my grandmother, who doesn’t let anyone boss her around. This month, let's celebrate books with great older characters.

In nonfiction, we have an autobiography of an old lady I admire: “And Furthermore” by Dame Judi Dench. Dench chronicles her childhood in a theatre-loving home, her early acting career, and the joy she takes from friends and family. She describes in detail the roles she’s played, the celebrities she’s met, and the interesting places her career has taken her. Also, at 79, she’s still gorgeous.

Another nonfiction title is Justin Halpern’s “Sh*t My Dad Says”. Halpern started a twitter account of his father’s humorous outbursts and attained overnight fame. In this slim volume, Halpern shares some of his dad’s best tweets, along with longer anecdotes. Halpern’s dad is refreshingly blunt, but, as one might suspect from the book’s title, readers offended by strong language should pass on this one.

For a little mystery, try “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” by Walter Mosley. After ninety-one year old Ptolemy loses his grand-nephew in a drive-by shooting, he meets a doctor whose experimental drug grants Ptolemy renewed vigor and mental clarity but dramatically shortens his life expectancy. Ptolemy sets out to live his last days to the fullest but soon finds himself investigating his grand-nephew’s death.

For a lighter read, I recommend Terry Pratchett’s comic fantasy “Reaper Man”. All wizards know the exact date and time they will die, and Death himself must come to claim them – it’s one of the perks of the job – but on the elderly Windle Poons’ special day, Death doesn’t arrive. Poons sets out to investigate Death’s mysterious absence.

While you’re at the library check our DVD section for many of Judi Dench’s best films, including “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, as well as film versions of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple mysteries starring Margaret Rutherford.

One thing all these stories emphasize is that being old is hard – there’s no room for sissies! – so if you look up to your elders, tell them so. Until next month, don’t do anything my grandma wouldn’t do!