I've been a fan of Judith Viorst for decades and this book did not disappoint. Written in her trademark frank and humorous style, she talks about the perils of ageing and all that comes with it including how to come to terms with downsizing, dealing with empty nests, aging bodies and how seniors tend of slide into the periphery of society. This is a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Ms. Viorst is still a poignant and insightful writer who is as sharp and clever as ever. Highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

It's no wonder that Judith Viorst has composed a heartwarming, sensitive story about the Final Fifth (years 80-100) of her life and others.
I'm not quite there yet but I guarantee this book will appeal to all ages, perhaps, with an emphasis on those almost there or who just arrived.
It's a tribute to her husband who she is mourning but, also, a tribute to those people who can still enjoy life and take advantage of what time is left.
She writes so beautifully, quite humorously too! I especially enjoyed the poems she included throughout the pages.
What a beautiful book written by a beautiful woman!

A smart, warm, and funny book about topics that are usually difficult and depressing, such as aging, illness, and death. I think that Judith Viorst is an excellent storyteller and a wise woman, even taking into account that, as she wrote in the book,“Most of us, I suspect—and I very much include myself—tend to sound wiser than we actually live.”

My only complaint is that Viorst and all her friends she describes here live in a very privileged bubble: all are affluent, educated, heterosexual, and usually married with children. They face challenges like moving from a spacious old house to a luxurious retirement community or spending a lot of time at doctor's appointments - and reading about it made me more and more uncomfortable, knowing how many elders cannot even afford the rent in their small apartments or have access to proper health care. I'm afraid that most regular folks will have a hard time following some of her advice on how to "make best of what's left.”

Thanks to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I received a copy of the book "Making the Best of What's Left" by Judith Viorst, from NetGalley. The author writes of being older. She describes being in the "final fifth" of her life. She is 94 years old and the final fifth is 80-100. She writes of being recently becoming a Widow when she lost her husband Milton at almost 63 years of marriage. She writes with a sense of humor and sadness of what happens in the final fifth of life.
When they grew older they sold the large house they had lived in for over 50 years to live in a smaller apartment. she writes of losing her husband. Other elderly people and what it has been like for them as they are in the twilight years. Slowing down, hearing and sight loss. Not seeing your relatives as much. losing so many friends and relatives. Not been as "seen" and feeling invisible. she also writes poems at the end of each chapter. some amusing some sad. A good read about being an older person.

I received a free copy of, Making the Best of What's Left, by Judith Viorst, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Judith Viorst is an author, she is now in her nineties, and is making the best of her time left. This book is full of stories and poems, an enjoyable read.

This book is wonderful. I just turned 70. It is tough to face the unknown. Judith has answered many of the questions we have. I have just ordered her 70 book. I recommend this book for everyone aging and feeling alone. Thank you Judith and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. I will tell my friends.

I’ve long been a fan of Viorst‘s work, both her children’s books and her humorous series on aging. This was harder for me to read because it’s just not humorous anymore. It’s real and I know I will relate to it if I am lucky enough to get to my 90s but it just made me so sad. Her husband has died and mine is 9 years older than me so he probably won’t get nearly as many more years as I. I don’t want to think about having to give up my house and having nobody pay attention to me and not traveling because it’s too hard and getting confused. I’m not even sure I’d want to read about this when I will relate to it. I’ll already know and I think it will be even sadder then. So I’m not sure who I recommend this book for, though it’s as well written as any of her work has ever been.

This book is such a unique concept - a 94 year old writing about the final fifth of our lives (80 - 100). The author writes beautifully, eloquently, and is extremely intelligent. We think we know what it'd be like to be an old person, but as she describes the intricacies and the reality of living it, we see we have no idea actually.

The only thing I didn't love was it's very obvious this person and her family are very financially secure, very well supported with lots of help. There is immense privilege here that shows aging as an interesting journey to reflect upon, whereas someone poor with no support would experience aging as increasing levels of hell.

But I enjoyed the well written thoughts and personal exploration on a stage of life very few people even make it to.

The author's "voice" is as strong as ever in her nineties, as she shares the challenges, joys, and sorrows of living in the Final Fifth (80 to 100 years old.) Her latest book is full of wit and candor, charm and truth, reflecting her feisty spirit that gives me hope about old old age. Highly recommended!

Beautifully written, Judith Viorst shares her personal thoughts at 94 years old on how she and others have adjusted to living in retirement.

It’s been well vocalized: you spend years raising kids and working hard and finally you get to retire and your body starts to fail. Then there’s downsizing from what you’ve worked hard to get. This is what has been called the golden years.

Judith is forthright of how difficult this can be starting with health concerns. She and her husband, Milton Viorst, lived in a stunning home in Cleveland Park, DC for years. What’s not to love with seven bedrooms, five cozy fireplaces and a large wall for books. Much of this had to go when they downsized into a two-bedroom apartment at a close-by retirement center. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must have been to let go of memorable items.

Judith gave several examples of how people treat seniors differently such as speaking slower and louder. She notes that loneliness can be a problem. Then, there was the harsh reality when her husband died in 2022. Becoming a widow, she said, changed her in complicated ways.

Most of the points are helpful on what can happen in retirement. Yet, not everyone has the luxury she’s had of financial security which allows greater choices of where to live with conveniences. She also has another benefit of having a family that is there to help.

She included insightful poems throughout the book related to her experiences. Friends from the retirement center gave her their thoughts on soul-searching wisdom. Overall, no one wants to think about aging, but since we must, it’s good to have the guidance of honest, inspiring and meaningful words.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of April 1, 2025.