Review of Reconfigurement
Posted: 07 Feb 2023, 16:48
[Following is a volunteer review of "Reconfigurement" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]
Human nature is highly prone to escapism in matters that are not appealing. E. Alan Fleischauer’s Reconfigurement addresses one of these topics: old age. Constantly emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, Fleischauer tries to minimize this escape by exploring how to plan ahead for those in need of guidance. The book covers multiple aspects of the retirement process, including the different options for life insurance, investment, long-term care, and social security in a series of easy-to-read chapters.
One of the best aspects of the book is the light-hearted presentation of the content. Despite all the serious implications of his topic, such as the possibility of disability or the ever-approaching death, Fleischauer manages to create a cozy and safe environment for the reader through his conversational style and witty humor. The reading experience turns into a warm conversation with a friend rather than a dreadful confrontation with the inevitable future. This cozy atmosphere does not lead to distorting unpleasantries, however. Fleischauer does not hesitate to portray things as they are. He just makes sure to tell a joke after the more serious aspects of one’s health or insurance problems.
I specifically enjoyed the career assessment tests he provides for readers to get to know their own personalities and fitting career paths. This also strengthens his overall message to find a way to do something one loves and have fun in life, both before and after one’s retirement. In this sense, the book is both empowering and life-affirming.
It is hard to present a negative aspect of the book, as it is well-written and well-presented. The only potential flaw that drew my attention was the exclusive references to the church as part of the cultural setting without any references to other religious groups of the population. Even though there is no hostility in the book, a few references could make it more encompassing.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Aside from its welcoming style, the book also reveals credibility through Fleischauer’s expertise in the field of finance and investment, as can be seen in the multi-directional analyses he provides for each section. He does not simply provide general rules. Instead, he urges the reader to look into the specific aspects of their reconfigurement process, which may very well be an exception to the rule.
Last but not least, I recommend the book not only to people approaching their retirement but also to young adults who would like to broaden their perspective toward their potential futures. However, it is important to note that the statistics and the institutions examined in the book address people living in the US. Therefore, non-US citizens would not get the same experience.
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Reconfigurement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Human nature is highly prone to escapism in matters that are not appealing. E. Alan Fleischauer’s Reconfigurement addresses one of these topics: old age. Constantly emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, Fleischauer tries to minimize this escape by exploring how to plan ahead for those in need of guidance. The book covers multiple aspects of the retirement process, including the different options for life insurance, investment, long-term care, and social security in a series of easy-to-read chapters.
One of the best aspects of the book is the light-hearted presentation of the content. Despite all the serious implications of his topic, such as the possibility of disability or the ever-approaching death, Fleischauer manages to create a cozy and safe environment for the reader through his conversational style and witty humor. The reading experience turns into a warm conversation with a friend rather than a dreadful confrontation with the inevitable future. This cozy atmosphere does not lead to distorting unpleasantries, however. Fleischauer does not hesitate to portray things as they are. He just makes sure to tell a joke after the more serious aspects of one’s health or insurance problems.
I specifically enjoyed the career assessment tests he provides for readers to get to know their own personalities and fitting career paths. This also strengthens his overall message to find a way to do something one loves and have fun in life, both before and after one’s retirement. In this sense, the book is both empowering and life-affirming.
It is hard to present a negative aspect of the book, as it is well-written and well-presented. The only potential flaw that drew my attention was the exclusive references to the church as part of the cultural setting without any references to other religious groups of the population. Even though there is no hostility in the book, a few references could make it more encompassing.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Aside from its welcoming style, the book also reveals credibility through Fleischauer’s expertise in the field of finance and investment, as can be seen in the multi-directional analyses he provides for each section. He does not simply provide general rules. Instead, he urges the reader to look into the specific aspects of their reconfigurement process, which may very well be an exception to the rule.
Last but not least, I recommend the book not only to people approaching their retirement but also to young adults who would like to broaden their perspective toward their potential futures. However, it is important to note that the statistics and the institutions examined in the book address people living in the US. Therefore, non-US citizens would not get the same experience.
******
Reconfigurement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon