Review of Not Dead Yet

[Priya Murugesan]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Not Dead Yet" by Mark Fletcher.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Not Dead Yet by Mark Fletcher

This book is a collection of soul-stirring stories of nursing home residents. The stories center around a residential aged care facility, depicting the poignant lives of its residents. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific character. Some stories in the book are heartwarming and bring a smile to my face, while others are heartbreaking, bringing tears to my eyes. The book doesn't have a continuous flow; it travels back and forth from the past to the present, providing a surprise element while reading.

The author portrays various diverse characters with a myriad of emotions. Alexander Duckworth was very obsessive, especially with his name, and also a perfectionist. Shirley was funny, and her stand-up comedy was exciting and peppy. Frank and Douglas's story was unusual. Llyod's story may be short, yet it stirred my heart. Keiko's story taught me that life is short and we shouldn't wait to pursue our desires. The final story in 'Shorter Shorts' was unexpected. The lunch chapter was quite funny and illustrated how the residents find joy in everyday life. Matthew's story deeply affected me, and I didn't expect it to end like that. Elsie's metaphorical roller coaster was intriguing. Thomas's secret may be embarrassing, but it is common among the elderly. I appreciated his friendship with Carla.

I adored the author's clear and engaging writing style. The book captivates you from the start and portrays elderly behavior accurately. 

"I treat every cuddle now as the last
 Because I know life moves fast"

The above lines haunted me. From the stories, I can feel the weight of death. I can sense the pain and loneliness experienced by the residents. Bec's story as a caregiver offers insight into the lives of the residents. Her journal illustrates how her job has impacted her. 

"Gratefulness warms me 
 Your words let me see"

These lines accurately depict my feelings. This book let me see the world of older people. All the stories touched my heart in one way or another, and even the book's title moved me. It was the first thing that captured my attention, and when I read the blurb, I immediately picked up the book. Reading this book gave me a new perspective on elderly people. I always sympathized with them, but this helped me understand them even better.

I didn't notice any errors. The editing is meticulous. I enjoyed the book immensely and would love to read more from this author. As I didn't dislike anything in this book, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. 

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Not Dead Yet
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[Stephen Christopher 1]

Wow, Priya, you always find books that appeal to me. My mom is 82 and very close to going into a nursing home, perhaps I should read this before she goes, hehe.

[Anu Anand]

Your review is incredibly moving and insightful. The diverse characters and emotional depth you describe make me eager to read it. The way you describe the portrayal of elderly lives and the impact of the stories has me intrigued. Thanks for sharing!

[Priya Murugesan]

Wow, Priya, you always find books that appeal to me. My mom is 82 and very close to going into a nursing home, perhaps I should read this before she goes, hehe.

Thanks a lot, Stephen!

[Priya Murugesan]

Your review is incredibly moving and insightful. The diverse characters and emotional depth you describe make me eager to read it. The way you describe the portrayal of elderly lives and the impact of the stories has me intrigued. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you!

[Yashi Shukla]

Your review is very well written and thorough. I loved the way you pointed out the quotes you liked as it gave me a better understanding of this book. Thank you for your review.

[Priya Murugesan]

Your review is very well written and thorough. I loved the way you pointed out the quotes you liked as it gave me a better understanding of this book. Thank you for your review.

Thanks!

[Anshika Kanan]

You Review is very informative. Thank you for the clarity

[Rajaee R]

The title, the lines you mentioned in the review, and the review itself urge me to read this book. For me to appreciate a book, I need it to move me in some way. I am sure this book will.
Thanks for the review

[Gerry Steen]

I grew up with my grandparents. At a young age, I learned that you can choose to be happy or miserable. Some people choose to be miserable and others choose to be happy. I certainly prefer the elderly who chose to be happy. I learned a lot from my grandparents, but the choice was the most important one. Your review supports the idea that we can learn important life lessons from the elderly. I want to be a happy elderly person. This book will be inspiring. Great review!

[Harshitha G B]

This book gives perspective about how old people face when it comes to decline of their health, getting older, feeling of dependency. You wrote well about the book's important points.

[Priya Murugesan]

You Review is very informative. Thank you for the clarity

Thanks!

[Priya Murugesan]

The title, the lines you mentioned in the review, and the review itself urge me to read this book. For me to appreciate a book, I need it to move me in some way. I am sure this book will.
Thanks for the review

I believe you would love this book!

[Priya Murugesan]

I grew up with my grandparents. At a young age, I learned that you can choose to be happy or miserable. Some people choose to be miserable and others choose to be happy. I certainly prefer the elderly who chose to be happy. I learned a lot from my grandparents, but the choice was the most important one. Your review supports the idea that we can learn important life lessons from the elderly. I want to be a happy elderly person. This book will be inspiring. Great review!

When I am old, I want to be a happy elderly person, too!

[Priya Murugesan]

This book gives perspective about how old people face when it comes to decline of their health, getting older, feeling of dependency. You wrote well about the book's important points.

Thanks a lot!