Official Review: Our Autumn Years; not golden but interes...

[Dentarthurdent]

"The treatment that the elderly receive, whether we realise it or not, is patronising at best, and offensive at worst."

These are some of the truest words I've heard this year, and that's a bit depressing. Thanks for such a wonderful review; I'm glad that the author found a mix of maudlin and self-deprecating humour that spawns this profound work that's moved you so much.

[Bianka Walter]

"The treatment that the elderly receive, whether we realise it or not, is patronising at best, and offensive at worst."

These are some of the truest words I've heard this year, and that's a bit depressing. Thanks for such a wonderful review; I'm glad that the author found a mix of maudlin and self-deprecating humour that spawns this profound work that's moved you so much.

Oh, it is depressing. And I'm a culprit of it! This was a great eye-opener
Thanks so much for commenting - I really appreciate it.

[Ellylion]

Sounds like a very interesting and unique book! The subject is provoking for sure, and I would like to check this one out. Thank you for a great review!

[Bianka Walter]

Sounds like a very interesting and unique book! The subject is provoking for sure, and I would like to check this one out. Thank you for a great review!

Thanks so much for your comments

[fadjei]

This book sounds awesome! It's great that it's talking about people growing old. Aging is a natural thing which everyone will go through. It's good to have discussion like this. Really great review.
Thanks for the review

[Bianka Walter]

This book sounds awesome! It's great that it's talking about people growing old. Aging is a natural thing which everyone will go through. It's good to have discussion like this. Really great review.
Thanks for the review

It is an absolutely natural thing, I agree!
Thanks so much for your kind comment

[Caribqueen16]

Getting old is a fact. We should all realize the reality of it. It is nice to introduce aging through comics. I believe the illustrations could be funny and gentle on those persons who are afraid of crossing certain milestones. Aging brings maturity, reason, experience, and many other positives if looked at from the perspective of a glass-half-full.

[Caribqueen16]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Our Autumn Years; not golden but interesting" by Arthur Hartz.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Our Autumn Years; not golden but interesting is a book that consists of single-pane comics and short-phrase banners. In a very creative way, it brings attention to some of the thought-provoking events that occur through getting older. For some reason, this is a topic that is avoided by many people, but Arthur Hartz, the author, has hit the nail on the head with his ironic and sometimes dark comics. In seven chapters covering the majority of what it means to get old, Hartz embraces the intricacies of the aged in a truly unique and appealing way.

As I mentioned above, speaking about getting old, especially with someone who is elderly, is not something that people tend to do. People would rather just avoid these delicate topics completely than try to awkwardly ramble about things they may know nothing about. This is a tough subject, and the only way to truthfully capture its difficulties without offence is through humour. Hartz accomplishes this with grace and hilarity.

An added bonus was the effect the comics had on me. Not only are they an accurate representation of what it’s like to get older, but they also reflect the distressing state of society. The treatment that the elderly receive, whether we realise it or not, is patronising at best, and offensive at worst. It is a reminder that older people are not a separate species who need to be treated differently, but instead that they have had lives full of experiences which could be learnt from.

I know – all this from a few comics, right?

But, this does go to show the strength a few truths can hold. Along with the comics, there are a few banners scattered throughout the pages. These consist of epigrams that reflect the tone of the book. One of my favourites is, “My days of having a train of thought are past. Now I have butterflies of thought.” These little witticisms are a great way to break up the comics and added wonderful value to the illustrations.

The only problem that I had with this book is that there were, unfortunately, a few comics that were beyond my understanding. I’m not sure if they just went over my head, or if I was missing something vital, but I just didn’t get them. I think the author may have been trying to say too much with too few words which ultimately led to some of the comics being confusing. However, this definitely did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

I happily give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to people of all ages, even though it is a book about getting older. It is a great guide to remind us to treat all people with respect, including and especially those that may have a few years on us. There is a definite sadness to the book, and I’ll end with one of Hartz’s poignantly profound notes: “Someday, someone will understand what interesting people we were.”

******
Our Autumn Years; not golden but interesting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Getting old is a fact. We should all realize the reality of it. It is nice to introduce aging through comics. I believe the illustrations could be funny and gentle on those persons who are afraid of crossing certain milestones. Aging brings maturity, reason, experience, and many other positives if looked at from the perspective of a glass-half-full.

[Bianka Walter]

Getting old is a fact. We should all realize the reality of it. It is nice to introduce aging through comics. I believe the illustrations could be funny and gentle on those persons who are afraid of crossing certain milestones. Aging brings maturity, reason, experience, and many other positives if looked at from the perspective of a glass-half-full.

Absolutely! Thank you so much for stopping by!

[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

I think this is an amazing book. It wouldn't hurt to read up a book about getting old. I love your review too. Thanks.

[Northernbird84]

oh wow what a great way to tackle a difficult and emotive subject. I have to admit getting older terrifies me. This book may help with that. I'll check it out. Great review thanks for sharing xxx

[Kaitlyn Canedy]

Thanks for the review! Yes it is true; people do not want to talk about getting older because it tends to be a negative experience. However, the author seems to talk about it in a way that people become interested enough to understand.

[Bianka Walter]

I think this is an amazing book. It wouldn't hurt to read up a book about getting old. I love your review too. Thanks.

Thank you for stopping by!

[Bianka Walter]

oh wow what a great way to tackle a difficult and emotive subject. I have to admit getting older terrifies me. This book may help with that. I'll check it out. Great review thanks for sharing xxx

Oh my goodness it terrifies me too. And I'm definitely not a spring chicken anymore!
Thanks so much for stopping by

[Bianka Walter]

Thanks for the review! Yes it is true; people do not want to talk about getting older because it tends to be a negative experience. However, the author seems to talk about it in a way that people become interested enough to understand.

Absolutely! It was fun to read Thanks for stopping by!