ONE FOR THE AGELESS

A humorous collection of reflections focuses on the sillier aspects of getting older.

In his meditation on the funny sides of the golden years, Zezima takes readers on one retirement adventure after another, introducing them to his long-suffering wife, his kids and grandkids, and all the antics he gets involved in from story to story. He writes about his experiences using the Duolingo app to learn French (one of the work’s comic highlights); he recalls the ups and downs of attending his 50th high school reunion; and he shares a store of quips about getting exercise at his age. His tales are filled with boomer-style comic reductions (men, he writes, have no idea what they’re doing when they’re driving a shopping cart or why they’re in a supermarket, “although most of them know instinctively where the beer is”), and he peppers his text with mock quizzes for readers. At one point, the author decides to spruce up his retirement free time by trying his hand at selling cars for a dealership. This works about as well as most of his other misadventures, but at one point, a customer tells him that he has what it takes: “You have a good personality and a great sense of humor, and you’re outgoing. You could sell anything.” Readers will agree with this sentiment while making their way through these charming tales. Zezima is a natural storyteller, never more delightful than when readers suspect he might be, shall we say, exaggerating. His comic timing is impeccable, and it’s neatly balanced with his self-deprecating humor. Even though serious subjects come up (failing health, Covid-19), the author very winningly never takes himself too seriously.

A fun and irreverent series of comic meditations on aging.