Comprehensive, all-encompassing, and authoritative; could easily act as the single source any Californian needs to help...
A lawyer explains the legal and financial aspects of retiring in California.
By far the country’s most populous state, California is also home to a burgeoning number of retirees. For them, this debut tome of nearly 700 pages is a veritable gold mine of information. Despite its extraordinary length, the book benefits from the straightforward, nonlegalese, easy-to-comprehend writing style of Weissler, an experienced elder law attorney. The author begins with a somewhat extraneous overview of growing old, addressing several of the more common illnesses and injuries that afflict the elderly. But he quickly gets down to business with three chapters that cover long-term care definitions, payment options, and an important section about insurance. A chapter about the much-misunderstood reverse mortgage is helpful, as is the substantial discussion of benefits available to veterans. Material concerning other retirement-related topics, such as Medicare, IRAs, 401(k)s, and trusts, is included. The primary strength of the volume, though, is its exhaustive coverage of Medi-Cal, the California version of Medicaid. Half of the thorough work’s 23 chapters concentrate on the mind-boggling details of Medi-Cal, which Weissler patiently and lucidly explains. Perhaps most significant is the author’s claim that “you do not have to be a pauper or spend down to broke in order to qualify for Medi-Cal.” In fact, Weissler offers specific strategies for asset protection and demonstrates with examples how the average retiree can legally shield assets to take maximum advantage of Medi-Cal. The book is impressive both in its breadth and depth, and the author’s “Takeaways” at the end of each chapter ensure that readers do not overlook key points. Weissler’s “bonus chapter” concerning medical decision planning is a sensible addition; it explains the use of such legal documents as an advanced health care directive and a durable power of attorney. The author prudently points out that the book is intended as a resource and should not be viewed as a replacement for an elder law attorney.
Comprehensive, all-encompassing, and authoritative; could easily act as the single source any Californian needs to help navigate the bewildering world of retirement and estate planning.Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-9972300-2-4
Page Count: 712
Publisher: Croydon Publishing, LLC
Review Posted Online: Jan. 9, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
