Two Books for Baby Boomers

I read two books aimed at baby boomers approaching or over the age of 50.

The non-fiction book, Leap! What Will We Do With The Rest of Our Lives by Sara Davidson provides stories of various people (some celebrities) in how they overcame health, career, relationship and financial issues after 50. Davidson offers the advice and life lessons from Carly Simon, Tom Hayden, Ram Dass and Jane Fonda to name a few. This reader's circle of friends and acquaintances does not carry the same cachet. Frankly a number of these people are certainly well off financially and are not going to have the same challenges and issues that I (and most other people) may face.

However it was interesting to see how Davidson faced her own issues (relationship, career etc.) and that will be very instructive to many readers (particularly women). Davidson's book does offer some good insights and advice for baby boomers in this phase of life.

I also read Eureka: A Novel by Jim Lehrer. This book is great for us old guys over 50. The main character, Otis Halstead, is a 59 year old husband, father and corporate executive who goes through a dramatic (and entertaining) midlife crisis. Halstead tries to recapture things and moments from his youth that he missed, much to the consternation of his wife, family and friends.

Is Halstead crazy after purchasing an antique toy fire truck, BB gun and red 1952 Cushman Pacemaker motor scooter? Or is he more sane than the psychologists assigned to treat him for his crazy behavior?

I loved the story and finished the book in one day.