Susan Moon

I was first intrigued by the witty title of this book, but it is the subtitle that really nails down what the book is about: "Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity." The author fulfills the promise of that subtitle quite ably.
This book is a collection of essays, arranged into sections that are labeled: (1) Cracks in the Mind and Body; (2) Changing Relationships; and (3) In the Realm of the Spirit. Moon writes well, and the topics resonated with me--family, relationships, growing old, show more death. I was interested in the insights into Zen Buddhism that Moon provides.
Reading this book was like talking with a friend of long standing; there is humor and sadness, there is a lot of just plain life. show less

While it's true that this is a book about aging (or "Becoming Invisible") and all its problems, embarrassments and humiliations, the emphasis here is on the "humor" and "dignity" mentioned in the subtitle. There's plenty of stuff on Zen and Buddhism here too, if that interests you. But I was most struck by how often I found myself chuckling in recognition on one page and then wincing in sympathy/empathy (also in recognition) on the next page, or sometimes both on the same page. Relating to show more an author and her subject over and over in this way is to me the mark of a well-written and just plain GOOD book. If you are into your sixties and have experienced things like short-term memory loss or 'senior moments' ("Where Did I Put My Begging Bowl"), stiffening and painful joints and limbs ("Old Bones"), poor balance ("All Fall Down"), deteriorating vision ("Stain on the Sky") and hearing,and grandparenthood, then you will find much to relate to here. But for me the best and most affecting parts of Moon's narrative are the more serious essays that deal with her own tomboy childhood and adolescence ("The Tomboy Returns" and "The Secret Place"), and especially the ones about her up-and-down relationship with her mother and the very moving descriptions of their last years together and her mom's final hours and death ("The Breathing Tube" and "Talking to My Dead Mother").

If you're only looking for yuks, this is not the book for you. It's funny here and there, no question. But in the final analysis I think this is a deadly serious book which ponders the larger questions of life. You'll laugh, but you'll probably also cry. Quite simply, this is a wonderful book. I will pass it along now to my wife and my mother and other dear friends. I know they'll all love it. I did. show less

Reading "This is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity" was a personal treat for me since the author and i are around the same age and i also have studied Zen Buddhism for years. I enjoyed Susan Moon's honesty. She is an author who is willing to share her deepest thoughts with her reader. In her quest to examine and understand the consequences of aging on both her mind and spirit, Moon reveals an excellent sense of humor and an outstanding wit. Not everyone can reflect show more upon their struggle with getting older and share their feelings about coping with their decreasing abilities both physical and mental and still find humor in life's ups and downs.
The chapter that moved me the most was the one where Moon writes about her mother's car accident and her consequental death. All types of feelings come up for Moon as she watches her mother deteriorate over time in the hospital. She explains her regrets regarding her interactions with her mother when she was alive and tells the reader how she feels her mother's presence often, even in her dreams.

Readers will also be drawn into the story of author Susan Moon's struggle to overcome depression and the loneliness that accompanies being single in a world where couples dominate. Her writing style is delightful, crisp and consistently clear and the questions Susan Moon asks are spot on and would be asked by most women in their 60's, single or not. Here is an example, "If i lose my memory, will i stop being me, or is there a me beneath the memory?" One can sense Moon's desire to age with dignity and grace and her fortitude in trying to stay fit and sharp. This is a good book to have on your shelf and read more than once! It is well written, covers an important subject....aging... and is filled with wisdom. I highly suggest you consider adding it to your library and if you are a woman who is struggling to find balance in your life as you age, you will find this a delightful read. show less

Susan Moon has written a series of essays in a clear sixty-something voice. As I am a member of this same club, I found the topics of memory issues, relationships, death of parents, being invisible, and search for a deeper spirituality as well as the others to be very timely. Her style is light but not silly; more truthful with no fluff. The double entendre title is so fitting to her introspection, experimentation, and continued search for a full life. I wish she lived down the street so we show more could have tea and meditate together! Recommended for those of us who have reached our sixties and perhaps for all others as you will be there one day. show less