Maria Sharp, a self described curmudgeon, has begun a diary detailing her life as she is about to turn 60 years old. She embraces her age and will not tolerate people that drag their feet, whining about getting old or those that put out a last ditch effort to “do something†before they are too old.Maria is happy not to have to live up to the expectations of youth and simply do “old people†stuff. For example, there is her young border from France and her search for love. Never having sex again sounds divine to Maria! But then she is sort of attracted to an old friend, Archie, who is relatively handsome. Life is not always smooth for Maria. Her best friends are a gay couple that is extremely supportive of her but they have problems of their own; one of them is dying. Then there is the unexpected pleasure of becoming a grandmother and the anxiety of being a good one. Maria finds life is wonderful at 60 and there may even be the prospect of love after all.
NO! I DON’T WANT TO JOIN A BOOK CLUB should be required reading for all women approaching the “golden yearsâ€. Virginia Ironside’s fictionalized Maria, faces each obstacle and reward of turning 60 with wit and flair. I could so empathize with Maria and found my self alternately laughing and crying with this hilariously insightful book. No matter what your age, this is a feel good read that will tickle your funny bone and have you gasping for breath!