Customer Reviews

The 50 Year Dash: The Feelings, Foibles, and Fears of Being Half a Century Old

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm not quite there myself, but having been a Bob Greene fan since 1976's JOHNNY DEADLINE, REPORTER, I felt that I had to buy and read this one in advance of my milestone birthday. As usual, Greene is right on target with his observations.

Introspection is something that many of us avoid, but Greene is right there nudging us to take a look at our innermost feelings and reactions to a variety of different situations. At 47, I've already experienced a good many of them, and I'm grateful to find out in advance about those that may be forthcoming. As usual, Greene's writing style is like a welcome long-distance call from your oldest and best friend--you hang on every word, you anticipate the outcome of a story, and you relish each other's happiness in describing the events of everyday life.

Greene is the heartbeat of us all.

In typical Bob Green fashion, he makes us look at the things that are on the fringes of our thoughts , but never seem to quite make it to the foreground without a little prompting. If you are not comfortable with the idea of being 50, this book probably isn't going to make things easier for you. On the other hand, if you can handle being 50, this book provides an insight into some of the things you are aware of (unconsciously, perhaps), but haven't really taken the time and energy to really think about. Nobody who reads this book won't see some part of themselves in the narrative. It is entertaining, funny, thought provoking, and, at times, disturbing.

Bob Greene combines very special abilities: great talent to experience and observe; great talent to convey this acquired information.

This book compares the changes in our bodies when we reach age fifty (mas o menos) with what we felt when we were younger.

The cast of characters is familiar to those who read "Be True to Your School" (an expanded version of his diary in his junior/senior years of high school), and many of his columns through the years. Quite a few of his observations in this book were touched upon in earlier writings, but "Fifty Year Dash" allows him to condense these ideas into one book and be more expansive in his descriptions.

This is a wonderful book, and one which I plan to give as gifts this Christmas.

I'm not 50, but I relate to 9 out of 10 of Bob's sensitive and insightful perspectives on hitting the big 5-0...They ring true. As Mencius wrote, "The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart." Inside, Bob is still 5 years old; who isn't

Before I sent it to a friend with a rapidly approaching 50th birthday.

But what I did read was exactly what I would expect from Bob Greene -- a variety of well-written, high-quality, witty stories that will be interesting to a broad segment of those approaching their 50th birthday!

A really terrific book, well worth sending to those we love and reading ourselves.

As usual, Greene lived up to his previous books with knowledge and humor. The book was receives in good condition and in a timely manner.

I found this book's language to be straightforward and from the heart. It's easy reading, sort of like sitting on a couch with the author and simply sharing perceptions. Greene covers everything; he describes fleeting thoughts on the seemingly insignifigant and expands into the depths of intensity. The reader sometimes feels as if he is having a conversation with an old schoolmate. Perfect for anyone who is either approaching their mid life years or already in the midst of them.

As expected, Bob Greene hits the nail on the head -- the joys and horrors of aging are all here in this book! This would make an excellent 50th. birthday gift!

It's a terrific picture of events from the past from an outstanding perspective.

Bob Greene proves that the baby boomers is the most self absorved generation in history. After story after story that goes nowhere, one is forced to conclude that Mr. Greene will talk about himself at his parents funeral, that when he gives his daughter away he will give a speech about how much it depresses him, and that he can prove that the universe revolves around him. The shame is that he is a great writer, but he needs someone who will push him on the next one