Time Happens: You Could Not Have Picked A Better Time To Be Fiftysomething [Paperback]

H. Samm Coombs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995

The 'frantic fifties' comprise the most neglected and least understood decade of the life cycle. Nothing you've learned to date prepares you for what's coming. Libraries are stuffed with learned volumes about being old, but little has been written about the threshold years. Of course, the youth-obsessed Boomer generation may beg the question by burying their heads in the sands of time. Written for the 78-million Baby Boomers who are 'new at being old', this pragmatic and ultimately reassuring book tells how to approach the Big Five-O without cringing, crying or throwing in the towel. Not another collection of sugar-coated platitudes about those "Golden Years", it's about taking risks - living with an intensity that makes the years after fifty a time for adventure, revelation, and transformation. Those who choose denial risk losing their younger self before piecing together a new older self. If you don't leave your fifties with a good outlook on how you want the rest of your life to be, chances are it will turn out to be something else.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Many aging guides focus on the later stages of antiquity or crunch the whole post-midlife crisis arena together as if it's one long free fall. Coombs' emphasis is on handling the fifties with grace, aplomb, and hardiness of mind and soul. He explains that his book is not about "sex, nutrition, investment strategies, and best buys in RV's"--information already covered to excess elsewhere. He writes about an essential attitude adjustment for the 78 million baby boomers about to hit 50 in 1995. Fifty--a heretofore ignored decade--is one to be celebrated. Advice is offered on losing one's parents ("being on the edge"), discarding regrets, and taking responsibility. Sure to hit home with many readers on the brink of adulthood, at last. Denise Perry Donavin

Review

A book for people who are new at being old. -- Senior Dynamics

After reading Time Happens, you'll view (and possibly experience) the plus side of '50' in a new and rosier light. -- Good Health News

Aging in the new millennium is the topic of a controversial title which discusses the importance of the fifties age group. Is this the perfect time to take risks? Can mental attitude affect health? These and other questions reveal new aspects of aging which will provide positive enlightenment on a hitherto-negative subject. -- Midwest Book Review

An irreverent view of aging. Full of good news for those entering the 'Third Age.' -- Active Times

Could be called the Good News Bible of the decade. The author, in a breezy, 90's style, gives solid reasons why being fiftysomething at this point of history can be the best part of life. -- Star Newspapers

For those of us who are considered over-the-hill by everyone who is not approaching that hill, there's Time Happens: Upbeat and clever, it sets forth soothing thoughts ... a bit like Toffler, only nicer. -- Book Bag

Positive enlightenment on a hitherto negative subject. -- The Bookwatch, Midwest Library Review

Time Happens exchanges a confining existence for a colorful, expansive lifestyle. -- Publishers Weekly

Time Happens is a 'shock absorber' that will help cushion the impact of aging without insulating the reader from its realities. -- John Gray, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

Written with a light touch, this well-aimed, fast-reading book is filled with tips and sage advice for recasting one's fifties in a positive, forward-thinking light. -- Napra Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Halo Books; 1 edition (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879904136
• ISBN-13: 978-1879904132
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,395,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ten Thumbs Up, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Time Happens: You Could Not Have Picked A Better Time To Be Fiftysomething (Paperback)

Time Happens is not only for the Baby Boomers, whoever they may be, but is also enjoyable and stimulating reading for those of us who have at times thought we had wonderful futures behind us.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A blueprint for living!, April 17, 2000

By 

Natalie Montgomery (Mill Valley, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time Happens: You Could Not Have Picked A Better Time To Be Fiftysomething (Paperback)

Coombs' book is full of wit and wisdom. A pithy guidline for growing older and retaining one's appetite for adventure. It should be inspirational for anyone nearing "the great divide" between the Baby Boom generation and the Golden Years.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for people who are new at being old, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Time Happens: You Could Not Have Picked A Better Time To Be Fiftysomething (Paperback)

Cheers on a primo book! It cushions the impact of aging without insulating the reader from its realities. In place of the platitudes about those ubiquitous "Golden Years," TIME HAPPENS turns what is expected to be a bitter pill into something tangy and zesty, if not sweet.