Tuesday, February 23, 2016

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - I See You Made an Effort: Compliments, Indignities, and Survival Stories from the Edge of 50; Annabelle Gurwitch


Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where I share the first paragraph sometimes two from a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon.  I'm trying to read at least a couple of books from my own shelves each month of 2016. This book arrived from the publisher in 2014 and, it seem like just the kind of humor I need right now.



STAY FUNNY

"On the day I turned forty-nine the first solicitation from AARP appeared in my email in-box.  At a glance, I thought it might be an ad for white-collar prison uniforms.  A couple is pictured dressed in matching cotton pastel sweaters and pleated Dockers.  The entire outfit screams, Here, take my libido and hold it for the rest of my life, which won't last much longer anyway.  The man has his arms encircling the woman's waist.  Is he propping her up because she's suffering from osteoporosis, or helpfully disguising her muffin top?  The expressions on their faces can only be described as resigned."

What do you think -- keep reading or pass? 
(Feel free to join in this week by posting your intro below?


55 comments:

  1. OMG! This one sounds hilarious! I remember getting those AARP letters at a very early age, too.

    Yes, I'd keep reading.

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  2. I bet this one will be a fun one. I hope you enjoy it, Diane! My husband's already being offered senior discounts because of the gray in his hair. He's so embarrassed. LOL

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    1. Too funny Wendy. I did not like getting my AARP card and still don't carry it after my husband signed me up LOL

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  3. How funny! I definitely remember that sinking feeling when the first AARP letter arrived. This book sounds hilarious.

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    1. It does sound funny so I'm anxious to try it and I love the cover too.

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  4. This book definitely sounds hilarious! And yes, I remember that first AARP letter, too....I simply threw it in the garbage. Lol. They've pretty much stopped sending them by now. I'm NEVER joining!

    This book sounds like a great read! :)

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    1. Maria - I was upset by that first AARP letter and more upset weeny husband signed me up, I still refuse too carry the card in my wallet LOL

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  5. This book looks set to be a funny one. The cover alone is hilarious. The AARP letters were tough, but I have to tell you, I cried all the way to the Social Security Office three months before I turned 65. To me, that was the official mark that I was old. I moved past all that. Retirement fun changed my opinion.

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    1. Margot, the AARP card annoyed me, but I couldn't wait to sign up for SS benefits last year on line LOL - love retirement as well. Too bad we can't freeze our age once we retire.LOL

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  6. Brilliant love the humour which is all the better because of the edge of truth to the statements - yes, I would like to keep reading. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Haaaaa Yes, if the rest of the book is along those lines, I'd read!!

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  8. Ah yes, the dreaded AARP invitation. Well, that's so many years back for me now...and I still haven't joined. LOL

    Might have to read the book to find out how the pink 'knickers' play out in the action. ;-)

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    1. And this reminds me of Nora Ephron's book I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK, which I loved.

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  9. Relatable and lol funny. Keep reading!

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  10. Ha - I'd keep reading! And AARP starts in on you at age 49?! Wow - that's young!

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  11. This sounds really amusing and engaging. I would keep reading.

    I soon will qualify for AARP :(

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    1. Brian, that AARP solicitation is very depressing :) be prepared.

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  12. This sounds like it will be an entertaining read. Enjoy!

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  13. LOL! The title and opening are hilarious. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one.

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  14. This books sounds hilarious!! I still remember the devastation of that first AARP mailing...

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    1. It was painful, wasn't it? I always associated AARP membership with a blue-haired lady not me LOL

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  15. I remember that first AARP mailing. My husband is three years older than I am and has not yet received a mailing. So unfair!

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  16. My husband got me an AARP card when he applied for one--he was 50 and I was 45. I can't even begin to explain how enraged I was. He thought he was doing something nice by including me. Ugh!

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    1. Yes, my husband is older too and I was so mad when he got me a card.

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  17. I remember seeing Annabelle Gurwitch in an interview awhile back. She was really funny and engaging, and I remember thinking that this would be a fun book to read. I like the opening, and I'd keep reading!

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    1. How cool! I do think it takes a special kind of person to write humor.

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  18. Oh, I would definitely read this one. I am along way from the edge of 50, in fact over the edge and falling into the abyss at a fast clip. But my brother reminded me today, that 70 is the new 50. He's younger than me and I think that makes him feel younger if I am only 50!!! Thanks, I am looking for this one!

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    1. LOL - I was the baby of my family with 2 brothers 9 & 11 years older.

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  19. I actually enjoy reading the AARP magazine that comes in the mail. My husband is 8 years older than I am, so "we" have been AARP members for awhile now.

    I actually chuckled over that little portion you shared up above, so yep, I would read it when I wanted a laugh. I'm known for my serious reads and not being a big fan of silly or slapstick humor, but this kind of humor I "get", being 57 myself :)

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    1. I don't read humor often either but, something about the cover and intro as I browsed my books made me think this would be a good match for me right now LOL

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  20. The first paragraph is hilarious! My husband gets AARP stuff occasionally even though he's only 45 and that sounds about right.

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  21. Looks like a fun approach to life.

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  22. This looks hilarious!! Definitely, keep reading because if you can't laugh at the absurdities of life, what's left? The AARP is so true!

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  23. Hmm...it sounds funny, although it might be a bit depressing.

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  24. Not for sure, but the opening is hilarious!

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  25. I'm nor sure about this one but it sounds like a hilarious read. I'll probably read it, lol.

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