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Sign up todayStill Life at Eighty
The Next Interesting Thing
Narrator
Abigail Thomas
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Length
3 hours 55 minutes
Language
English
Bookseller recommendation
“Perfect reminiscing by a woman who is turning 80. A gift for grandma to give to the grandchildren as well as to her friends. ”
— Marggie • Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza
From the New York Times bestselling author of A Three Dog Life, a witty and irreverent look at aging and the writing life, delivered with trademark brevity, humor, and wise wit.
“The Emily Dickinson of memoirists” (Stephen King) Abigail Thomas shares her thoughts on aging in this irresistibly wry memoir-in-vignettes—offering richly insightful writing tips along the way.
While reflecting on the past, Abby accepts the shape of her present. No more driving, no more dancing, mostly sitting in a comfortable chair in a sunny corner with three dogs for company—as well as the birds and other critters that she watches out her window. Only this beloved writer could generate so much enthusiasm over what might seem so little. Vivid memories fall like confetti, as time contracts, shoots forward, loops and suddenly she is back in her twenties in New York City, drinking, sleeping with strangers, falling in and out of love, believing in a better world. Sometimes dread or grief arrives, inhabits her body like a shadow, and all she can do is write it away, paying close attention to what catches her eye, sticks in her brain, keeps her in the moment.
Whether you’re a book lover, dog lover—or both—pull up a chair, pour a cup of tea, and enter Abigail Thomas’s quietly mesmerizing world.
Abigail Thomas worked as both a book editor and book agent before writing her first short story collection, Getting Over Tom. Her second and third books An Actual Life, and Herb's Pajamas, were works of fiction. Her memoir, A Three Dog Life, was named one of the Best Books of the Year by The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. She is also author of the memoirs Safekeeping, Thinking About Memoir, and What Comes Next and How to Like It. The daughter of renowned science writer Lewis Thomas (The Lives of a Cell), Thomas has four children, twelve grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She lives in Woodstock, New York, with her dogs.
Abigail Thomas worked as both a book editor and book agent before writing her first short story collection, Getting Over Tom. Her second and third books An Actual Life, and Herb's Pajamas, were works of fiction. Her memoir, A Three Dog Life, was named one of the Best Books of the Year by The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. She is also author of the memoirs Safekeeping, Thinking About Memoir, and What Comes Next and How to Like It. The daughter of renowned science writer Lewis Thomas (The Lives of a Cell), Thomas has four children, twelve grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She lives in Woodstock, New York, with her dogs.
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Audiobook details
Author:
Abigail Thomas
Narrator:
Abigail Thomas
ISBN:
9781668119891
Length:
3 hours 55 minutes
Language:
English
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication date:
November 19, 2024
Edition:
Unabridged
Libro.fm rank:
#25,303 Overall
Genre rank:
#1,525 in Self-Improvement
Reviews
"On the verge of turning 80, American novelist, poet, and memoirist Abigail Thomas wrote a series of introspective vignettes about the quotidian moments of her life at that time. She conversationally shares observations, occasionally in third person, of ordinary moments during the extraordinary times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the innumerable joys she reflects on are her beloved dogs. Many of the moments captured in this quietly memorable audiobook include their antics, as well as some poignant moments involving loss. The author’s keen wit further seasons the collection as new hobbies, like spatchcocking chicken, take her by surprise, or when mulling over the term “senior citizen” versus “elder.” Thomas’s unhurried performance invites listeners of all ages to pause and appreciate each day." Expand reviewsWant the printed book?
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