Book Review - Making the Best of What's Left: When You're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered by Judith Viorst

I would like to thank NetGalley, author Judith Viorst, and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced copy of Making the Best of What's Left: When You're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered. This review reflects my personal thoughts and opinions, independent of any influence from the author, publisher, or NetGalley.

 

Review

Bestselling author Judith Viorst, at age 94, once again delivers an engaging, witty, and deeply reflective exploration of life’s later years in Making the Best of What's Left. With her hallmark blend of humor and wisdom, Viorst offers a compelling and, at times, sobering examination of aging and the inevitability of life's passage. While her humor shines, the book’s real power lies in its poignant reflections on embracing the twilight years with courage, grace, and acceptance.

 

Viorst’s sharp and entertaining writing stands out. She masterfully balances humor—often a much-needed antidote to life’s heavier realities—with profound insights into aging, mortality, and the passage of time. Her anecdotes are relatable and reassuring, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and attitudes toward growing older. Viorst reminds us that while aging may take much from us, it cannot rob us of the opportunity to cultivate joy, meaning, and purpose.

 

For those who study Stoicism, the book resonates with familiar themes: the impermanence of life, the futility of railing against what cannot be controlled, and the wisdom of focusing on what we can. Viorst’s words echo Marcus Aurelius’s meditations on accepting life’s cycles and finding peace by living in alignment with nature. She encourages readers to confront aging and death not with dread, but with a Stoic sense of resilience and equanimity—choosing to embrace what remains, rather than lament what is lost.

That said, the book’s focus on mortality may feel overwhelming to some readers. At times, the tone can lean toward the melancholic, risking overshadowing the uplifting insights. Additionally, the shifts between lighthearted humor and serious reflection can feel abrupt, potentially disrupting the reading experience for certain audiences. Still, these moments are integral to the book's honesty, reminding us that life’s joys and sorrows are inseparable.

 

For older readers, Making the Best of What's Left offers comfort, camaraderie, and solidarity. It provides a valuable perspective for caregivers and family members seeking to support their aging loved ones with empathy and understanding.

 

In sum, Viorst’s thoughtful, witty approach transforms a difficult subject into a profound and worthwhile read. As a student of Stoicism, I see in her work a reflection of life’s greatest challenge: to confront the inevitable with courage and to find meaning and joy even in life’s final chapter. This book is a journey worth taking, not just for those navigating their twilight years, but for anyone seeking wisdom and grace in the face of life’s impermanence.

 

Rating: 3.5/5

Charles Francis, 1/22/25