O.J. in the Morning, G&T at Night: Spirited Dispatches on Aging with Joie de Vivre

by A.E. Hotchner

"Acclaimed author and feisty nonagenarian Hotchner's witty ruminations about the art of living well into old age...with brio and a touch of his trademark sass, Hotchner writes about rediscovering love after 75, finding joy in a scrappy African gray parrot he named after his longtime friend, Ernest Hemingway, and going on his very first safari at age 88." - Kirkus Reviews

When youngsters in their seventies and eighties, nervously lurching toward the horizon of ninety, ask me, "What's the secret?" That's what I tell "O.J. in the morning, gin and tonic at night."

You don't have to be in your seventies or eighties to enjoy A. E. Hotchner's elixir for aging happily, but after reading this charming collection of essays, you may wish you were. Nonagenarian, novelist, playwright, and biographer, Hotchner gives us heartfelt and laugh-out-loud anecdotes that describe his unique reflections on the aging process. His musings cover everything from the outlandish commercials that target the older generation (Viagra, Cialis, and Flomax) to suggestions on adapting the tennis game for seniors (he suggests lowering the net by two inches and moving all outer lines two feet inward) to the advantages of having a pet (his pet parrot often tells guests to "kiss my ass"). He can equally capture the headier side of aging, which is bittersweetly revealed in his piece about divorce. With his disarming, eloquent voice and dry sense of humor, Hotch illuminates life's wisdoms through his optimistic, witty, and romantic outlook, all the while making you feel, well, not unhappy about growing older. O.J. in the Morning, G&T at Night is a book of courageous advice, humorous wisdom, and, above all, good strategies for how to stay young at heart.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 2013

About the author

Aaron Edward Hotchner was an American editor, novelist, playwright, and biographer. He wrote many television screenplays as well as a biography of Ernest Hemingway. He co-founded with Paul Newman the charity food company Newman's Own.

Reviews

[Mike Wigal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, yet delightful read. Although good finances and good health have been Hotchner's lot, it's not like he didn't earn them. His advice is solid, whether you are 40, 50, 60 or pushing 90+. I think his key is not to see all the things that are bad in his life, but to focus on all the good and the possible. We are, after all, solely responsible for our own happiness.

[Dan Lalande · Rating 2 out of 5]

Editor-biographer-entrepreneur Hotchner, who lived to 102, offered, at 96, a small series of essays on the art of aging with brio. You're appreciation for this well-intended and commendably lucid collection depends on your tolerance for his dry, quiet wit, simple American aphorisms, and membership in the Connecticut caste system.

[Unwisely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not entirely sure why I ever heard of this book, but it was a nice, light, diverting read. I am more interested in the lives of "old-old" people than is common - what is life like after 75? 85? This guy is one iteration. He's crazy active (and has had a much more interesting life than I have, OMG). Little vignettes, including dating as a senior (which sounds just as bad as it is for a, umm, junior?)

Pleasant!

[Deborah Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While financial resources and good health greatly contribute to Joie or Vivre, I was reminded that our mind, our outlook, our participation in life while aging are the key factors for the third act. I kept reading passages aloud to anyone in the room, and since it's a slim volume, re-read several chapters.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little wit and wisdom on aging. Probably a decade or two before my time but the humor rings true. As much a view of what I am experiencing with my parents as what I may expect in the future. Maybe not for myself but certainly among my friends. A little advice in all the humor too. A very pleasant read. The author is a very interesting chap. May have to read more of his literary material.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading. It gave me a different view on aging from what I am seeing. Makes me not want to retire from meaningful work for a while. See also this blog from my library: http://ascplst.akronlibrary.org/2013/...

The warning is that I wrote this blog.

[Mary Kovarik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice funny book for easy light reading.

[Rose Perlmutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advice and humor at the same time!

[Torieqwq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and lovely set of essays on being a Super Senior.

[Althea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A jaunty little book about growing old, I mean really old. Hotch is in his 90's and I hope to have his outlook and his enjoyment of living when I'm there too.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A writers ruminations on aging.

[Trav Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. This book makes me look forward to a glorious time in people's lives (or what should be glorious).

[Janice]

Some really poignant ideas. Interesting stories.