Sixty-Something and Flying Solo: A Retiree Sorts It Out in Iowa

by Marian Mathews Clark

"Sixty-Something and Flying Solo" is a humorous, edgy memoir filled with serious ponderings. An Oregon transplant with no kids, no significant other, the author is someone about whom readers could say “I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes, but if she can make it, I can too.” Pieces such as “What Not to Say at a Funeral” and “Dusting and Other Insanities” provide a backdrop for monthly accounts of her fall into retirement’s abyss where she clings to her to-do lists while she alters her diet, her wardrobe, her routine and her vow to become more domestic. When she resurfaces a year later, she’s surprised at the landscape and what has saved her.

162 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2013

Reviews

[D Fran Quirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for the memories!

As a 64 year old woman, I've pondered many of the same things the author has. As a transplant from Iowa to California, California, and back again to Iowa I've had many of Marian's experiences. She tells the truth about aging in an engaging manner!

Most of all, she reminded me of the day my late husband visited the Mist Store while he was showing me the Portland to Coast Relay route. The pie and coffee were delicious!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is written by an Iowa City author. I really liked it. Short essays about her first year of retirement. She's not in a relationship, doesn't have kids, doesn't have extended family around, so that adds extra challenges for her.