Being Seventy: The Measure of a Year

by Elizabeth Gray Vining

194 pages, Hardcover

Published June 16, 1978

About the author

Elizabeth Gray Vining began her distinguished writing career with children's books because she said "they enjoy their books so much, read and re-read them—which is satisfying to a hard-working author." Later she began to write for adults as well, and they, too, read and re-read her books. among the most popular of these books are Windows for the Crown Prince, The Virginia Exiles, Friend of Life, Take Heed of Loving Me, and Flora.
—From the back of "Return To Japan"
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Elizabeth Janet Gray, also known as Elizabeth Gray Vining, was a prominent Quaker, known for having gone to Japan after World War II to tutor Emperor Akihito of Japan in English while he was the Crown Prince. She was a graduate of Bryn Mawr College, and a noted author of children's and adult literature. She won the Newbery Award for Adam of the Road, published in 1942.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soft, gentle memoir in journal form written intentionally during the year that Vining was 70 years old. She is a Quaker with the beautiful sensibilities that I associate with Quakers. The book is set in 1972, a year I know well. She is thinking about growing old, dying, moving from her home to a residence, but also is writing a book, visiting friends, reading and doing everyday things. At times I was annoyed, but I suspect I was really just jealous, that she seemed to have wealthy or old money friends who could, for example, provide her with a summer home and writing studio. Overall, though, I loved this book and will buy a copy for me - I want to be able to re-read it, maybe several times. I am not yet there but I can see 70.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only an interesting read because I read her books on her life in Japan as teh tutor to the Crown Prince but because she was a local woman. She has a wonderful perspective that gives you pause to think about your own life. Her style is never preachy. She just puts out there what her own thoughts are and what has inspired her.