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Oldies but Goodies
Three lively seniors sneak off from a Texas retirement home to right the wrongs of their pasts. Retired English professor Thornton McCall seeks forgiveness from a former girlfriend. Harvey Carman, a retired Buick dealer, wishes to make amends to a man he falsely accused of a crime. Liz Wittenberg, a well-preserved redhead and man collector, wants to apologize to the family she disgraced decades ago. Once they set out in their borrowed yellow Camaro, their lives and those of others at Rolling Hills Villa are never the same.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2017
29 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Bernadette Tabor Pruitt
2 books5 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Bernadette Pruitt. and Annie Terniak.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 12, 2019
I must admit, my infernal internal editor immediately reworded the first sentence of this book when I read it, and I was also ridiculously annoyed when, early in the story, Thor was referred to as the "Greek" god of thunder... but you know what? I LOVED this book. I mean, really LOVED it.
The writing is delightful, and so are the characters. And the story? Dynamite! Retired English professor Thornton McCall, widowed for more than a decade, is doing just fine on his own until he accidentally sets a fire in his kitchen. Then one thing leads to another, and before he knows it, his son "decides" it's time to ship him off to assisted living. For his "own good," of course. And without his beloved dog.
Determined to make the best of it, Thornton makes two very good new friends at the home, and the three of them not only smash the "old people" mold thrust upon them by the home's by-the-book manager, but they also break out of the prison-like home altogether. In a kick-ass yellow Camaro with black racing stripes, they take a memorable road trip so they can attempt to make amends for past sins.
Their adventures, both good and bad... their amazing friendship...and everything else about this book is absolutely wonderful. The depiction of the folks living in that home... basically just existing and killing time until they die... is heartbreaking, because, unfortunately, there's a lot of truth in that portrayal. Old age may not be for sissies, but as our trio of courageous heroes prove, it ain't over 'til it's over. They prove age is just a number and life is meant to be lived to the fullest.
Did I happen to mention I loved this book? I bet you will, too.
The writing is delightful, and so are the characters. And the story? Dynamite! Retired English professor Thornton McCall, widowed for more than a decade, is doing just fine on his own until he accidentally sets a fire in his kitchen. Then one thing leads to another, and before he knows it, his son "decides" it's time to ship him off to assisted living. For his "own good," of course. And without his beloved dog.
Determined to make the best of it, Thornton makes two very good new friends at the home, and the three of them not only smash the "old people" mold thrust upon them by the home's by-the-book manager, but they also break out of the prison-like home altogether. In a kick-ass yellow Camaro with black racing stripes, they take a memorable road trip so they can attempt to make amends for past sins.
Their adventures, both good and bad... their amazing friendship...and everything else about this book is absolutely wonderful. The depiction of the folks living in that home... basically just existing and killing time until they die... is heartbreaking, because, unfortunately, there's a lot of truth in that portrayal. Old age may not be for sissies, but as our trio of courageous heroes prove, it ain't over 'til it's over. They prove age is just a number and life is meant to be lived to the fullest.
Did I happen to mention I loved this book? I bet you will, too.
September 20, 2018
Delightful
Harvey, Liz and Thornton are reminders to all of us stay in the present, make amends for the past and look forward to the future, regardless of our age.
Harvey, Liz and Thornton are reminders to all of us stay in the present, make amends for the past and look forward to the future, regardless of our age.
March 7, 2020
At first, I thought the comedy was a little over the top. Then when I thought about the seniors I’m around (and being one myself), I realized those over 70 are wanting to find humor and diversity wherever they can grab it. A fun, humorous read that also has its serious moments of teaching and learning.
February 17, 2023
a book for us Baby Boomers
What a pure joy to read. I loved from page one. Being a mature woman of 71, I could totally relate to any instances of this process called “aging” and how we handle it.
What a pure joy to read. I loved from page one. Being a mature woman of 71, I could totally relate to any instances of this process called “aging” and how we handle it.
September 23, 2019
Very fun to read. True to the lives of those who have reached the age of still wanting to feel useful. Myself included
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read for entertainment. Thanks to the author for writing it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read for entertainment. Thanks to the author for writing it.
September 10, 2020
I love this story
The title caught my attention but the story will stay with me for a very long time. Keep on writing such good, uplifting story lines for all of us "boomers" .
The title caught my attention but the story will stay with me for a very long time. Keep on writing such good, uplifting story lines for all of us "boomers" .
April 27, 2025
Never too late
Such a great, uplifting read about growing old. I'm on the journey myself, and am in a place in my mind where I needed to read a book like this.
It was tasteful, witty, humorous, and mostly thought provoking. One of the best I've read in a long time, mostly because I could so relate to it.
The author put these characters together so well, made them so relatable, and the entire story was a great read. Lessons to learn, and still work to do. As long as we have life, we are worth something.
Such a great, uplifting read about growing old. I'm on the journey myself, and am in a place in my mind where I needed to read a book like this.
It was tasteful, witty, humorous, and mostly thought provoking. One of the best I've read in a long time, mostly because I could so relate to it.
The author put these characters together so well, made them so relatable, and the entire story was a great read. Lessons to learn, and still work to do. As long as we have life, we are worth something.
November 5, 2022
Oldies and Goodies
This book will make you laugh and cry and at the same time it will remind you that life after 70 is not just waiting to die. Author was adept at capturing problems typical of seniors living in senior housing. Book tells how the problems were resolved by a threesome determined to make life better for themselves and fellow residents. Book is a quick read, entertaining and thought provoking.
This book will make you laugh and cry and at the same time it will remind you that life after 70 is not just waiting to die. Author was adept at capturing problems typical of seniors living in senior housing. Book tells how the problems were resolved by a threesome determined to make life better for themselves and fellow residents. Book is a quick read, entertaining and thought provoking.
July 27, 2017
What a road trip! Everyone has something they regret but some regrets are bigger than others. These three oldsters set out to make amends for a sin of their past before it’s too late…in a sporty Camaro no less. Great plot, remarkable characters, each with his/her own story to tell. Didn’t want to put it down.
June 10, 2019
An enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this story so much because you feel the pain and stress of placing aged parents into a rest home. The main characters were not ready to go there, or had no one to care for them. They still had life to live and amends to make for past deeds. No matter our age or role, we still learn.
I enjoyed this story so much because you feel the pain and stress of placing aged parents into a rest home. The main characters were not ready to go there, or had no one to care for them. They still had life to live and amends to make for past deeds. No matter our age or role, we still learn.
March 27, 2019
Delightful reef
This is a heartwarming story of three senior citizens who take a road trip to tie up loose ends in their lives before it is too late. There are some parts that make you laugh and sins that make you cry.
This is a heartwarming story of three senior citizens who take a road trip to tie up loose ends in their lives before it is too late. There are some parts that make you laugh and sins that make you cry.
July 5, 2021
Nice, easy Read!
This Book made me curious so I started reading it.Well,I couldn't put it down..I am two months from being 80 years old,so I can relate to these seniors.It made me wish I could do something like this.lol..Also my maiden name.lol Will be checking out her other books
This Book made me curious so I started reading it.Well,I couldn't put it down..I am two months from being 80 years old,so I can relate to these seniors.It made me wish I could do something like this.lol..Also my maiden name.lol Will be checking out her other books
November 12, 2021
Brings back memories
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I am very glad that I decided to have had the opportunity to do so. It will have you laughing while at the same time it makes you wonder as to what to expect in your future. I do hope you enjoy it.
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I am very glad that I decided to have had the opportunity to do so. It will have you laughing while at the same time it makes you wonder as to what to expect in your future. I do hope you enjoy it.
June 9, 2020
A fun read!
September 15, 2022
Excellent read. The one big negative is that these "Oldies" weren't that old (early 70's). Good character development and good dialogue coupled with a good story equal an excellent book.
February 15, 2025
Seniors
I read this book and loved it. I am a senior and wish there was a place like this for me. It was amazing and I want to thank the person that wrote it. It was so very good.
I read this book and loved it. I am a senior and wish there was a place like this for me. It was amazing and I want to thank the person that wrote it. It was so very good.
June 2, 2023
Comforting to dream
Comforting to dream of feeling light, happy, useful and meaningful in these years on the other side of “middle age”.
Comforting to dream of feeling light, happy, useful and meaningful in these years on the other side of “middle age”.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews