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Eighty and Out
Traumatized by visits to the nursing home to see their elderly aunt, Louise and her sister Jeannie made a youthful pact to not live past age eighty. Was it a silly childhood idea, or were they wise beyond their years? Most importantly, will they go through with it when the time comes?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2015
625 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Kim Cano
10 books387 followersKim Cano is the author of seven women's fiction novels: A Widow Redefined, On the Inside, Eighty and Out, His Secret Life, When the Time Is Right, The Healing Train, and My Twin in Budapest.
She writes emotionally charged book club reads about second chances, family life, and friendship.
Kim's novelette, The Rescue, is available for free on her website.
She writes emotionally charged book club reads about second chances, family life, and friendship.
Kim's novelette, The Rescue, is available for free on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 22, 2015
I'm going to jump straight in and say that I loved this book! I couldn't put it down and was annoyed by things that got in the way of reading, like going to work and sleeping! I was intrigued about this one from reading the blurb and after working in a nursing home for over 2 years I could see both sides of the argument around the sister's pact. When you are young being 80 seems surreal, something that someone has told you about but you never believe it will happen to you. It is easy to say "that will never be me" or "I would rather be dead" but what happens when you are faced with the decision?
This book follows the life story of a woman born in a time completely foreign to my own, a time when women struggled to get into university and apartheid was commonly accepted, which the Williams family find out at great cost. I was intrigued by Louise, I recognised a lot of myself in the rebellious teenager, in the young woman in love and in the daughter, sister and auntie that she became.
I don't include spoilers in my reviews which regular readers of my blog will know but I can promise you an emotional roller coaster, I laughed with her, cried with her and even gasped out loud (making my fiance jump haha) at a shock that hit Louise and readers like a slap in the face. This book is fantastic one of the best I have read in my time of reviewing for Beck Valley.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
This book follows the life story of a woman born in a time completely foreign to my own, a time when women struggled to get into university and apartheid was commonly accepted, which the Williams family find out at great cost. I was intrigued by Louise, I recognised a lot of myself in the rebellious teenager, in the young woman in love and in the daughter, sister and auntie that she became.
I don't include spoilers in my reviews which regular readers of my blog will know but I can promise you an emotional roller coaster, I laughed with her, cried with her and even gasped out loud (making my fiance jump haha) at a shock that hit Louise and readers like a slap in the face. This book is fantastic one of the best I have read in my time of reviewing for Beck Valley.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
August 9, 2024
Do you ever read a book, and look at the raving reviews and think "did we read the same thing?" I guess it's different strokes for different folks, and people have different expectations and experiences.
I think I felt mislead by the title/premise ... yes, the thought of "taking themselves out" at 80 came up and was mentioned a few times, but that was not really an important part of the book. This was just a straight-forward, chronological life story.
The writing ... it felt like something I would/could do. If(when, back in the school days) I attempted to write a story, it would just fall flat. Like my journal now. All the facts, the who/what/where, but no descriptive writing. In other books sometimes I'll roll my eyes a bit at the overly descriptive language, multiple metaphors and sundry similes. Here? I was actively looking for any! I finally found one " Time passed like a slow-moving train." There was just nothing that evoked feelings/emotions. The "show don't tell" issue? Here "adrenalin coursed through my veins" ... it just seems like most authors would write something more along the lines of "a fire started in my toes and pulsed throughout my body, bursting me at the seems" ... our character hears her sister "shriek with pain" ... when something "from the other room there was a sound like ripping metal that tore at my heart" ...
This was basically a simple life story, starting as a teen and ending as an old woman. There were so many tiny events just dropped in ... why? I mean, if this was an actual life history, but when it's a story, I would like a reason? I don't think these are spoilers, because they have nothing at all to do with the story. Lou seeing a black family's house burn down ... okay, she lives through MLK's assassination and riots, but again, it's a couple paragraphs that doesn't impact her life or the story in any way. I felt like the author was perhaps just attempting to get some black history in to be politically correct? I just wish the events mattered to Lou's story. They don't.
There were a couple of statements nearer the end, that age old "I wished I could go back in time and do things differently" ... I remember feeling some of these same things (the "why is this included?" the writing that didn't really feel sophisticated) with the Middle Falls series (The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver) but there, the twist was the MC DID go back in time, relived life and made changes. I think I would have liked that here. What if Lou had gone on that early trip, what she counseled Jeannie differently, etc).
The early years felt odd ... such a stigma on "riding in a car with boys" being such an awful thing, yet we have Jeannie "in love" with an older man at 13. Lou gets very involved at a young age, sex before marriage (the keeping girls out of cars with boys doesn't seem to keep the kids chaste). Jeannie's situation ... just dropped, no impact on the story (why was it even included, just to make readers thing Jeannie/ and Lou are pretty terrible people for lying?) Lou's moments with Juan ... yes, that circled around, but was that really believable? Then let's just throw pretty much everything at Lou, in a story that intimates committing suicide regardless of the situation.
So honestly - I've had some feelings. I don't want to grow old. It's been strong for years and years and it hasn't changed. There's a list of things "to do" before (more requirements/duties, not a bucket list) and then ... I'm good to go. There's such a stigma and suicide, a quick diagnosis and death, dying in one's sleep, just dropping ... not so bad. I guess I was just expecting a LOT more to deal with the thoughts/choice, changing feelings, impacts on others, about the 80 and out. And 80 ... my line is lower.
No proFanity. Some sex, nothing super explicit ("we made love" ... as mentioned above, nothing very descriptive in the whole book). 1st person/past tense ... it felt like Lou (if a real person, but not really a writer) was asked to write her life history in novel form.
I think I felt mislead by the title/premise ... yes, the thought of "taking themselves out" at 80 came up and was mentioned a few times, but that was not really an important part of the book. This was just a straight-forward, chronological life story.
The writing ... it felt like something I would/could do. If(when, back in the school days) I attempted to write a story, it would just fall flat. Like my journal now. All the facts, the who/what/where, but no descriptive writing. In other books sometimes I'll roll my eyes a bit at the overly descriptive language, multiple metaphors and sundry similes. Here? I was actively looking for any! I finally found one " Time passed like a slow-moving train." There was just nothing that evoked feelings/emotions. The "show don't tell" issue? Here "adrenalin coursed through my veins" ... it just seems like most authors would write something more along the lines of "a fire started in my toes and pulsed throughout my body, bursting me at the seems" ... our character hears her sister "shriek with pain" ... when something "from the other room there was a sound like ripping metal that tore at my heart" ...
This was basically a simple life story, starting as a teen and ending as an old woman. There were so many tiny events just dropped in ... why? I mean, if this was an actual life history, but when it's a story, I would like a reason? I don't think these are spoilers, because they have nothing at all to do with the story. Lou seeing a black family's house burn down ... okay, she lives through MLK's assassination and riots, but again, it's a couple paragraphs that doesn't impact her life or the story in any way. I felt like the author was perhaps just attempting to get some black history in to be politically correct? I just wish the events mattered to Lou's story. They don't.
There were a couple of statements nearer the end, that age old "I wished I could go back in time and do things differently" ... I remember feeling some of these same things (the "why is this included?" the writing that didn't really feel sophisticated) with the Middle Falls series (The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver) but there, the twist was the MC DID go back in time, relived life and made changes. I think I would have liked that here. What if Lou had gone on that early trip, what she counseled Jeannie differently, etc).
The early years felt odd ... such a stigma on "riding in a car with boys" being such an awful thing, yet we have Jeannie "in love" with an older man at 13. Lou gets very involved at a young age, sex before marriage (the keeping girls out of cars with boys doesn't seem to keep the kids chaste). Jeannie's situation ... just dropped, no impact on the story (why was it even included, just to make readers thing Jeannie/ and Lou are pretty terrible people for lying?) Lou's moments with Juan ... yes, that circled around, but was that really believable? Then let's just throw pretty much everything at Lou, in a story that intimates committing suicide regardless of the situation.
So honestly - I've had some feelings. I don't want to grow old. It's been strong for years and years and it hasn't changed. There's a list of things "to do" before (more requirements/duties, not a bucket list) and then ... I'm good to go. There's such a stigma and suicide, a quick diagnosis and death, dying in one's sleep, just dropping ... not so bad. I guess I was just expecting a LOT more to deal with the thoughts/choice, changing feelings, impacts on others, about the 80 and out. And 80 ... my line is lower.
No proFanity. Some sex, nothing super explicit ("we made love" ... as mentioned above, nothing very descriptive in the whole book). 1st person/past tense ... it felt like Lou (if a real person, but not really a writer) was asked to write her life history in novel form.
December 9, 2021
I found this book on a whim. This was a really good book even though it took me a while. It’s about the life of a woman from a young girl to older woman and what happens to her & her family through the years. I highly recommend this book.
August 27, 2015
Eighty and Out by Kim Cano is my favorite book I have read so far this year. Kim Cano is an artist at developing complex characters and being able to span a life time. She didn’t create a character but rather a person. This book takes place through Louise’s lifespan beginning in the 1950’s. After watching her aunt wither in a nursing home Louise and her sister Jeannie made a pact to not live past eighty years old. While this was not directly connected to the majority of the story it came full circle by the end of the novel. You go through life with Louise watching her grow and change through the years. As a character it was really easy to relate to her, her personality and life events made it so people at different points in their life could enjoy.
This author touched on so many topics and intertwined them with the lives of her characters. She addresses things like as divorce, death and all the stages of grieving that go with those events.
This review was hard to write not because I had nothing to say but because I want to tell the whole story. I have already recommended this book to many of my friends. Nothing is better than reading it for yourself. I can tell you this, putting down the bock will not seem like an option till it is finished.
Thank you Kim Cano I am looking to reading more of your works in the future.
This author touched on so many topics and intertwined them with the lives of her characters. She addresses things like as divorce, death and all the stages of grieving that go with those events.
This review was hard to write not because I had nothing to say but because I want to tell the whole story. I have already recommended this book to many of my friends. Nothing is better than reading it for yourself. I can tell you this, putting down the bock will not seem like an option till it is finished.
Thank you Kim Cano I am looking to reading more of your works in the future.
May 9, 2015
What to say about Eighty and Out…
I loved it. I couldn’t put it down.
The book follows Lou (short for Louise) from a young girl visiting her great aunt in the nursing home to her being that favorite aunt and great aunt.
I felt that I could relate to with Lou – she had so many trials to overcome. She suffered more loss than one can expect to survive. For me, I have lost so many people in my life that I felt every emotion she did.
Every time she seemed to go one step forward, something else would knock her on her rear.
But, she never gave up.
Lou was a fighter.
Eighty and Out puts you right in time with the characters and you can not only live the smell of the nursing home (especially if you have ever been to one) but can feel the love, the pain, the loss, the hurt, the betrayal that occurs throughout the book.
This isn’t your typical love story romance read. It’s not a mystery. It is a straight women’s fiction novel that follows the life of a girl into a woman.
Honestly, this is one to keep on the shelves and read again.
I loved it. I couldn’t put it down.
The book follows Lou (short for Louise) from a young girl visiting her great aunt in the nursing home to her being that favorite aunt and great aunt.
I felt that I could relate to with Lou – she had so many trials to overcome. She suffered more loss than one can expect to survive. For me, I have lost so many people in my life that I felt every emotion she did.
Every time she seemed to go one step forward, something else would knock her on her rear.
But, she never gave up.
Lou was a fighter.
Eighty and Out puts you right in time with the characters and you can not only live the smell of the nursing home (especially if you have ever been to one) but can feel the love, the pain, the loss, the hurt, the betrayal that occurs throughout the book.
This isn’t your typical love story romance read. It’s not a mystery. It is a straight women’s fiction novel that follows the life of a girl into a woman.
Honestly, this is one to keep on the shelves and read again.
April 16, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book from the start. It's written really well and the story flows nicely, for the most part. There were some moments in the story that were predictable and some that made me gasp with surprise! Overall, it was one of those books that you enjoy the ups and downs of the journey you're on and are left with a smile and peaceful closure.
February 19, 2020
Growing up in the 1950s, Louise and her little sister, Jeannie lived the typical family life with their parents in the busy city of Chicago. But Louise always dreamed of living on a ranch in the southwest and owning horses. She knew that was her destiny. One of the most dreaded things Louise had to do was visit her Aunt Violet in the nursing home. While she thought her aunt was nice, she hated the smell and seeing all the older people just waiting to die. She and Jeannie made a pact: They would live their lives to the fullest and go out on their own terms at eighty. But life doesn’t always go exactly as planned.
Eighty and Out is a well-written novel with interesting characters and a unique storyline. The story begins with the girls as children and follows them throughout their lives. We experience their highs and lows, joyful times, heartaches, and disappointments. Dreams change and sometimes hope fades, but Louise stays strong through it all. It is a heartfelt story that readers of women’s fiction novels are sure to enjoy.
Eighty and Out is a well-written novel with interesting characters and a unique storyline. The story begins with the girls as children and follows them throughout their lives. We experience their highs and lows, joyful times, heartaches, and disappointments. Dreams change and sometimes hope fades, but Louise stays strong through it all. It is a heartfelt story that readers of women’s fiction novels are sure to enjoy.
February 13, 2025
This is a sweet, often charming, but ultimately lacking in enough depth for a 4-star rating. Two sisters decide as little girls that they never want to end up like their decrepit Aunt Violet, running out her life clock in pain and loneliness in a nursing home. Rather than do that, they decide, if they make it to eighty, they will end it there by their own hand. The rest of the book is the story of their lives. They were just regular lives, nothing overly interesting. It was still an enjoyable read, though. SPOILER: the book ends before Louise turns eighty. While we suspect we know whether she will keep her vow or not, we don’t REALLY know, and the resulting mild frustration is another reason for my 3-star rating.
December 14, 2015
As with all of Kim Cano's books that I have read, you become mesmerized by the story, the characters come to life somehow making a special bond with the reader, you instantly feel connected to them. This is a beautiful, gentle story of coming of age, love, loss, despair and happiness,
The story follows two sisters, Lou and Jeannie, along with Lou's best friend Bernice. They found themselves growing up in the racial hate timeline which was harsh and choosing whether to follow the pressure groups or your own heart and beliefs is a choice that they must make. Another choice the sisters made together was never to allow themselves to live past 80, to end up as their poor Aunt Violet has, living in a nursing home with her full life withering away to frailty.
As they grow through school, college and beyond their friendships grow, relationships start with the innocence of first love and dreams of their futures are created. But do they allow their hearts to win over their minds and follow their dreams ? Do they stick to their childhood sisterly pact?
There is always a lovely tone when reading this author's work, the light humor to this one made me smile from the things the parents said to the kids themselves and the way their minds work. Although I felt the emotional highs, I also felt the tremendous lows and the story line definitely pulled at my heartstrings with some of the sadness. I have to admit though at one part of the book I did shout out with anger, but I'm not telling you why!
I loved the close bonds of friendship and the sisterly love within the story. I also loved that the story highlighted that life is precious and love is what keeps life moving on even in those hard times.
The story follows two sisters, Lou and Jeannie, along with Lou's best friend Bernice. They found themselves growing up in the racial hate timeline which was harsh and choosing whether to follow the pressure groups or your own heart and beliefs is a choice that they must make. Another choice the sisters made together was never to allow themselves to live past 80, to end up as their poor Aunt Violet has, living in a nursing home with her full life withering away to frailty.
As they grow through school, college and beyond their friendships grow, relationships start with the innocence of first love and dreams of their futures are created. But do they allow their hearts to win over their minds and follow their dreams ? Do they stick to their childhood sisterly pact?
There is always a lovely tone when reading this author's work, the light humor to this one made me smile from the things the parents said to the kids themselves and the way their minds work. Although I felt the emotional highs, I also felt the tremendous lows and the story line definitely pulled at my heartstrings with some of the sadness. I have to admit though at one part of the book I did shout out with anger, but I'm not telling you why!
I loved the close bonds of friendship and the sisterly love within the story. I also loved that the story highlighted that life is precious and love is what keeps life moving on even in those hard times.
May 6, 2015
A Page Turning Narrative Filled with Love, Passion and Pain…
From the first page you delve into the delightful story of two sisters and two friends that describes a tale of everlasting love and support. Lou is the main character and she definitely takes center stage in this endearing account of two young girls discovering their place in the world. The story describes what seems to be just an ordinary life in an ordinary town with two young girls secretly planning their future in spite of their parents’ expectations. Sounds pretty common but that is why this story is so relevant.
The author, Kim Cano, offers such a colorful explanation of life’s milestones that most normal young girls face. The journey begins with the sisters, Lou and Jeannie, visiting their Aunt Violet’s smelly convalescent room as kids where they make a pact to never get that old. “Eighty and out,” was the vow they made. The journey then takes you through their angst filled teen years up to their inevitable deaths. In between all of this there is love, children, passion and pain. The twists and turns offer the reader a page turning narrative that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and cry tears of joy and sadness.
I am so glad I read this book and cannot wait to read more from this author. Her ability to explain regular ole life in such a descriptive and detailed way makes you sit back and reflect on how much life is worth. A definite must-read!
From the first page you delve into the delightful story of two sisters and two friends that describes a tale of everlasting love and support. Lou is the main character and she definitely takes center stage in this endearing account of two young girls discovering their place in the world. The story describes what seems to be just an ordinary life in an ordinary town with two young girls secretly planning their future in spite of their parents’ expectations. Sounds pretty common but that is why this story is so relevant.
The author, Kim Cano, offers such a colorful explanation of life’s milestones that most normal young girls face. The journey begins with the sisters, Lou and Jeannie, visiting their Aunt Violet’s smelly convalescent room as kids where they make a pact to never get that old. “Eighty and out,” was the vow they made. The journey then takes you through their angst filled teen years up to their inevitable deaths. In between all of this there is love, children, passion and pain. The twists and turns offer the reader a page turning narrative that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and cry tears of joy and sadness.
I am so glad I read this book and cannot wait to read more from this author. Her ability to explain regular ole life in such a descriptive and detailed way makes you sit back and reflect on how much life is worth. A definite must-read!
May 13, 2015
This is a heartbreaking tale of a young girl coming of age in the early part of the 20th century. Growing up, Lou's (Louise) family wants rich, but were decidedly comfortable. Her aunt Violet's time in a nursing home helped Lou and her sister Jeannie form a pact. A pact that said "80 and then I'm outta here!"
Lou struggles to fit into what society has in store for her as a teenage girl. She doesn't understand why integration is a difficult thing. It darn near broke my heart watching her live through those difficult times. She dreams of moving west and finding a husband with a ranch. Instead of following her dreams she marries young (still in high school). Yeah, he seems like a great guy, gives her the typically "American Dream," you know the white picket fence, yada yada yada, but it means giving up her dreams.
Historical fiction is a genre that makes your reflect on how life is today. Kim Cano expertly draws you into the world of women in the early 20th Century. A time that feels so long ago, but is really only yesterday in the grand scheme of things.
Is the American Dream enough? Can Lou give up her personal dreams for what is expected of her? Will the sisters stick to their pact? Grab a copy! I guarantee that you will LOVE it too!
Lou struggles to fit into what society has in store for her as a teenage girl. She doesn't understand why integration is a difficult thing. It darn near broke my heart watching her live through those difficult times. She dreams of moving west and finding a husband with a ranch. Instead of following her dreams she marries young (still in high school). Yeah, he seems like a great guy, gives her the typically "American Dream," you know the white picket fence, yada yada yada, but it means giving up her dreams.
Historical fiction is a genre that makes your reflect on how life is today. Kim Cano expertly draws you into the world of women in the early 20th Century. A time that feels so long ago, but is really only yesterday in the grand scheme of things.
Is the American Dream enough? Can Lou give up her personal dreams for what is expected of her? Will the sisters stick to their pact? Grab a copy! I guarantee that you will LOVE it too!
May 1, 2015
I am going to start off by saying this isn't a book I should have continued reading right after watching a super emotional episode of Grey's Anatomy! I cried so much in the 4/30 episode of Grey's, & finished this book on 5/1, and ended up crying even more!
This book focuses on the bond between 2 sisters and a best friend. They go through the ups and downs of life, from pre-teen years to adulthood. The book starts in the 1950's or pretty close to around there and ends in the 2000s!
I cried with Louise on so many occasions towards the end of this book. There were some sad times, but that's life. The heartbreak that Louise went through was astounding, and she lost almost every person in her family. I wanted to reach in and slap Jim, her husband. I really felt bad for her.
This book made me laugh, cry and gasp. There were parts of the book that were super predictable, yet others were super surprising!
I wasn't sure what I would think of the book & how long it would take me to get into it but I read all 43 chapters in 2 days. Over 20 chapters the first day & the rest on the 2nd day.
Amazing book! I really enjoyed it!
This book focuses on the bond between 2 sisters and a best friend. They go through the ups and downs of life, from pre-teen years to adulthood. The book starts in the 1950's or pretty close to around there and ends in the 2000s!
I cried with Louise on so many occasions towards the end of this book. There were some sad times, but that's life. The heartbreak that Louise went through was astounding, and she lost almost every person in her family. I wanted to reach in and slap Jim, her husband. I really felt bad for her.
This book made me laugh, cry and gasp. There were parts of the book that were super predictable, yet others were super surprising!
I wasn't sure what I would think of the book & how long it would take me to get into it but I read all 43 chapters in 2 days. Over 20 chapters the first day & the rest on the 2nd day.
Amazing book! I really enjoyed it!
May 7, 2015
Just reading the blurb about the book, I could see me being Louise and making the pact not to live past age eighty.
Reading the Prologue, even though it said "back in the fifties," I could relate to the book already with the statement, "We'd seen our fair share of old people..." Reading Chapter One, was like someone had gone and visited an old relative with me! The author, Kim Cano, does a great job of describing all of those things a young person thinks when visiting an elderly person - especially, "I was thankful when it was time to go."
The story follows Louise throughout her life and the ups and downs she went through. All the while, remembering the pact that she made with her sister. Louise's story could be anyone's - the struggles, the missed opportunities, the loves, the loss, the friendship. I love how Louise's story covers all of it and how it down-to-earth it is. It covers someone's life story and how the curves and turns in the road take you down a different road than you expect and how you make the most of the life you have.
I think if you like memoirs, you would like this novel.
Reading the Prologue, even though it said "back in the fifties," I could relate to the book already with the statement, "We'd seen our fair share of old people..." Reading Chapter One, was like someone had gone and visited an old relative with me! The author, Kim Cano, does a great job of describing all of those things a young person thinks when visiting an elderly person - especially, "I was thankful when it was time to go."
The story follows Louise throughout her life and the ups and downs she went through. All the while, remembering the pact that she made with her sister. Louise's story could be anyone's - the struggles, the missed opportunities, the loves, the loss, the friendship. I love how Louise's story covers all of it and how it down-to-earth it is. It covers someone's life story and how the curves and turns in the road take you down a different road than you expect and how you make the most of the life you have.
I think if you like memoirs, you would like this novel.
May 15, 2015
This is a love story … yes, romantic love, but also love between sisters, love between parents and children, and love between friends.
Lou and Jeannie were sisters growing up in Chicago during the 60’s. Their family regularly visited an elderly aunt in a nursing home. They loved their aunt, but like most young people, they didn’t like going there. Seeing the sick & elderly residents freaked them out … so they made a secret pact – they wouldn’t let each other suffer in old age – hence, eighty & out.
The story follows Lou’s life from high school through adulthood and into old age. She has many ups & downs, happiness and sorrows. We live vicariously through her experiences … we read of times before “political correctness”, of racism and civil rights, of the Viet Nam War, of sexism, of computers and Y2K.
Kim Cano does a wonderful job introducing her characters and making her reader feel connected to them. Right from the first chapter, I cared for these people like they were my friends. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I loved this book … 2 thumbs up and 5 stars :)
Lou and Jeannie were sisters growing up in Chicago during the 60’s. Their family regularly visited an elderly aunt in a nursing home. They loved their aunt, but like most young people, they didn’t like going there. Seeing the sick & elderly residents freaked them out … so they made a secret pact – they wouldn’t let each other suffer in old age – hence, eighty & out.
The story follows Lou’s life from high school through adulthood and into old age. She has many ups & downs, happiness and sorrows. We live vicariously through her experiences … we read of times before “political correctness”, of racism and civil rights, of the Viet Nam War, of sexism, of computers and Y2K.
Kim Cano does a wonderful job introducing her characters and making her reader feel connected to them. Right from the first chapter, I cared for these people like they were my friends. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I loved this book … 2 thumbs up and 5 stars :)
May 4, 2015
If you have ever had to visit a relative in a nursing home you will be able to understand why these two sisters made a pact to die by the age of eighty. I watched my Grandmother in one with advanced dementia and I actually worked in a couple of nursing homes over the years in their accounting departments. It is not easy watching these once vibrant people slowly deteriorate. I more or less made myself the same promise all those years ago.
Of course life never ever goes totally smooth as we all know and love comes and goes. You meet someone and you know that he or she is the one--but then the summer or vacation is over and you have to go back. It is even worse when the love of your life goes into the army and is deemed missing in action. This is what happens to Jeanette--so she eventually gets married--
Fate plays a large part in this novel as does the love between sisters and family. Kim Cano is one of the great writers of our time who will make you feel and think, laugh and cry and in the end nod your head in agreement.
Of course life never ever goes totally smooth as we all know and love comes and goes. You meet someone and you know that he or she is the one--but then the summer or vacation is over and you have to go back. It is even worse when the love of your life goes into the army and is deemed missing in action. This is what happens to Jeanette--so she eventually gets married--
Fate plays a large part in this novel as does the love between sisters and family. Kim Cano is one of the great writers of our time who will make you feel and think, laugh and cry and in the end nod your head in agreement.
March 18, 2016
2016 has been quite a sad year for deaths so far. We have had some really famous celebrities die and also I have lost two family members. It's safe to say I am fed up death this year. Watching family members deteriorate so quickly over the years has made me afraid of getting old, getting ill and just basically waiting to die. With that said, I can really relate to the book.
I am not trying to give away too much as it will spoil it for the rest of you but this book will make you cry! So make sure you have your tissues ready, especially for the last half of the book. It will also give you the harsh reminder that life is indeed short and you should cherish every moment. You need to laugh, smile and love as often as you can, you only get one life, make it count.
The book is well written an definitely a page turner, I couldn't put it down
I received a free copy of the book for an honest review
I am not trying to give away too much as it will spoil it for the rest of you but this book will make you cry! So make sure you have your tissues ready, especially for the last half of the book. It will also give you the harsh reminder that life is indeed short and you should cherish every moment. You need to laugh, smile and love as often as you can, you only get one life, make it count.
The book is well written an definitely a page turner, I couldn't put it down
I received a free copy of the book for an honest review
May 22, 2015
I LOVE this book! The story of the lives of Louise and Jeannie, along with Lou's best friend Bernice, is so emotional and honest. We get to see the good and the bad, and we're always wondering whether or not it will end with the sisters carrying out their pact.
I found myself wanting to lecture the girls at times on their decisions. There are secrets and lies, and their lives are touched by racism, war, riots and feminism along with all the "normal" life events: love, marriage, babies, death, divorce.
This is one of the best women's fiction stories I've read in a long while. I would recommend it to all my female friends.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
I found myself wanting to lecture the girls at times on their decisions. There are secrets and lies, and their lives are touched by racism, war, riots and feminism along with all the "normal" life events: love, marriage, babies, death, divorce.
This is one of the best women's fiction stories I've read in a long while. I would recommend it to all my female friends.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
May 12, 2015
This is a beautiful story of aging and friendship. Growing up around the elderly and seeing the effects of aging in action it can be devastating and could easily be something the younger generation wishes to avoid.
We see Lou grow and learn about herself and the world. Will she eventually want to live past 80 and see all of the what life has when you live every moment or will she just want to be Eighty and then get out? I can understand her sentiments as a child and loved watching her grow as she aged. The way Kim Cano develops the story and the characters is flawless and it's to follow all while watching Lou's story unfold.
If you're looking for a nice read this summer this is it!
We see Lou grow and learn about herself and the world. Will she eventually want to live past 80 and see all of the what life has when you live every moment or will she just want to be Eighty and then get out? I can understand her sentiments as a child and loved watching her grow as she aged. The way Kim Cano develops the story and the characters is flawless and it's to follow all while watching Lou's story unfold.
If you're looking for a nice read this summer this is it!
July 22, 2015
This was a book that was while I enjoyed reading it, I found it to be emotionally draining. I don't mean that in a bad way. It follows two sisters from childhood and the author gives us bits of things that went on through the years as they grow up. I became very attached to the sisters and their family.
Lou, the eldest sister went through so much pain and losses, it just broke my heart. My mother passed away last year and this story touched me even more because of that. The author did an excellent job at describing the grief, pain, love, and hurt that the characters went through in the story.
I would recommend this book but be prepared for tears. It's a book that will stay with you. And once you start reading, it is hard to put down!
Lou, the eldest sister went through so much pain and losses, it just broke my heart. My mother passed away last year and this story touched me even more because of that. The author did an excellent job at describing the grief, pain, love, and hurt that the characters went through in the story.
I would recommend this book but be prepared for tears. It's a book that will stay with you. And once you start reading, it is hard to put down!
March 25, 2015
I just finished reading Kim Cano’s novel Eighty and Out. The story was thought-provoking. In fact, I thought about it for days after reading it. The story revolves around the bond between two sisters and a best friend that spans a lifetime. Ms. Cano has quite a talent for developing characters that seem to come alive for the reader.
Eighty and Out is a story of love, sadness, and betrayal. It's also about the strength of one woman who has many obstacles thrown at her throughout life and her struggle to endure what real life sends her way. It made me laugh and cry, but also question what I would do if I were in her position. This is a must read, very emotional book.
Eighty and Out is a story of love, sadness, and betrayal. It's also about the strength of one woman who has many obstacles thrown at her throughout life and her struggle to endure what real life sends her way. It made me laugh and cry, but also question what I would do if I were in her position. This is a must read, very emotional book.
May 5, 2015
When Louise and her sister Jeannie were young, they made a pact to not live past 80. As they got older, life happened. They each got married. Jeannie had a daughter. Louise’s best friend Bernice moved away and got married. Now that Louise is older and wiser, she wonders if the pact was silly, or if she should give it more thought.
I guarantee this story will tug at your heartstrings. I only wish that I had the type of bond with my sister that Louise and Jeannie had growing up. Life happens to us all and we wish we could turn back the years. Even so, memories are what makes us who we are. This poignant story will have you thinking about it long after reading it.
I guarantee this story will tug at your heartstrings. I only wish that I had the type of bond with my sister that Louise and Jeannie had growing up. Life happens to us all and we wish we could turn back the years. Even so, memories are what makes us who we are. This poignant story will have you thinking about it long after reading it.
April 25, 2019
"Eighty and Out" is written in a very unique style. It follows the protagonist from early childhood all the way through her golden years. The author took snapshots of Louise's life at its various stages: as a child dreading going to the nursing home, as a preteen when desegregation begins, as a teenager falling in love, as a young adult finding her niche, as a middle aged woman going through life's difficult trials, and as an elderly woman reflecting on her life. Louise was someone that I could relate to, which made the story very engaging.
The book was well written with an interesting plot that causes the reader to ponder what is most important in life. Definitely worth a read!
The book was well written with an interesting plot that causes the reader to ponder what is most important in life. Definitely worth a read!
May 13, 2015
Eighty and out by Kim Cano is a book that surprises you. It’s the story of two sisters who make a pact to never make it past eighty, to never have to see the horrors that are associated with growing old and living in nursing homes, to live life to the fullest and then just snap, be done. But only one sister truly decides to live for that promise….read and discover an enthralling world, the emotionally charged story of a girl who loves, lives, grieves, loses and stays strong through all the pains of age... as she discovers her true fate!
March 12, 2015
5 stars for one of Ms. Cano's Best!!
An emotionally-charged women's fiction novel about the bond between sisters, friendship, and fate, Eighty and Out will have you deliberating your destiny.
Loved it!
An emotionally-charged women's fiction novel about the bond between sisters, friendship, and fate, Eighty and Out will have you deliberating your destiny.
Loved it!
October 3, 2015
How disappointing! This book is not about aging - it's written for pre-teens! And full of malaprops! Who, in the fifties, responds with "no problem" instead of "you're welcome"? I couldn't finish it and don't understand the hype...
September 28, 2015
I was completely drawn into this book. I felt like Lou was someone I knew and grew up with. I can't give this book enough stars, thumbs up or wordy accolades to show how much I enjoyed it.
September 21, 2025
The concept of this book is both timely and interesting "Death With Dignity". The execution, for lake of a better term, falls short.
This is basically an easy reading women's novel with a little mention of death with dignity thrown in.
The opening chapter makes this book seem like it could be dark, and a sad read, but once you get to chapter two it is just the telling of Lou's life. A young girl born in the early 1950's. This was such a colorful time in the world, with Rock music coming to the for front, the birth of the women's movement, Viet Nam. But these topics are just briefly touched on. The main focus is on Lou, and her early years.
Towards the end of the book, maybe the last 75 pages, the author seems to realize that there was a lot more life to tell, and just rushes through bring Lou from a young wife, to middle age, boarding on senior in just a few chapters.
The writing style was choppy, with short sentences, that sometimes ended abruptly. It read like a new writer who was just getting her feet wet. I was surprised to find that this author had written 7 books and this was the third one she had written.
So, would I recommend this book, I don't know; maybe. Would I read another book by this author. Pretty sure the answer is no.
This is basically an easy reading women's novel with a little mention of death with dignity thrown in.
The opening chapter makes this book seem like it could be dark, and a sad read, but once you get to chapter two it is just the telling of Lou's life. A young girl born in the early 1950's. This was such a colorful time in the world, with Rock music coming to the for front, the birth of the women's movement, Viet Nam. But these topics are just briefly touched on. The main focus is on Lou, and her early years.
Towards the end of the book, maybe the last 75 pages, the author seems to realize that there was a lot more life to tell, and just rushes through bring Lou from a young wife, to middle age, boarding on senior in just a few chapters.
The writing style was choppy, with short sentences, that sometimes ended abruptly. It read like a new writer who was just getting her feet wet. I was surprised to find that this author had written 7 books and this was the third one she had written.
So, would I recommend this book, I don't know; maybe. Would I read another book by this author. Pretty sure the answer is no.
October 13, 2022
Baby-boomers will identify with the narrator of this story as a woman named Louise (Lou) takes us on this retrospective recounting of her life journey. The story opens in the 1950s when Lou and her sister Jeannie are on one of many visits to a nursing home to visit Aunt Violet – their mother’s aunt. Violet is in her last years and Lou is disgusted by the sights and smells of the place. The two sisters make a vow never to get to that point in their lives and decide they only want to live until the age of 80.
Louise takes us on her journey through her life, highlighted by the growing pains, the dreams put on hold, and the one life-long friend she could rely upon. We traverse the wasteland of life dotted with marriage, divorce, death and grief, and finally personal illness. The tale ends with her finding a semblance of her youthful dreams at a bittersweet time in her life.
Told in a most relatable manner, baby-boomers will find parallels to their own lives. This reader speaks from the experiences as I am one of those baby-boomers. And while many may find the conclusion hopeful, I thought it sad. But decide for yourself.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Louise takes us on her journey through her life, highlighted by the growing pains, the dreams put on hold, and the one life-long friend she could rely upon. We traverse the wasteland of life dotted with marriage, divorce, death and grief, and finally personal illness. The tale ends with her finding a semblance of her youthful dreams at a bittersweet time in her life.
Told in a most relatable manner, baby-boomers will find parallels to their own lives. This reader speaks from the experiences as I am one of those baby-boomers. And while many may find the conclusion hopeful, I thought it sad. But decide for yourself.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
October 3, 2021
This was a quick read. I thought it was interesting and good until I got to the last chapters. Then things happened so fast; it seemed like the author was in a big hurry to tie everything ASAP. Had that not happened I would have probably given it 4 stars. This is the story of sisters Lou and Jeannie who are growing up in a middle class home In Chicago. There are also numerous other characters including their great aunt Violet who lives is a nursing home, Lou’s best friend, Bernice and numerous other friends and boyfriends. The reader is privy to all the ups and downs Lou experiences as an adolescent, a teenager, a young bride and a married woman. It is a book about growing old and all the changes that entails. The title comes from a pact Lou and her sister make after weekly visits to see their 90plus great aunt Violet who is confined to her bed due to her arthritis. To avoid the negative consequences of living so long, they decide they want to live to 80 and then go out! !
January 27, 2022
Life seen through a child's eyes, beginning back in the late fifties through present day, is eye- opening and the feelings are true.
The pact of "Eighty and Out" was made after Lou and her younger sister are made to go to the nursing home, week after week with their parents to visit an old Aunt.
It's too much to watch these people change.
Lou and Jeannie are "DONE" after eighty. Nobody is going to make them live in a place like this. EVER!
But... is life fair? As time goes on and the girls grow up, their journey is not easy, but is it time to carry out the plan?
I really enjoyed this story as growing up in this time, I also saw many of the same things. A wonderful detailed novel of family, heartbreak and love.
The pact of "Eighty and Out" was made after Lou and her younger sister are made to go to the nursing home, week after week with their parents to visit an old Aunt.
It's too much to watch these people change.
Lou and Jeannie are "DONE" after eighty. Nobody is going to make them live in a place like this. EVER!
But... is life fair? As time goes on and the girls grow up, their journey is not easy, but is it time to carry out the plan?
I really enjoyed this story as growing up in this time, I also saw many of the same things. A wonderful detailed novel of family, heartbreak and love.
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