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Curmudgeonism: A Surly Man's Guide to Midlife
Discovering who you are is not just for teenagers. Midlife men must also rediscover the world around them while struggling with their own impending mortality and legacy, especially those who change careers and lifestyles.
Middle-aged men like me are under siege, beset on all sides by personal ambition, internal expectations, familial pressure, disillusionment, uncertainty, and legacy. It’s a constant battle to balance the needs of the self and the needs of others and a struggle to discover which ones really take priority. Some win this battle and some tragically lose.
Curmudgeonism is a state of mind, unwavering, unapologetic, and uninterested in what people think. We are the proverbial old dog that can’t be taught new tricks because we know the old tricks are tried and true. We have firm beliefs that can’t be shaken. Free trade is good. True leaders are rare. Happiness is a luxury. Golf is a waste of time and we don’t have enough years left to be unproductive. We don’t apologize for our views because we’ve spent half a lifetime developing them. Theory and idealism sounds good in school but only until it becomes cost prohibitive and the real world determines ground truth. Curmudgeons are uncaring about what people think and have low expectations on the world because it’s done little more than disappoint us. We’re middle aged and tired of looking, acting, feeling the way people want us to, so we’re breaking out and being who we were meant to be; irascible curs who make the world a better place through brutal honesty. We see this as our duty and take it seriously.
Buy the ticket. Take the ride.
Middle-aged men like me are under siege, beset on all sides by personal ambition, internal expectations, familial pressure, disillusionment, uncertainty, and legacy. It’s a constant battle to balance the needs of the self and the needs of others and a struggle to discover which ones really take priority. Some win this battle and some tragically lose.
Curmudgeonism is a state of mind, unwavering, unapologetic, and uninterested in what people think. We are the proverbial old dog that can’t be taught new tricks because we know the old tricks are tried and true. We have firm beliefs that can’t be shaken. Free trade is good. True leaders are rare. Happiness is a luxury. Golf is a waste of time and we don’t have enough years left to be unproductive. We don’t apologize for our views because we’ve spent half a lifetime developing them. Theory and idealism sounds good in school but only until it becomes cost prohibitive and the real world determines ground truth. Curmudgeons are uncaring about what people think and have low expectations on the world because it’s done little more than disappoint us. We’re middle aged and tired of looking, acting, feeling the way people want us to, so we’re breaking out and being who we were meant to be; irascible curs who make the world a better place through brutal honesty. We see this as our duty and take it seriously.
Buy the ticket. Take the ride.
Unknown Binding
First published September 15, 2014
9 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Crigger
14 books21 followersI’ve written for a plethora of Mixed Martial Arts outlets and in 2007 wrote Title Shot about my journey through the world of professional fighting. That led to two books about Greg Jackson's fighting techniques. A few years ago I met Zak Bagans and struck up a friendship. We decided to write a book about the paranormal together which hit the New York Times bestseller list in October, 2011 and released a sequel in 2015. I wrote a dark humor book about midlife called Curmudgeonism. My debut novel, The Comfort Station, was released in 2016. I'm also the President and owner of Graybeard Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 26, 2014
I wasn't so sure about this book when I agreed to read it for a blog tour. I mean, it sounded funny and very interesting, and I have known a lot of curmudgeons in my lifetime, but most people's idea of funny is just not my idea of funny, and I end up reading the whole thing with a straight face, never laughing once, wondering how the book got so many 5 stars on Amazon. Something was telling me I should give it a try and I am so glad that I did.
This book is beyond what I could have ever expected it to be. Kelly and I, we think the same way about a lot of things, and he had me laughing from the very first page. This is, by far, the funniest book I have read in a long time - and I also learned so much from it.
I love how he described the three different stages of Curmudgeonism and that he's willing to let women be a part of the group. I now have a new fondness for the curmudgeons in my life ... and, fellas, I want to join the tribe.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.
This book is beyond what I could have ever expected it to be. Kelly and I, we think the same way about a lot of things, and he had me laughing from the very first page. This is, by far, the funniest book I have read in a long time - and I also learned so much from it.
I love how he described the three different stages of Curmudgeonism and that he's willing to let women be a part of the group. I now have a new fondness for the curmudgeons in my life ... and, fellas, I want to join the tribe.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.
October 9, 2014
An unexpected combination of humor and insight, reflection and advice, this book is part memoir and part directive. Don't want to goose-step into the PC approach to man – aging? This is the guide you didn't know you needed.
December 14, 2014
Curmudgeonism: A Surly Man's Guide to Midlife by Kelly Crigger is absolutely hilarious. It's funny because its true. One of the most fun books I have read all year. Loved it. Do it again!
September 21, 2016
Not just for midlife
This book has a lot going for it. Perhaps the first thing is it helps to explain just what a curmudgeon is. The author sets an age limit for being a curmudgeon, but I have to disagree with him on that age limit. I feel that the age of curmudgeonism has be beyond 45 in fact curmudgeons improve with age. Now this is not just a book of pithy sayings, but a look at curmudgeonism in the fullest. In fact some of what is said might offend some people, but like the author says you can stop at anytime you want or skip what you don't want to read. As for me I enjoyed this book a great deal. Want to find out what makes curmudgeons tick then have a go at this book.
This book has a lot going for it. Perhaps the first thing is it helps to explain just what a curmudgeon is. The author sets an age limit for being a curmudgeon, but I have to disagree with him on that age limit. I feel that the age of curmudgeonism has be beyond 45 in fact curmudgeons improve with age. Now this is not just a book of pithy sayings, but a look at curmudgeonism in the fullest. In fact some of what is said might offend some people, but like the author says you can stop at anytime you want or skip what you don't want to read. As for me I enjoyed this book a great deal. Want to find out what makes curmudgeons tick then have a go at this book.
July 8, 2016
This is a remarkably fun book to read. I may not be middle aged but this book is inherently good and hitting on things men view and think. the level of curmudgeonism one has is explained and causing the younger man to smile knowing hes growing to become a crotchety and hopefully wise.
If your a true blooded American and a Mans Man, then you should have already read this book. Just for the late review of this book, im going to read it again! and you should too!
If your a true blooded American and a Mans Man, then you should have already read this book. Just for the late review of this book, im going to read it again! and you should too!
January 2, 2015
Has some fun moment, but leaves confused in the end.
The book starts out strong and has some really good moments.
He however quickly runs out of steam and has quite a bit of filler in there.
The book starts out strong and has some really good moments.
He however quickly runs out of steam and has quite a bit of filler in there.
October 16, 2014
Greatest book in the world for middle aged men. But I could be biased.
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December 27, 2015Finally. A training manual for curmudgeons.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews