The Swayze Year: You’re Not Old, You’re Just Getting Started!

by Colleen A.F. Venable, Meghan Daly

Did you know that Patrick Swayze was 35 when he got his big break in Dirty Dancing ? The Swayze Year is an entertaining and inspiring humor book that proves you’re never too old to reach your potential.

The Swayze Year celebrates later-in-life wins with short profiles of one person for every year from age 35 to age 100 who climbed mountains—metaphorical and literal—wrote their own storylines, and found their happy little trees at a more mature age. With wit, humor, and warmth, The Swayze Year proves that no matter how old you are, you’re not done yet. Featured profiles

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Biography, Graphic Novels, History, Audiobook

145 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2023

About the author

You might know me from such films as "Colleen's Fourth Birthday Party" and "Colleen Falls Down Over and Over Again While Ice Skating."

Fun facts!
-I have a huge connect-the-dots tattoo.
-I accidentally started an international holiday.
(See National Pancake Day or Lumberjack Day, every Sept 26)
-I once sang back-up on an album nominated for the Polka Grammy.
-I can't sing.
-When I was 18, I broke a national coed jump-rope record.

My debut YA graphic novel Kiss Number 8 was a National Book Award Longlist title, an Eisner nominee, and a Prism award finalist.

My graphic novel series Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye (illustrated by Stephanie Yue) was nominated for an Eisner for Best Publication for Kids and awarded “Best Book” recognition from Kirkus Reviews, NYPL, Bank Street, and the Junior Library Guild.

I grew up in the trees of Walden, New York….well, not very high up the trees, since I always got scared, but I did carve my name in a lot of low hanging boughs. I had an older sister, a dog, a cat, a million fish, and an imaginary pet hamster named, yup you guessed it, Hamisher. Why have an imaginary friend when you can have an imaginary friend that can fit in your pocket!

I went to Wagner College and double majored in English and Studio Art, winning the award of “biggest dork” (aka first in my class)

I love graphic novels more than I love having feet and I really do love having feet. They keep my shoes on.

Pssst My name is actually spelled Colleen AF Venable. No punctuation. My birth name was Colleen Ann Venable, but in 1994 I asked to change my middle name to Felicity, because that's the sort of thing you do when you are 14. So I started to go by Colleen AF...mostly because I was bad at typing periods. The internet either ruined my name or made it SO MUCH COOLER. You can decide.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book grew on me as I read it. The premise is interesting, starting from age 35, with someone listed for every year until 100 (possibly further, I honestly don't recall), the authors give a quick "funny" intro and then a paragraph or two about the person and what they did when they turned 35, 36, 37, etc. A different person for each age, it celebrated those older than 35 and what they achieved at that age.

The intro for each person sometimes was funny, but other times it left me scratching my head because it made no sense, or shaking my head because I understood it, but it wasn't funny in the slightest, at least to me.

Also, the format REAAAAALLY plumped the book page number up. Page with a design/drawn picture of the subject (not a lot of drawn pictures, mostly random designs), their mini-bio on the next page, turn and repeat.

I started to warm up to this book when I was interested in the person they were introducing the reader to and I went on Google searches to find out more about the person, as one to two paragraphs doesn't do much other than whet the appetite for more.

All I can say is, Google Willie Murphy, 82 year old weightlifter. She is amazing and I need to start lifting weights, lol.

This was ok. It would make a good bathroom book, as the mini-bios don't take much time to read. The reason I took so long to read this was I kept looking up the people they discussed. It would make a cute/fun Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.

3, interesting concept executed for those with short attention spans, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Mickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a 20-something-year-old, frequent user of the phrase “I’m too old for…”, and an over thinker throughout, this book was a fun little comfort book to help settle and ease any nerves that come with getting older. I had just wanted a quick and easy read to run out of this little reading slump I was in, but I got a lot more than that. And I can very much see this sitting on coffee tables and being flipped through by guests, interested by the stars who found their knack later in life, and seeing who accomplished what at their current age, of course.

Thanks to Netgalley who provided me with an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, light read. (I read it in the back seat on a trip to the shore, so it took me less than 90 minutes to complete it.) This one features about 65+ people who achieved various profound successes in life after when they might be considered ‘past their prime’ to use a totally insulting phrase. There’s an array of artists, writers, politicians, and more proving that it ain’t over til it’s over! I was especially grateful to learn about Louise Bourgeois’ huge spider sculptures. They are weird and wonderful.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this clapback to the thinking of "you're too old for..." - profiling people who achieved great things at an "older" age. No, we should not be defining ourselves by our age, but everything in the world around us does, so I feel this is a legitimate response. I particularly enjoyed reading about people who are not so well-known, but whose lives are hugely motivating because they refused to "act their age". Not a book to read through in one go, but to dip into, and then explore other sources. And I loved the fact that two friends wrote this together, both also confronting the "too old for..." issue.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun quick read with an inspiring and funny bio of someone who accomplished something great for the year 35 to 100.
The writing is funny, light, and feels like it's being shared by a friend. I do wish that there was more portraits of the featured person (and I flipped reading the bio then the motivational note), but this is a great book. There is a wide array of people - both backgrounds (not just cis white straight men) and accomplishments (from acting and singing to marathoners and world records to artists).

Both informative and funny I can't imagine anyone not finding something to love in this book.

[Bexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the enthusiasm in creating a book filled with the years that people "reached success", but this was such a basic superficial book. All that there is is a paragraph from the author about what this year is all about, and then a brief paragraph about the person and how they made it big at that age. That's it, they're might be a comic style photo of the person, but it's every third or fourth person that gets one. This has a great message to never give up and pursue your dreams, but isn't really worth reading.

[Kristie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda pointless. The concept of late bloomers is a great one and one that many of us can appreciate, but the people mentioned deserved so much more than the bland little blips they received in this book. It appears to be poorly researched.

This was an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Dustyloup · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of like Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women but for adults (and with a single illustrator). Just as that book encourages and inspires girls to see themselves in women who dared to do great things, The Swayze Year attempts to do the same for aging and how we define success. Another somewhat similar book might be Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World - with its profiles of bold women.

And I quite enjoyed those two books, but honestly, this book just wasn't for me.
Why?
- I'm presumably 10-15 yrs older than the author, depending on how long it took to write... and I haven't lived in the US for about that long.
+/- As other reviews have mentioned, it feels like a friendly conversation -- and I'm sitting on the edge derpily smiling and pretending to follow along. Somehow the style, the tone just didn't appeal to me;
+/- If you're over 40, you'll be familiar with most of these people, that was a negative for me, but it might be comforting to be reminded that Julia Child was 51 when she first appeared on TV.
- What I took away from some of these profiles was actually that priviledge, education, have a large role to play and that actually these people sometimes had quite a lot of success before their Success with a capital S. Luck played a role of course, but surprisingly less than I expected.
-/+ The illustrator's style is quite particular, like an 80s/90s fever dream

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the access to an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review...

[Mark Will Never Cry · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is hard to really explain how I feel about this book. This is very clearly a coffee table book meant to be looked at when you no longer know what to do with your life at a very adult age of over 35. I do, however, feel like there was barely any effort put into this, specifically seeing that this is a joint project by two people. First I truly believed that every person would get their own illustration, they didn't, like 10 people did and that was it. The text was really minimal, truly making me wonder why I am even here and is it just to suffer. I do, however, have to say that I fully understand why the book did not just include the list of all of the people who this book discusses at some point, because then you might as well just look all of them up yourself and gain the same amount of enjoyment.
This is a really cool idea and a very endearing project, but this felt like a waste of time due to the amount of content. If you want a coffee book that you will look at every once in a while to not feel bad about not doing something "great with your life" - great idea, if you aren't - don't buy this book.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for a copy of The Swayze Year!

"The Swayze Year celebrates later-in-life wins with short profiles of one person for every year from age 35 to age 100 who climbed mountains—metaphorical and literal—wrote their own storylines, and found their happy little trees at a more mature age. With wit, humor, and warmth, The Swayze Year proves that no matter how old you are, you’re not done yet."

A cute, comforting "coffee table" sort of book about people accomplishing their goals later-in-life! I do wish there were photos or illustrations for each person and a section for "more resources", so readers can learn more about the people featured. Overall, it is neat and straightforward, and a great book to buy as a gift for friends/family who are anxious about getting older!

[Veronica Washington · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although the purpose of this lighthearted view of later life achievements is probably to combat ageism, the fact that its premise is steeped in the ‘problem of being old’— which kind of defines ageism in a nutshell. Why judge people based on age at all? Why create a book to say that you CAN achieve greatness later in life? I am sure none of the people it glosses over would be psyched to be exemplified based on age— but hey these people are largely dead so it’s not like they could speak to this. Still somehow I feel like a few of them are shaking their fists in the great beyond at this reductionist approach. Who wants to be a number? And while we’re at it those ‘under 30’ and ‘under 40’ lists have got to go… we are in an aging society. It’s time we woke up and thought about it differently.

[Misse Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy coffee table read...

Truth: I was drawn to the title and the cover of this book, The Swayze Year, as well as intrigued by the description provided. Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the gifted copy!

Patrick Swayze was 35 years old when he got his big break in Dirty Dancing. Estelle Getty was 63 years old when she gained recognition as the feisty, wise-cracking Sophia Petrillo -- the most golden of The Golden Girls -- when the show took home and Emmy and a Golden Globe in its first season. Clara Peller was 81 years old when she got her big break as a cultural hit and national icon in her role as Wendy's, "Where's The Beef?" lady.

What I enjoyed most about this book is that it is a reminder to everyone that age ain't nothing but a number and you're never too old to reach your potential and walk in your purpose. At times it was humorous and other times it was revelatory. There is a profile for each year 35-100, highlighting and celebrating individuals that reflected huge personal and professional accomplishments. It would make for a great addition to anyone's coffee table. Many of the stories I was familiar with, some I was not.

3.5/5 ⭐️s

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

You're never too old to try something new, or to follow your passion. Even if that means you're in your 70s and you want to fly around the world. Even if that means you want to invent ramen noodles as we know them today. Even if you want to paint. Even if you want to write the classic dictionary or thesaurus.  The people, from ages 35 (the title character) to 100, all were late bloomers: even the ones that had careers, families and more in their background. Some people you might know, while others are new. And when you decide to break into someone's home, be careful of 80-something weight lifters named Willie: she'll not only hit you with a heavy table, she'll pour shampoo on you! 

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great compilation to note that it's never too late to achieve your dreams. Titled after the fact that Swayze landed his most notable role after turning 30, each year is highlighted by a person who reached a significant goal or achievement at that age. It was astounding to read how much people accomplished later in their lives. It's thought-provoking and highlights that sometimes things happen for a reason.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect gift for anyone who’s sitting one of those “scary age” years or is just plain thinking there’s no use starting over at their age. This book shows that change can happen at any age (just look up Patricia Davis if you don’t believe me) and it makes me happy to say I’m going into my “It’s Totally a Flower” Year & change is possible.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 108 of 200 - 2023

🌟🌟💫

I went into this thinking it was a graphic novel about Patrick Swayze but found out it was focussing on how he got his start later in life... and others like Tina Turner for example on when she became a megastar as a solo artist.

So with each year - at each age, there is a summary of their achievements etc.

The achievements are impressive but I felt the little people series for kids presented it in a better way.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A quick, fun and inspiring book for anyone who is feeling “too old” to do this or “too old” to do that.

I’ll be turning 50 (the evolution year) in a few months and LOVED reading these stories of folks who did amazing things in their later years…age is just a number.

[Kim Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not the target audience for this book, but I couldn't resist picking it up when a local library got it in. I was at least familiar with most entries, and it was an enjoyable and quick read. My main gripe with it is the lack of art for every person and any kind of bibliography or "further reading" section.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish they expanded more on the biography and less on the quite intros from the author. They didn't really add much. Other than "Swayze Year" or "Ball'er Year", none of the other ones are as quippy or quick to make it a thing, which is a shame because it is a great concept. I am already looking forward to my "Ball'er Year" from Lucille Ball when I am 40!

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a great premise, but I was ultimately disappointed. Only every fifth or so feature got an illustration, the authors were trying too hard to be funny and quirky, the information given was basic, and many of the people featured actually had a lot of success before their ‘success year’, so it seemed like they just fudged the info to make it work for them.

[Amber A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute idea with a little something for everyone to enjoy. Getting older doesn't have to suck. My favorite part being that two BFFs wrote and illustrated it together, after each experiencing their own Swayze-Morrison/Ball'er years.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

It's cute, inspiring. Birthday gift for people who like things like horoscopes and trivia books. I wouldn't run out by it, but I know others will love it.

[Manda b. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a neat book to read. It was very interesting to learn about different people who became sucessful later in life.
*ARC provided by Netgalley*

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and inspiring collection of people who accomplished great things later in life. As I read it, I can hear Colleen's voice coming through the pages.

[BookDrunkard is on storygraph as bookdrunkard78 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun reminder that life doesn't have to stop as you age. In fact, it can still be full of adventure!

[Emerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, very short book. Interesting but not the inspiration I was hoping for. 🤷‍♀️

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great things happen to people who have celebrated more birthdays

[Amy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Swayze Year - Colleen A.F. Venable + Meghan Daly

"These lighthearted, humourous bios and inspiring stories are meant to help you get out of your own head, laugh and hopefully restore a sense of optimism and possibilty. Don't fear the calendar. It's never too late to get started."

As someone who has always had an ...interesting relationship with the concept of getting older, this was a neat book! I learned a lot of things and I really liked the illustrations! I do with there was an accompanying illustration for each entry though. This would be a great coffee table book.

You might like this book if you: want to reframe how you feel about aging and the concept of "success".

*I receieved an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review*

[Shayla Moffatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was super interesting. I loved that it shows the reader they can truly do anything at any age, and there were a lot of people I had never heard of. I liked the bits of illustration, and that the blurbs weren't too in-depth, but welcome the reader to continue learning on their own.

[Helen Marquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how old you are, you're never too late to be celebrated for breaking new ground or just breaking through, as detailed in "The Swayze Year", an inspirational read about people who have found success in their more advanced years. The idea behind it is that Patrick Swayze was 35 when he found fame in "Dirty Dancing", proving you're never too old for that breakthrough moment.
In the main, this is a great inspiring read, however I do have a couple of gripes... Firstly - 35 isn't old! Or maybe I'm just sensitive about my advancing years... But from where I'm sitting that's hardly washed-up-on-the-shelf territory. Secondly - if you're looking for inspiration for a fresh start in life, this is much more about people who have been plugging away at something for decades before finding success. I would also challenge how success is defined - as several of the British actors were hugely respected theatre stars before getting their breakthrough into movies and more obvious fame.
But these are all relatively small gripes in what is an extremely interesting read, with many truly inspiring people who have achieved amazing things in their advanced years. Highly inspiring.