Daniel Klein: Travels with Epicurus - A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of a Fulfilled Life, 

9780143126621, paperback, Penguin USA

Having just finished this little gem of a book, I believe that certain books come your way when you are ready for them. 10 years ago I would have probably not been up to understanding some of the pearls of wisdom Daniel Klein comes up with when packing his bags and heading to the beautiful Greek island of Hydra ( i can attest to its charm and beauty) to reflect and meditate upon what path to take for himself, how to grow old gracefully and mindfully in a world where staying forever young seems to be the thing to aim for.

His first starting point is observing his elderly Greek male friends, how joyfully they pass their days sitting in the local taverna talking, watching, eating, drinking and reminiscing. Klein always comes back for guidance to the ancient Greek philosophers and here in particular  Epicurus. Some of his observations made me laugh, smile and rethink a lot of my former beliefs one of which is that very old old age is something to thrieve for, where in reality it is very very hard, something I am watching my nearly 99 year old father going through. I really loved this little book which gave me much food for thought on many subjects about aging; i loved the often humorous approach,  recommended reading for anyone in their sixties plus or interested in the subject ....