Written for near-retirees seeking purpose at a time when careers come to a close, Live & Learn aims to spark value in lessons learned (life's true purpose). Filled with anecdotes, advice and exercises in an easy-to-read, conversational style, this self-help guide provides answers when readers ask, "What's next?"
In clear and inviting prose, Adams makes the case that life’s obstacles are actually lessons in disguise—lessons that are specific to each individual and that, even when difficult, give life purpose as we learn them. For Adams, lessons reveal urgent truths: those who are overly selfish may “discover that those around them will stop giving,” while someone who is greedy may face “an unhealthy emptiness, always wanting more and yet feeling more and more empty” until embracing an attitude of gratitude. Adams's guidance also draws from age-old wisdom and truisms such as refusing to place one’s value on outside validation; doing one’s best and letting go of impossible expectations; recognizing gossip as unhealthy; acknowledging that the past repeats if one doesn’t learn from it; and recognizing that anyone who enters one’s life “is the gravy, not the main ingredient.”
Readers facing retirement and who have endured abuse or addiction will welcome Adams’s personal stories of enlightenment, recovery, and empowerment intended to transform uncertain futures into opportunities to see themselves as more than their accomplishments.
Takeaway: Hard-won, uplifting advice and lessons for retirement from a survivor of abuse.
Comparable Titles: Charles Garfield’s Our Wisdom Years, Louise Nayer’s Poised for Retirement.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Sara Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars A guide for those seeking meaning in retirement
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
"Live and Learn" by Clint Adams is an insightful guide for retirees transitioning from the working world to a more flexible but potentially destabilizing life in retirement.
While I'm a few decades away from retirement, I am familiar with and support others who experience existential challenges that can peak during this transition. Adams’ warm, humorous, non-judgmental, yet frank writing style makes difficult topics accessible and engaging.
The book emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, the value of truth-telling, and accepting what we can't change or make perfect. It urges readers to let their life lessons fuel them into a satisfying new chapter.
Reading this guide to retirement has inspired me to look at life now through the eyes of my future self. I would recommend it to retirees (or near retirees) who appreciate the pop culture of their generation and who are ready to redefine their role in life.
"Live and Learn" is a compelling read for those seeking deeper meaning and direction in retirement, proving that our contributions and value extend far beyond our careers.
Regards
5.0 out of 5 stars What a superb read -- brighter days ahead!!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
Please keep this book by your side, because you will be referring to it often.
When near or after retirement, there will be days of doubt or plain 'ol boredom.
Retirement can be thought of as an "unknown" adventure. No one really knows what the future holds for those who have left the business world and entered the "unknown."
This book sets forth a clear action plan of "life lived" amd "lessons learned" and to continue learning --it settles the nerves and offers encouragement for the days ahead.
The author's fresh quips, whimiscal humor. heartfelt moments, action features. and eventually veering to ultimate hope, developed from "life lived" and "lessons learned."
The author's encouragement to "keep going" even though retired or at the conclusion of a business endeavor is "icing on the cake."
The clear words will break down walls, push away fears and welcome the hope that is waiting aorund the corner.
This books helps to get the inner strength back, not by sitting, but by doing.
To the retired or about to be retired, there are brighter days ahead!!!
Thanks so much to the author of this book.
