Essays After Eighty

144 pages, 2015

Donald Hall

biographies & memoirs

997 books

arts & entertainment

401 books

Takeaways

Description

Donald Hall—poet, essayist, and memoirist—devoted his life to the written word. Here, in his eighty-first year, he writes about the rewards of growing old: "Thirty was terrible. I never noticed I was inebriated until I wasn't anymore. Forty was unremarkable, except I had some money. Fifty was finest with a whole change of life. Sixty prolonged the ecstasy of fifty. At eighty and smeared testosterone on my chest, my beard raged like a lion and gained four inches. "

Embrace Aging

In Essays After Eighty, Donald Hall explores the process of aging. He encourages us to see it not as a decline, but as a new stage of life with its own unique experiences and insights. Aging is not something to fear, but to embrace and learn from.

The Power of Memory

Hall emphasizes the importance of memory in shaping our lives. He suggests that we should take time to look back and reflect on our past experiences, as they can provide valuable lessons for the present and future.

The Beauty of Simplicity

Donald Hall's writing style in this book is simple yet profound. He shows us that you don't need to use fancy words or complex sentences to express deep thoughts and feelings. Simplicity can be beautiful and powerful.

The Value of Persistence

Despite his advanced age and physical limitations, Hall continues to write and share his thoughts with the world. His persistence is inspiring and shows us that it's never too late to pursue our passions and make a difference.

The Importance of Acceptance

In the book, he talks about accepting the realities of life, including aging and death. Acceptance, according to Hall, is not about giving up, but about understanding and making peace with the inevitable changes that life brings.

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Donald Hall's 'Essays After Eighty' is a treasure. It is a profound and intimate exploration of aging, filled with wisdom and wit.

Dwight Garner - Literary Critic

Hall's 'Essays After Eighty' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, a testament to the power of the written word even in the twilight years.

Helen Vendler - Literary Scholar

In 'Essays After Eighty', Donald Hall gives us a masterclass in the art of aging gracefully, with humor, wisdom, and a poet's eye for detail.

Billy Collins - Poet Laureate

Donald Hall's 'Essays After Eighty' is a deeply moving and insightful exploration of life's twilight years, filled with wisdom, humor, and a poet's keen observation.

Joyce Carol Oates - Prolific Author

In 'Essays After Eighty', Donald Hall offers a poignant, insightful, and often humorous reflection on the process of aging, a subject he tackles with grace and wisdom.