Publisher's Synopsis
Come for a roller-coaster ride in Changing Times: Ramblings of an Old Fart. Marsha Gordon's essays take readers from a birth at the bare end of the Depression to the built-in obsolescence of today. They examine new families and old farts. American institutions and institutionalized Americans. Patriotism and parenthood. There's a Russian tale, and a night in jail. You'll find memoirs of a fascinating life. Travelogue and social commentary. The joys of childhood and the tribulations of aging. Opinions you'll agree with, and some you won't. You might find a lump in your throat, or a song in your heart. Gordon has lived this ride through all of its ups and downs. Though an orphan, she was "one lucky kid." She endured a disastrous marriage, yet emerged "happy and carefree." She buried one child, and very nearly a second. She has survived the computer age, a brush with the Mafia, and enough encounters with the medical establishment to use a whole roll of ride tickets. These are intensely personal stories painted with a wide stroke, drawing readers in with humor and poignancy. Gordon argues that it's how we react to life's changes, with humor or despair, that takes our measure. These essays reflect her quest to find laughter in the face of transformations that affect us all. It's a joy to read her ruminations on growing up, growing old, and the inevitable march of time. She is a survivor, and she just might alter your attitude toward the changes in your own life. Tighten your seat belt and hop on for a delightful ride. There's something here for everyone. Gordon's reminiscences about "The Good Old Days" appeal to seniors, but this is much more than a collection of nostalgic meanderings. Her insight, humor, and zingy endings capture readers of all ages. In an era of short attention spans, Gordon knows the value of brevity. These quick reads are good for the coffee table, the bedside, the bathroom, or the doctor's waiting room. Be a part of these changing times - come rambling with an old fart!
