How wonderful it must be to absorb the experiences of an entire century with your own eyes; to be blessed with the strength of character, strong will, and good fortune to be able to one day sit back and reflect on 100 years of life. For most of us such longevity and the wisdom that comes with it are a dream. But there are those with just such a long and delightful story to tell. On Being 100 is a beautiful collection of photographs and essays, a touching journey through the memories and insights of 31 extraordinary centenarians. The optimistic attitude, the glorious sense of adventure and wonder, and the pioneering spirit shared by each fascinating individual are sure to touch you deeply. Inside, you will be pleased to meet: Cora Luchetti, a survivor of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake Frederica Sagor Maas, a silent-film screenwriter in the glory days of Hollywood Louise Scott, who worked as a dancer at Harlem's famed Apollo Theatre Theodore J. Young, who helped design the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. And many, many others! This intimate collection of photos and interviews celebrates the lives of 31 extraordinary men and women. Centenarians one and all, these remarkable individuals have been chosen not only for their longevity, but also for the richness of their lives and the lessons they can teach us all. The people here have much to share, especially about living each day to its fullest. They have lived through the most amazing events of human history and endured, persevered, learned, adapted, forgave, forgot, and learned some more-and through it all have experienced lives full of joy. These stories and photographs are a magical, first-hand account of their incredible memories and moments. About the Author Liane Enkelis, a freelance photographer and writer, is the author and photographer of Reflections on a Century 2000 Calendar: Memories of Centenarians, and coauthor and photographer of On Our Own Terms: Portraits of Women Business Leaders. She lives in Pasadena, California. You can visit her Website at /www.lianeenkelis.com
(...) when I saw the finished product I was in awe of what she had achieved! The stories are so inspirational they bring me to tears every time I read them, and I'm still (re)reading them. The college professor who reduced his work week to "only five days" when he turned 100. The lady who decided to go help others in South America when she was in her eighties. They're all here. Every character is such a powerful person and it is very clear from their stories what it takes to be a survivor in this world and beat the odds on longevity. The adversities that most of these people would have felled a lesser person. Read this book and learn how to grow "old" with grace and dignity. In a word - stubbornness!
Celebrations of being 100
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This book is a gem, as are all of the wonderful people whose stories are told! Congratulations to all of these 100+ year old folks. The stories are told with great humanity and love. It makes you realize how insignificant the little things in life are. The photos and life stories are touching. The author/photographer did a wonderful job representing a cross section of people with varied backgrounds. Go out and talk to one of these inspirations, they have seen a multitude of change in their lives and transcended bias, segregation, wars, poverty, etc. It's a real life history lesson.
A MUST FOR BABY BOOMERS
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Personally, I found this book very inspirational. For Christmas, I gave "On Being 100" to all my friends (and I have many) who've been cringing as they approach the fifty-year mark. I figured that once they saw the wonderful photographs of people more than twice their age and read about how these centenarians had conducted their lives - often in face of extreme adversity -- they would feel inspired rather than defeated. Most did report back to me that the photographs, which exude the joie de vivre and determination of their subjects, deeply moved them. Additionally, they liked the anecdotes and detailed biographical information, which not only tell about the people, but also open a window on history. Several friends said they felt encouraged and inspired, and I couldn't agree more. Really, how could anyone whine about life after fifty when "On Being 100" makes it clear that it's possible not only to live beyond 100, but to embrace all 100 years with gusto.
Inspiring glimpses of long lives
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
As someone who is sixty-ish, with a mother in her eighties, I am aware of the down-side of the aging process. Liane Ekelis's "On Being 100" filled me with renewed faith that old age can be rich and vital. These are real people. Their moving stories are told in their own words. And the photographs are superb.
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