Travels with Epicurus by Legal Officer Daniel Klein

Travels with Epicurus

by Legal Officer Daniel Klein

Advice on achieving a fulfilling old age from one of the bestselling authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . .

After being advised by his dentist to get tooth implants, Daniel Klein decides to stick with his dentures and instead use the money to make a trip to the Greek island Hydra and discover the secrets of aging happily. Drawing on the inspiring lives of his Greek friends and philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, Klein uncovers the simple pleasures that are available late in life, as well as the refined pleasures that only a mature mind can fully appreciate.

A travel book, a witty and accessible meditation, and an optimistic guide to living well, Travels with Epicurus is a delightful jaunt to the Aegean and through the terrain of old age that only a free spirit like Klein could lead.

Reviewed by Lianne on

4 of 5 stars

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I was fortunate to have been approved a galley copy of this book.

The focus of this book is very much the notion of old age and how to approach life at that point. I enjoyed how the author used both philosophy and his experience living in that Greek community to exemplify his search and understanding of old age and how to live a fulfilling life at that age. He also touches on the subject of old age in our society, the attitude towards it, etc. as a contrast to what the philosophers say about it and his search for fulfillment.

While brief and perhaps a little simplistic–would’ve loved to have read more about the author’s time living in Greece–Travels with Epicurus is a pretty straightforward read in reflecting and ruminating about old age and how to approach life at that age.

My complete review of the novel was originally posted at eclectictales.com: http://www.eclectictales.com/blog/2013/04/19/review-travels-with-epicurus/

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  • Started reading
  • 18 April, 2013: Finished reading
  • 18 April, 2013: Reviewed