Early Bird by Rodney Rothman

Rodney Rothman was a writer for the David Letterman show, working long hours with no sign of a social life. At 28, his current job ended and he wondered what he was working so hard towards - what his future retirement was going to be. Would the long awaited prize be worth it?

Living in New York and Jewish, he did what his family and neighbours do - he moved to Florida to live in a massive retirement community called Century Village. As most developments have an over 55 age rule, he rented a room from Margaret, her two cats, and her parrot. Open minded and outgoing, he explores the culture and makes friends with his fellow retirees, who take a while to accept that he is not someone's visiting grandson. Soon he is getting up at 6 am, trying to break into the tight knit Pool Group clique, and trying to entice others into the exciting sport of shuffleboard. Having a car, he visits and compares other retirement communities of all levels and the southern Florida area.

Many octogenarians are cranky, but all have interesting life stories and show him life after retirement is just the beginning. There is Amy, the 93 year old stand up comic, and a fit softball team of over 70's that kick his ass. He meets Vivian, a many time married femme fatale in her 70's with long jet black hair, and he helps a few others join JDate and other matchmaking sites.

After several months, he gets so used to hanging out in his zip-up terry cloth casual outfit that he could forget he is fifty years younger than they are, and venturing out for dinner after 6pm seems strange!

Early Bird is very funny and insightful, a great look at the old age that is hopefully coming to us all, and how we will want to live it. Sentimental and never condescending, he looks at all aspects of retirement - from dating to travel, shopping to activities. A very enjoyable read right through.

If you are planning to get old, I'd recommend it!

2005 / Paperback / 242 pages