Only the Lucky Grow Old
Awards
2020 New York Book Festival Honorable Mention
2020 New England Book Festival Runner-up
2020 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention
2021 Los Angeles Book Festival Honorable Mention
About
I wrote and published my first book during covid in the spring of 2020. It was a true labor of love. Being passionate about physical therapy and education, I took the opportunity to educate about physical therapy and aging, and what you can do proactively to help maintain mobility and independence as you age. The meat of the book however, consists of 22 interviews I had with individuals over the age of 90. I talk with them about the lives they have lived from youth, when times were much simpler, to present day. The people and their stories are amazing and inspirational. The book is meant to be read slowly, and it is my hope that reading it causes you to reflect a bit more on your own life, and the blessings we too often overlook or take for granted. It was written with meaning and sincerity, but also with a lightness meant to make you laugh and smile. I would love for you to share your thoughts should you read it.
Testimonial
"The title of this book says it all, and the reason why they are lucky is because of the stories they have to share. Kristine portrays their stories in a manner that it feels like you are in the room with them. Her writing style creates perfect images of what their life was like, not to mention you felt every emotion they felt. I cried at some parts, but more importantly I laughed almost the entire way through, especially when she shared funny tidbits about her own family! This book is a must read, especially for people in their 20s and 30s like myself, to really gain an appreciation for the older generations that lived and worked through the Depression and wars so generations (like ours) wouldn’t have to. This is a book that I will recommend to everyone and keep on my bookshelf forever!"
Testimonial
"Only the Lucky Grow Old: Reflections in Life from Those Over Ninety is a sweet compilation of interviews of several individuals ranging from 90 to over 100 years old. Each nonagenarian is asked to reflect on their personal secrets to longevity, family life, religion, politics and dispense any advice for today’s generation. These amazing people shared stories in a way one does when fondly remembering a story they haven’t told in a while but have told many times before. A special focus was on their military careers if they were in the service. The author shares her gratitude for those who served our country.
Kristine Fontaine is a new author who brought us a solid, heartwarming book. I particularly enjoyed how she included stories of her own throughout the interviews. The style of writing took the reader on a journey through the decades. Many of the stories, old and new, gave the reader a good laugh. The author has a lovely way of raising questions and awareness about family, religion, and politics without being preachy. I walked away from this book with a greater sense of respect for the elderly and a reminder to always strive for more patience and kindness in all aspects of daily living.