When David Von Drehle moves into his new home in Kansas City, he encountrs a man across the street, dressed only in his swimming trunks, washing his girlfriend's car. The neighbor, Charlie White, was at the time 102. The author and Charlie sat down on numerous occasions and chatted about Charlie's long life (he eventually lived to 109). Von Drahle recognized characteristics in Charlie that produced an incredible resilience, and decided to write up Charlie's story, in part as a way of imparting some wisdom to his children.

This is not a biography or a memoir, but a retelling of incidents in Charlie's life, beginning with the death of his father when Charlie was 8, that formed the man. Von Drehle spend a bit of time fleshing out the circumstances of life in Kansas City (and beyond) that adds perspective to Charlie's story. The book is categorized as 'Self-Help', which is interesting, but not far off. Charlie did indeed live a remarkable life, and it was worth telling.

My own grandmother was born in 1900 and lived to 2001, so I tried to imagine what her life would have been like during this similar time span. There is so much to be gained from talks with the elderly - I'm glad Von Drehle thought to spend some time with Charlie. ( )

I listened to the Audible.com audio version of “The Book of Charlie.” I enjoyed the book about the 109-year-old doctor and his friendship with the author. Von Drehle was on CBS Sunday Morning this past weekend, so it was nice to see that segment when I was reading his book. My only criticism of the audio book is Von Drehle’s narration. I think he should have turned those duties over to a professional reader. ( )

I really enjoyed this book about the life of a 109-year-old man who lived across the street from the author. The author throws some some really interesting historical tidbits. ( )

I sat down to read this as soon as I got it, the first day it was available. I was a little discouraged in the beginning because it seemed that the author was spending a lot of time on the history of Kansas City rather than on Charlie White, but then I realized that he was just providing context for the amazing life that Charlie led. Incorporating Charlie's views on life, born of his experiences, trials and triumphs, made this a really good story. Glad I read it, highly recommended. Kinda wish I had met Charlie White, at least for a few minutes. ( )

Pretty amazing to think about the changes that this man lived through in his lifetime! Audio was easy listening - more detail in some areas than I would have liked, but overall enjoyed the book. (I do think that people older than I would enjoy some of the historical parts even more as they would have their own memories) ( )