The epigraph to my book, which willl be published on March 15th, is a quote from the wonderful writer Anne Lamott: “We contain all the ages we have ever been.” It’s an elegant counterpoint to the conventional narrative of aging as loss—aging as a rich process of accretion—and it also connects the generations. The quote inspired the cover drawing by brilliant designer Rebeca Mendez,
and of course I was itching to somehow get a copy to Lamott. By pure coincidence, the team that will be producing the audiobook version has worked with her and offered to pass the book along. A week later, this arrived in my in-box:
“Wow. This book totally rocks. It arrived on a day when I was in deep confusion and sadness about my age—62. Everything about it, from my invisibility to my neck. Within four or five wise, passionate pages, I had found insight, illumination and inspiration. I never use the word empower, but this book has empowered me.” — Anne Lamott
Needless to say, it made my day and then some.
The audiobook recording starts tomorrow, eight hours straight. I’m gargling. And I’m excited.
I am more than slightly amused — bemused?! — that Annie Lamott would write ” . . . my invisibility.” Come on, Lamott invisible?? Maybe many of us ageing ladies, but not she of prolific authorship! Sorry, I had to laugh. No, Annie Lamott, you are so NOT invisible, compared to most of us fading gardenias!! Anyway, Ashton Applewhite, I can’t wait to read your book —
That cover is brilliant. Reminds me of the Russian nesting dolls. But also of generations and ages. I am only 66 so have not yet concerned myself too much with aging, but I admire your crusade.