With her 70th birthday in the rear view mirror Daphne, who is by no means ready to say goodbye to all the pleasures of life and settle quietly into old age, meets some likeminded folks at the nearby senior centre.

They all have certain aspects of their past (and not so long past) behaviour that they would rather not have too closely scrutinised, but the quirky group of friends is getting along famously when they receive the unwelcome news that the senior centre is being closed down after an unfortunate incident.

But this group of seniors is not ready to roll over and die just yet, and they have allies in the battle - however unlikely those allies may seem! This is a story full of humour, warmth and the value of community, and it'll go down a treat with this author's fans and, most likely, expand her readership.

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #howtoagedisgracefully #netgalley

Daphne is a widow who moved from her lovely home into a retirement complex 15 years ago and made herself housebound however on her 70th birthday she decides to start living. With her first stop at the community centre pensioners club. Here her life entwines with the lives of others. Will they grow old gracefully or disgracefully?

This book found its way into my emails from publisher who gave me a widget. Clare is one of my favourite authors so I have been waiting for another from Claire and here it is.

This book covers some very emotional but modern topics which are essential to be spoken about. It really turns traditions, old beliefs and values on their head although shows how all of these are still firmly engrained into modern society. These topics cover death, ageism, stereotypes, gangs, crime, single parenthood, emotional abuse and blackmail as well as many social topics amongst other things. All of these topics are written to show how life has its challenges not always due to someone's own actions and how you don't have to live the life your handed. This book shows how vulnerability across the ages may look different but the thoughts, feelings, emotions and outcomes are no different and everyone can learn from shared experiences.

As with her other books Clare has not disappointed. She has a very special writing talent which is done seamlessly, artistically and sympathetically to the characters. It is something special and she entwines multi view points in the correct way that shows you a little more about each person in each chapter while they move the joint story along.

This book is another true page turner from Clare with twists and turns to the very end.

Cannot wait for the next Claire Pooley novel.

📖 REVIEW 📖

How to Age Disgracefully by @clare_pooley

Publishing on the 20th June by @penguinrandomhouse @transworldbooks

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Well Clare Pooley has done it again! What a book! I read it in three days.

Lydia is convinced her new senior citizen group, three times a week, will involve drinking lots of tea, playing cards and making simple crafts. She really didn’t take into account the type of person who would be attending.

This book is a celebration of the older generation. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a cast of pensioners more. I would happily hang out with them all. Daphne stood out as someone I’d aim to be like when I reach that age. She is smart, she is sassy and she doesn’t suffer fools. If this book was ever made into a film, I could see Helen Mirren playing the part of Daphne.

Daphne wasn’t the only strong character in this book. All the others were unique and hilarious too. I loved the mix of young and old in this book and how age really is just a number. Clare smashes all the stereotypes associated with ageism.

I would advise everyone to grab a copy of this book when it comes out. You are in for such a treat!

I don’t often give 5 stars without a book having something extra special….and this one made me laugh out loud! Daphne decides to join a local pensioners group after having isolated herself at home for a number of years and, helped by her new acquaintances, sets upon a mission to save her local community centre from being closed by the council. Fabulously funny characters, a feel good storyline about community, friendship and relationships and, of course, the amazing Daphne. Loved it!

Having loved both 'The Authenticity Project' and 'The People on Platorm 5' by Clare Pooley I had high expectations for 'How to Age Disgracefully' - I certainly wasn't disappointed.
Lydia, a middle-aged woman takes on a job at the local community centre running an 'Over 70s Social Group'. The experience Lydia was expecting in her new role certainly was very different to the reality! The author introduces us to a host of colourful characters including Art, a failing actor and kleptomaniac, Daphne (is that her real name?) hiding from an 'interesting' past, Ruby the Banksy of the knitting world, Ziggy a teenage Dad and a dog named Maggie Thatcher to mention a few!
When the council threaten to close the community centre the group pull together using dubious means and well learnt skills to try and save the centre.
A very uplifting and heart-warming read which at times is both sad and hilarious in equal measure. Definitely one not to miss and another triumph from one of my favourite authors.
I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this highly recommended book.

A real 'feel-good' wholesome book illustrating the importance of social inclusion and community spirit throughout all Life stages, whatever your gender ~ Written with such humour and reality of life in today's society this just has to be Clare's best novel to date

I've also reviewed on my Instagram ~ The Reflective Cafe

One of the best books I've read in a very long time - just brilliant. The title says it all - so many different characters, all pursuing their own lives, in their own ways irrespective of what is the right or wrong way to do it! Loved it - can't recommend it enough. Daphne was my hero.

What an extraordinary tale! It's truly inspirational, filled with joy, upliftment, and humor!

Daphne is an exceptional individual who understands that age is merely a number. She demonstrates incredible strategic thinking by challenging herself, on her 70th birthday, to form new friendships and perhaps even find love.

To achieve this, she becomes a member of the senior club at the Mandel Community Center, a place encompassing various services such as a socially disadvantaged kindergarten, courses for expectant mothers, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Unfortunately, tragedy strikes during the very first senior club meeting, setting off a chain of events that brings trouble to all involved. Thankfully, Daphne and her meticulous plans prevent everything from falling apart.

This wonderful novel introduces relatable, vibrant, and endearing characters, promoting understanding across generations, and offering plenty of humor and love. It is brimming with action and suspense, making it a captivating read that had me glued to the page until the very end.

Truly masterful!


p.s. This book is an absolute must-read for those who found laughter in Hendrik Groen's diaries.

Such a lovely, joyful, fun read. Perfect entertainment and I'd love a sequel already. I'm going to be Daphne when I grow up!

At Your Peril..
Daphne decides that she needs some friends. The thought of a senior citizen’s club really doesn’t appeal - yet she takes the plunge and her expectations are turned on completely on their head. To her utter delight, these people are similar minded - maybe, just maybe, they also have a past just like hers. When the local council decide to close down their club, no issues are expected by them. They’re senior citizens…right? Just one thing - underestimate this group at your peril! With a keenly observed cast of eccentric characters, a pacy narrative and many threads, this is a fun and frothy romp through the later stages in life - funny, heartwarming and an absolute blast. A feel good read for our times.

'How to Age Disgracefully' is a fabulously funny, upbeat novel with an interesting cast of characters. Humorous and fun.

A delightful cast of characters who will worm their way into your heart. So great to see older characters with a bit of spunk and spirit. Daphne and her fellow pensioners are on a mission to save the community hall. In addition, they are determined to expose a philandering husband. Hilarity ensues.
Funny and poignant, this is a book with depth and loads of humor. My appreciation to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advance digital copy. I highly recommend.

How does Clare Pooley do it? Bring together such a diverse and eclectic group of people and tell all their stories in such an interesting and relatable way. I loved the older characters in this story, we don’t get enough book dealing with the older generations and their zest for life. (My almost 70 year old father is off exploring the South Island of New Zealand in his caravan and sending us photos of his many adventures!) Such a heartwarming story. Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this.

Clare Pooley has done it again - an absolute joy of a book. She has secured her place as an author whose books are not to be missed. Fabulous characters and laugh out loud situations, but maintaining a depth that makes you emotionally involved in the story.

This was a really fun read featuring a misfit band of pensioners whose first meeting at a friendship group arranged by struggling fifty-something Lydia ends in disaster leaving the community centre they meet in under threat and care off a scruffy dog to boot. This is a joyful book with plenty humour and utterly fabulous characters as each of their secrets are revealed whilst they unite to save the community centre. There’s some fabulous shenanigans and excellent relationships between the group which make for a highly enjoyable and uplifting read. 9/10

Really fun heartwarming story! Thank you for the ARC, really enjoyed reading this! The characters were great and wonderfully unconventional each of them in their own way, I loved how all the stories were well developed and that it had a slightly unusual happy ending too! Would definitely recommend this!

Warm and funny, How to Age Disgracefully is such a joyous read

Focussing on a doomed community centre and a group of senior citizens with an appearance from ‘Maggie Thatcher’ it’s a brilliant story.

As I’ve come to expect from Clare, the characters are just fantastic and you feel a real sense of connection. The group are not your stereotypical seniors with blue rinses armed with bingo dabbers. This lot have had a life - are having a life - and one full of fun, mischief and intrigue.

I loved the character of Lydia the groups co-ordinator a woman in her 50s who feels all but invisible but is spurred into action by the group

While a light and fun read this book makes us consider how we view and sideline older members of society and women of a certain age, more often than not lumping them into one big lazy stereotype.

As someone whose 73 year old mother has just returned from ziplining across a river in Spain I certainly feel Clare fresh take is much more true to life

Thanks to Netgalley & Random House for the chance to read an early copy

Joyous! Clare Pooley takes a brilliant ensemble cast of characters led by the feisty Daphne and embroils them in a plot that tackles ageist stereotypes. A group of senior citizens are brought together by a new social club at a rundown community centre and each of them has a distinct and brilliant personality and backstory - all cleverly unwoven through the narrative. Joined by club leader Lydia, teenage father Ziggy, a dog called Margaret Thatcher and a cast of toddlers - this ensemble make us laugh and think and rally behind them from the beginning. A perfectly paced book that I couldn't recommend more highly.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a copy for review. All opinions are my own.

The book starts with a police officer being barraged with confessions and begging for them to stop. We follow the lives of several characters that meet through their local community centre and essentially cause chaos everywhere they go. My favourite character was Daphne, a 70 year old woman with a mysterious past and a dislike of being caught on camera. I’d love to be as chaotic as her when I’m older.

JUST finished How To Grow Old Disgracefully and I'm speechless, and now I have to tell you all to pre-order/buy this book!
I'll admit, she is one of favourite authors and I'm always excited to read her books, but...with that comes a level of expectation so I'm always a little nervous too. I didn't have to worry. These are the safest hands you can be in.
Warm, charming, witty and LOL funny! Characters with so much depth they leap off the page and into your heart. Flawed but beautiful. Incredible storytelling, nuanced, a solid but heartplucking plot, I was invested from the prologue.
There's no spoilers here, but I said 'bloody hell, that's good' a lot, and got teary at the Authors Note which really hit home. Also, Clare does Easter Eggs like no other!
As much as I love 'The Authenticity Project' and 'The People on Platform 5', I think this might be my favourite. I want to be besties with Daphne, hit the road with Anna, get coffee and cake with Lydia and head to an am-dram night with Art. And the ending was perfectly gorgeous. A masterclass in how to write uplifting stories with a whole lot of heart. Absolutely sublime and I'm sorry it's over. I'll miss the gang.
Clare Pooley has, once again, knocked it out the park. Incredible.