Its Better to Be over the Hill Than Under It

by Eda J. LeShan

Selected from among the best of LeShan's nationally syndicated "Life Over Sixty" columns, this book covers love, friendship, marriage, money, work, plus much more.

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1990

About the author

Eda LeShan (June 6, 1922 - March 3, 2002) was an American writer, television host, counselor, educator, and playwright. She was a "voice of respect for the inherent integrity of children."[1] LeShan was married to Lawrence LeShan, the American psychologist and writer.

LeShan's books include When Your Child Drives You Crazy, The Conspiracy Against Childhood, and It's Better to be Over the Hill than Under It. She was the host of How Do Your Children Grow? on PBS in the 1970s.

Reviews

[Wendy]

I found this book among my mother's things when I cleaned out her apartment after she died. The title reflects the silly humour my mom had, and as I am now over 60 I felt qualified to read it! Of course, I couldn't relate to all Eda's stories, but many were comical and others quite thought provoking. I did lay it down for a few months (actually almost a full year) and wondered if I would ever revisit it. Just this past week I picked it up again, mainly because I was too tired to read anything very "meaty" and her little short stories were perfect. Best of all, I have a shared experience with my mom who not only bought the book in 1992, but thought enough of it to hang on to it all these years.

[Joy]

I listened to this book on tape and really enjoyed it. The author seemed very wise, meaning I agreed with most of what she said. The book was 75 selections from regular columns LeShan writes on aging. She covered the topics of marriage, friendship, retirement, grandchildren, health, money, etc. She encouraged readers (or listeners, in my case) to love, grow, accept, and continue to keep their minds "alive and receptive". Recently, I sent a notice to the church secretary to put in the bulletin saying someone had died. When
I read the bulletin it said, "passed away." I don't think I've ever used that term. I asked her about it and she said she wanted to use a word that would not offend anyone. No big deal. Anyway, LeShan is talking about the subject and says, "People die, there's no better way to say it and no need to tone down the facts." See why I think LeShan is so wise?