The Book of Charlie

By: David Von Drehle

Narrated by: David Von Drehle

One of our nation’s most prominent writers discovers the truth about how to live a long and happy life from the centenarian next door in this “original and highly readable account of a splendid American life” (The Wall Street Journal).

When a veteran Washington journalist moved to Kansas, he met a new neighbor who was more than a century old. Little did he know that he was beginning a long friendship—and a profound lesson in the meaning of life. Charlie White was no ordinary neighbor. Born before radio, Charlie lived long enough to use a smartphone. When a shocking tragedy interrupted his idyllic boyhood, Charlie mastered survival strategies that reflect thousands of years of human wisdom. Thus armored, Charlie’s sense of adventure carried him on an epic journey of the Jazz Age, racing aboard ambulances through Depression-era gangster wars, improvising techniques for early open-heart surgery, and cruising the Amazon as a guest of Peru’s president.

David Von Drehle came to understand that Charlie’s resilience and willingness to grow made this remarkable neighbor a master in the art of thriving through times of dramatic change. As a gift to his children, he set out to tell Charlie’s secrets. The Book of Charlie is a “genuinely original, formula-shattering” (Bob Woodward) gospel of grit—the inspiring story of one man’s journey through a century of upheaval. The history that unfolds through Charlie’s story reminds you that the United States has always been a divided nation, a questing nation—a nation of Charlies in the rollercoaster pursuit of a good and meaningful life.

Loved it

Grew up with medical parents that practiced before Medicare . So much resemblance to the stories I saw and herd from my parents who ran a large family practice in our home with six kids to raise . I will definitely recommend this book to my parents and siblings . Felt like home ! Thanks
Josée

Good book

Good book of advice to take action instead of playing the victim. Learning about Charlie's advances in medical knowledge was very interesting.

Disappointing narration

Author should have let someone else do the reading! Interesting story but not much depth

A light, interesting summer Read

It was a short, light, sweet summer read!
Great pearls of wisdom and was interesting.

Fantastic story !

Wonderful story of a a brave, good and delightful man! I especially enjoyed his medical adventures over so many years!