REVIEWS
Lifetime of Harsh & Whimsical Disappointments from Disgruntled Retiree
What's It About?
“So, Is Retirement Supposed to Suck?” is a whimsical, misanthropic recount of the author’s upbringing and early retirement, explaining why retirement is not what it’s cracked up to be and how others can learn from his mistakes.
A lot can happen when you run away from home.
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In the span of a couple of weeks, how about: your 18-year-old sister also has left home, your dad has retired from the Army, and, oh, right, your parents have moved to a new house.
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And that’s to say nothing of the repercussions of running away in the first place, or what then-15-year-old George M. Dean calls “taking a short vacation and, hey, I left you a note,” in his book, So, Is Retirement Supposed to Suck?
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The subtitle, “A Compilation of Life’s Little Disappointments,” is fitting for the author, who notes, “I’ve come to find that life is full of surprises, and rarely for the better.” Dean turns the travails of his life into a stream of anecdotes, first detailing his childhood and later years and leading right up to his experience as a retiree.
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Childhood to Retirement
The first half of the book takes us through Dean’s upbringing, Spring Break, summer jobs, graduations, nights in jail, therapy sessions, roommates, apartments, relationships, you name it.
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If George’s temporary escape from his immediate family was one of the defining moments in his early life — with a Midnight Cowboy-like experience into the depths of New York City, illicit sexual encounters and all — then certainly his later transition into retirement is the centerpiece of the story.
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George is forced to retire after 38 years as a table-games dealer, not by choice but for health reasons — he is a lung transplant recipient.
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An Unhappy Camper
And it doesn’t make the author a happy camper. He attacks everything from medical receptionists keeping him on excessive “hold” to getting passwords rejected for not meeting the rules criteria to getting kicked from behind by a young boy on a plane flight to being inundated by supplier surveys.
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In a telling observation, he even finds that showing his wife of 19 years that he still loves her — while he does — gets harder and harder on a routine basis.
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But Dean can revert to the whimsical: “My desire for marriage has to do with my loathing for laundry … It’s a tedious chore that I would wish on somebody else!”
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A Lifetime of Obstacles
And if your company supplies transportation, cable TV services, computers, toilet paper, insurance, medical billing or any of a host of other products — steer clear of the wrath of George M. Dean. Even birthday celebrations don’t get off easy.
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In So, Is Retirement Supposed to Suck?, George M. Dean has a lot to say about his early years, and how what he was subjected to as a child had a strong impact on how he turned out as an adult. Retirement for Dean has not been whistling a happy tune, as he tries to stave off obstacles at every turn — the people with whom he interacts and the policies, programs and products with which he deals, and of course the matter of his health.
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Is there any contentment at the end of the rainbow? Read this revealing book and be your own judge.
A memoir as annoyed but light-hearted as its subtitle suggests
So, Is Retirement Supposed To Suck?: A Compilation of Life's little Disappointments by George Dean | BookLife
Dean’s second book, a memoir as annoyed but light-hearted as its subtitle suggests, is split in two: the first part narrates his story up until his move to Las Vegas, while the second addresses the day-to-day of his post-retirement life. Born to a military father and Catholic mother, who believed in corporal punishment and not demonstrating their affection, Tad (Dean) and his elder sister Penny’s childhoods are pretty rough. In spite of, or rather because of, such strict upbringing Tad gets into all the usual scrapes and more—he boozes, tries drugs, throws insane parties, even ending up in a juvenile detention center, and gets married for eleven days. On turning eighteen he moves out and tries various jobs until he decides to settle in Las Vegas to be a blackjack dealer.
Dean’s ever present wry humor enlivens the narrative from the beginning making the oft told story of strict fathers, neglectful mothers, mandatory church attendance and corporal punishment interesting. His affection for his sister Penny is touching, though he knows in his own clear-eyed way that she is taking advantage of his generosity.
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The second part of the book has Dean ranting about the everyday things in life: taking surveys, severing cable TV connections and the vagaries of negotiating the mazes that are medical insurance claims; all narrated in his trademark humorous style. The same wit is in evidence even when he talks about himself, his wife, their petty quarrels and parenting, the logistics of who is actually the one doing the laundry. His approach is playful, as when he says that although he doesn’t have children he considers himself an expert, and on occasion impolitic, as when he laments that, two decades after her implant surgery, “The delight of having a wife with the perfect cans became less alluring as the years passed. ” In describing these quotidian irritations that make up routine modern life, Dean voices common frustrations with vigor.
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Takeaway: Witty memoir of American childhood, retirement, and annoyances.
Comparable Titles: Tom Garrison’s Challenge Authority; Dave Barry.
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Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
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Reviewed By: Booklife
Retirement is not what it’s cracked up to be.
BOOMER88
I started this book with the hopes of tips and suggestions on how to avoid the pitfalls people make when planning for their retirement. Even though I did learn a few things, I was especially impressed with the author’s ability to make me laugh at the ridiculousness of trying to deal with customer service reps. Or trying to reason with the medical community, and health insurance personnel. And surveys, surveys, surveys. That one really made me chuckle.
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The best thing about this book was that it’s relatable, even to us young folks. Definitely an easy and entertaining read.
Retired Stories, Playboy, and School Days
SOLANGE ROE
Explore the stories of George's retirement, Playboy crimes, and school days. The book offers an open and humorous look at life's different phases.
Growing and Smiling During Retirement
VIVIANA M.
The theme of this book is maturing and smiling throughout retirement. For readers of all ages, the author's honesty and humor make it a delightful read.
Memories, Comedy, and Retirement Perspectives
STEPHORRION
This book blends humor, nostalgia, and retirement advice. Remember over your early years and cheerfully get ready for retirement.
Childhood Errors and Retirement
TJ BROWN
It is to learn about retirement realities and childhood mistakes. A practical and lighthearted roadmap for people making their way toward retirement.
Retirement Discoveries and Memoirs of Childhood
LOREEN M
In his book George M. Dean shares childhood anecdotes with retirement revelations. An honest and funny look at the unexpected turns life takes.