Coming of Age

Coming of Age contains interviews with seventy people over the age of seventy about their experiences of growing older in America. Studs Terkel conducted these conversations in the 1990s, capturing perspectives from a diverse range of backgrounds and life circumstances. The subjects discuss retirement, health, relationships, and their views on contemporary society compared to earlier decades. Their stories span major historical events of the 20th century, from the Great Depression through World War II and into modern times. The interviewees include artists, activists, laborers, professionals, and people from many different cultural and economic backgrounds. Through their varied voices, themes emerge about wisdom, regret, resilience, and finding meaning in the later stages of life. This oral history collection provides an intimate window into the realities of aging while exploring universal questions about time, memory, and the human experience. The personal narratives combine to create a larger meditation on what it means to grow old in modern America.

Readers appreciate Terkel's interview format capturing authentic voices and experiences of aging from diverse perspectives. Many note the book provides comfort and insight about growing older. Multiple reviews mention the raw honesty of the subjects discussing death, loneliness, and finding purpose in later years. Readers highlight: - Personal stories that feel like conversations with friends - Range of viewpoints from ages 70-90+ - Mix of known figures and ordinary people - Frank discussion of aging's challenges Common criticisms: - Interviews can feel repetitive - Some subjects ramble without clear focus - Length (468 pages) too extensive for topic - Dated references (published 1995) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (789 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (41 ratings) One reader notes: "Like sitting with grandparents and hearing their wisdom." Another writes: "Could have been edited down significantly while keeping the core insights."

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🔖 Studs Terkel interviewed more than 70 people aged 70 and older for this book, capturing their reflections on aging, life experiences, and wisdom gained over decades. 📚 The book was published in 1995 when Terkel himself was 83 years old, giving him a personal connection to the subject matter. 🎤 Terkel won the Pulitzer Prize for an earlier oral history work, "The Good War," and was known for pioneering the art of oral history storytelling through recorded interviews. 👥 The interviewees range from famous figures like pianist Arthur Rubinstein to everyday Americans, including activists, laborers, and artists. 📖 Many of the conversations touch on historical events spanning nearly a century, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement, providing firsthand accounts of major turning points in American history.