Funny, fascinating, and engaging

Like Mary Roach's books, Bill Gifford's _Spring Chicken_ is a wonderful amalgam of amazing scientific findings, deep philosophical questions, and delightfully self-deprecating humor. He deftly balances empirical objectivity and personal subjectivity--Gifford is Everyman on a quest to find out how to stay healthy longer (he emphasizes not miserable Tithonian longevity but active, healthy "old age"). Part memoir, part scientific inquiry, part self-help book, _Spring Chicken_ also addresses the troubling consequences of a planet full of centenarian consumers. Favorite line: "The people who want to live forever are the same peo

3 people found this helpful

Simply amazing

It's such an enjoyable read. Being able to Write science in an anecdotal yet credible form should be recognized as an art and a powerful skill that Bill masters without a doubt.
He did a great deal of research. Most of these scientists that he mentioned I've looked up to for years because aging biology is a passion of mine but Bill give a totally original perspective on the work of these scientists and compiles everything beautifully in this book. Amazing work!!

2 people found this helpful

Informative, not too science heavy

This book goes into a ton of science but you don't have to be a scientist to appreciate it, it's explained for the layperson. That said, it seems like diet, exercise, not smoking, and sleep are the only things we have going. The book is funny and informative but there's no magic pill against aging if you're looking for one.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent book and performance. Great info.

I really enjoyed this book. I heard an interview with the author a few years ago, and was intrigued. The book was definitely worth reading, with lots of excellent and interesting information.

great book

great book. easy listening. very informative and interesting. the topic remains open. hope to see a second part in couple of years.

No Fountain of Young here

No great insights really. not that i was expecting a miracle, but the basic conclusions seemed to be:
1. we really don't know a lot about aging (yet?)
2. regular exercise is important
3. calorie restriction/ periodic short term fasting can be beneficial

seems like a LONG listen for that output. Sure he debunked a few myths/fads (HGH, cenegenics) but no great thoughts

1 person found this helpful

TERRIBLE BOOK! DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!

I HAVE MORE THAN 500 BOOKS FROM AUDIBE IN MY LIBRARY AND TIS ONE IS THE WORST. THERE IS NO USEFUL INFORMATION ON THIS BOOK THAT YOU CANNOT FIND ON THE NET IN 30 MINUTES. IT IS ALL NONSENSE STORIES WHICH ONLY WASTES YOUR TIME. FORGET ABOUT THIS BOOK ANS SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY

enjoyed the book. lots if good anecdotes

the book looks in to why life expectancy is decreasing in the United States and other places.

Wonderful Information on Aging

Where does Spring Chicken rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was my first

What other book might you compare Spring Chicken to and why?

I've never really read/listened to this type of book before.

Which scene was your favorite?

The part that talks about caloric restrictions helping such health issues as cancer. It gave me some really great ideas to apply to my own life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

There is no way to do that.

Any additional comments?

Loved this book and would recommend it even if you don't like this type of book. It gives us a fascinating view of age studies done since the turn of the century meaning the 1900's until modern day. Really great stuff. Plus the writer is funny and easy to read/listen to. Loved it thoroughly and listed to it twice and I will listen to it again in the future.

In Depth Look Into The Science and Personalities

Great insights, history, and story telling. I liked learning about the theory verses the actual practice and people who are currently living it.