When Did I Stop Being 20 and Other Injustices: Selected Poems from Single to Mid-Life

I first read this book when I was in my late twenties. I have fond memories of sitting with my best friend reading the poems aloud and laughing, crying and agreeing. I was thrilled to re-discover the book and have given copies to my daughter and daughter-in-law. Yes, the times have changed, but so much is the same that they, too, really enjoyed the poems. I have given copies of Viorst's later decade books to my friends for birthday gifts. They are all wonderful, but this one is definitely my favorite. Judith Viorst is such a versatile writer. My grandsons are crazy about her Alexander books, especially Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day. Everyone can identify with that one.

Each page of this book speaks my own feelings about a stage in life from going to college, falling in love, hating one's husband for going on a great business trip and leaving you home with the kids, etc. I laugh hard, and also feel validated. The writing is not a conventional poetic style, but Viorst uses words with skill and there are parallels, sounds and rhythms that add a poetic dimension to the well-spoken ideas. I'm 53 and my 27 year old daughter loves this book as much as I do. Now I'll go write to the publisher and try to get some copies for my best friends. (I got to read it at the library.)