My post office box — always a source of pleasure — was especially delightful today. Two books arrived! Both funny, tender, light but not vapid. (As a note, I’ve been on a library kick lately but these two are purchase-worthy):

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Just when I can’t take another my-life-is-so-profound memoir, I find this treasure that defies categorization. This 40ish author is clever, without being an ironic mocker, and tender, without rainbows and kittens. It helps that she begins with this disclaimer:

I have not survived against all odds.
I have not lived to tell.
I have not witnessed the extraordinary.
This is my story.

As usual, I’m late to the party. Encyclopedia was published in 2005 and has earned loads of accolades and attention. She’s now deep into another creative project, with yet another twist: The Beckoning of Lovely, a film being made by 200 strangers. Click below to view video.

How Not to Act Old by Pamela Redmond Satran
This book, and its companion blog, is a hoot. After a quick read, it’s clear I'm exhibiting sure signs of geezerhood. Evidence of age:
- using words like hoot and geezer
- leaving voice messages
- talking loudly into my cellphone
- still watching MASH and Seinfeld

The author is laugh-out-loud funny, offering 185 witty and wry directions. Published just this month, the book zoomed to the New York Times bestseller list in its first week, proving there are a lot of old people desperate for disguise.