I’m a woman of a certain age. Middle age. Or perhaps leaning towards a bit older than that. Consequently when Lawrence Doyle got in touch about his latest book I knew I had to invite him onto Linda’s Book Bag to chat all about it. After all, 60 is the new 40 isn’t it?

Staying in with Lawrence Doyle

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Larry. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve brought along my latest book, Adventures in Retirement, Book 2: OMG … What Have I Done!. This is the second book in a series I’m doing on retirement. My original motivation to tackle this subject can be summed up in one word – FEAR. I was reaching the age where I began to think seriously about exchanging the world of work for a life of leisure and, frankly, the whole idea scared me. I’ve been very fortunate in my career, and I knew I could handle the financial aspects of retirement. No, what worried me was time. I was used to putting in 50+ hours of work a week. What would I do when I suddenly had all that time to fill? I really didn’t know. So, during my last year of employment, I decided to cut back on the work hours and to use the extra time to reconnect with the hobbies and interests of my youth and to find new ways to express my creativity. I considered it a sort of “practice retirement” and began writing about my experiences, most of which were very fun and funny. This became the first book. I enjoyed it so much that when I retired I decided to write this sequel.

I love the sound of Adventures in Retirement, Book 2: OMG…What Have I Done!. You see, I took the plunge and gave up work, living off my savings until I finally got a pension last year so that I could have adventures with my husband. 

What can we expect from an evening with Adventures in Retirement, Book 2: OMG … What Have I Done!?

Fun! The book is a collection of humorous essays written in a style inspired by three of my favorite authors, David Sedaris, Bill Bryson, and Dave Berry.

That sounds great. What sort of adventures do you have?

I don’t tackle big adventures, like climbing Mt. Everest or jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Instead, I focus on everyday activities centered on what I consider the 3Cs of retirement – community (meeting new people and building a network of other retirees), creativity (finding new artistic outlets), and contribution (volunteering and community service). I hope readers find the book entertaining, and that it encourages them to get out there and make the most of retirement.

I love that sentiment. I’m convinced retiring is just the start of a new life and those 3Cs are perfect!

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

As I mention, this is the second book in my retirement series. The first book ,Adventures in Retirement, Book 1, was published a few years ago, so I’ve brought that along too. It has more than 200 reviews on Amazon, with 75 percent of readers giving it a four- or five-star rating. Here’s a sampling of some reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh out loud funny

We’re getting terrifyingly close to retirement at our house so got this to see one man’s take on the subject and I was not disappointed. I love the author’s writing style, like he’s speaking directly to you, and some of his adventures were truly laugh out loud funny. It’s a fun read and would make an excellent gift for someone close to retirement. The kayak story was hysterical!! As was his job exit strategies! Oh, just get it, read it, pass it on…

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED this book

LOVED this book. It’s a lot of fun for anyone who’s retiring — and anyone who’s not. Doyle has written a funny, engaging, and relevant book about how to expand your life by expanding your outlook and stepping outside (sometimes WAY outside) your comfort zone. His wry, self-deprecating humor and his gameness for anything will make you want to tag along with him, whether he’s deep-sea fishing, learning why bowling is now cool, or sharing some (excellent) travel tips based on what he’s figured out the hard way all over the world. This book is endearing, a fast and hilarious read, and THE gift you want to give any friend who’s embarking on either retirement or a new chapter in his or her life. I read it and began to paint again. See what adventures it inspires for you.

5.0 out of 5 stars but loved this book

This was a gift for my manager at work for his retirement. He almost never likes the gifts I give, but loved this book. Told me he stayed up to 2am reading it. I read the free preview on Amazon and busted up myself. I suggest reading through preview before buying, and make sure whom you give this too isn’t a serious personality type. It does have some adult language in it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good advice in a hilarious fun read!

I loved it! Fun, easy read full of sound advice given with humor and humility. Follow the author through a self discovery journey while laughing out loud. I’d recommend this book to all those facing retirement or already retired!

Oh those responses are wonderful. You must be thrilled. Thanks so much for staying in with me to chat about Adventures in Retirement, Book 2: OMG … What Have I Done! Larry. I’m going to apply your 3Cs to my life even more now. Let me give readers a few more details:

 Adventures in Retirement, Book 2: OMG … What Have I Done!

Wondering what you’ll do in retirement? Concerned about how you’ll fill the time? You’re not alone. Millions of people retire every year and most find it challenging to figure out what to do with the next chapter.

Adventures in Retirement, Book 2: OMG … What Have I Done! takes a lighthearted look at the author’s efforts during his first two years of retirement to uncover all that it has to offer. Join him as he explores:

• The most dangerous of sports, flyfishing.
• The true appeal of the batting cage.
• Surviving a pandemic by inventing endless at-home activities.
• The not-so-true story behind a legendary zombie attack.
• Wasting countless hours on video games.
• Dog training for humans.
• Making vegetarian meals that aren’t completely inedible.
• Forging weapons of minimal destruction.
• And much, much more!

Adventures in Retirement, Book 2: OMG … What Have I Done! is available for purchase here and Adventures in Retirement, Book 1: A hilarious journey into the unknown world of excess time, limited responsibilities, and an uncertain future here.

About Lawrence G. Doyle

Lawrence G. Doyle spent 32 years as a professional writer and now enjoys life as a happy retiree.

For further information, visit Lawrence G. Doyle’s website, or find him on Twitter @LAWRENCEGDOYLE1.