MARCH 04, 2007
The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society
The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society by Christine Coleman Completed: 2/25/2007 Rating: 4/5
“Everyone is the age of their heart.” Guatemalan Proverb When readers meet Agnes Borrowdale, age 75, on page one of The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society by Christine Coleman, she is climbing out of her window at The Harmony Home for the Young at Heart, where she has been placed by her son Jack. Agnes is on a mission to find her grandchildren whom she believes to be in danger following a terse conversation with her ex-daughter-in-law's boyfriend. In order to do this, she must escape the home unnoticed and travel a good distance by herself. Agnes sets off with little money and few belongings on what will prove to be a journey of self-discovery, full of determination and fortitude. On her journey, Agnes is faced with a number of situations and encounters with strangers that make her rethink her strict upbringing and 50 years as a vicar's wife. Her quick wit and storytelling capabilities come to the forefront (much to her surprise), enabling her to help not only herself, but others. There is Joe, a truck driver who befriends Agnes; Molly, a hotel owner; and Felix, whom Agnes happens to come across while he is attempting to commit suicide. She provides Felix with a little reverse psychology, making up The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society and presenting it to him as a desirable alternative. When he takes it seriously, events are set in motion that provide lessons learned for everyone, including Agnes' son Jack. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself completely charmed, page after page, by Agnes and her friends. I was even sympathetic toward Jack, despite his relationship (or lack of it) with his mother, his ex-wife, and their children. More than anything, I loved how Ms. Coleman addressed some serious issues in such a clever and entertaining way. The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society is a gratifying and uplifting testament to living life to the fullest, regardless of age.
March 04, 2007 in Book Review, Christine Coleman