Review: 40: Forty – A Book About That Age When Life Gets...Interesting
Why is Forty Such a Big Deal?
Review: 40: Forty – A Book About That Age When Life Gets...Interesting
Ah, forty.
That delightful age when you’re young enough to be reckless but old enough to regret it immediately. When you start making involuntary “oof” sounds every time you bend down, and suddenly, a quiet evening with herbal tea feels like an event. But as Margaret Drabble puts it, forty isn’t just a number—it’s an era, a moment, a stage of life where all things are possible… if your back holds up.
This book, 40: Forty, takes this culturally, mathematically, and metaphysically loaded number and spins it into a fascinating tapestry of essays, musings, and illustrations from some of the brightest minds in literature, art, and, um, Karl Pilkington (whose contribution is bound to be both absurd and oddly insightful). It’s like an exclusive literary party where Philip Pullman is probably deep in a philosophical debate, Margaret Atwood is schooling everyone on dystopian realities, and David Shrigley is in the corner doodling something that will haunt your dreams.
Why is Forty Such a Big Deal?
Before we dive into the brilliance of the book, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how loaded the number forty is.
In the Bible, it rained for forty days and forty nights—which is probably how long your midlife crisis will last if you don’t invest in some good wine.
Jesus fasted for forty days, which, coincidentally, is about how long it feels between doctor visits when you hit this age.
In pregnancy, forty weeks marks the full term—so if you think about it, forty is basically the number of creation itself.
The human work week? Yep, forty hours. Though let’s be honest, it often feels like forty years.
Fun fact: Forty is the only number where its letters are in alphabetical order. Go ahead, spell it out. You’re welcome.
Now that we’re all sufficiently in awe of this number, let’s talk about why this book is a must-read.
The Dream Team of Authors & Artists
Imagine a literary Avengers-style lineup:
Margaret Atwood – Probably here to remind us that the world is always one bad decision away from dystopia.
Philip Pullman – Likely delivering profound wisdom while subtly making us question the nature of existence.
David Eagleman – A neuroscientist who might just explain why we can’t remember where we put our glasses.
Karl Pilkington – Because life at forty needs humor, and no one does deadpan observations better.
Charles M. Schulz – Yes, Peanuts Schulz. The man who made childhood existential crises a mainstream experience.
David Shrigley & Tom Gauld – Two brilliant illustrators who will either make you laugh or feel existential dread (or both).
And that’s just scratching the surface. The book is a mixed bag of reflections, from the poetic to the absurd, from the deeply intellectual to the hilariously cynical.
Verdict: Read It, Savor It, Frame It
If you’re approaching forty, firmly in its grasp, or simply fascinated by its cultural weight, 40: Forty is a book worth indulging in. It’s part history, part humor, part philosophy, and fully engaging. You might come for the big names, but you’ll stay for the unexpected gems of wisdom and wit scattered throughout.
So, grab a copy, pour yourself a responsible (or not) drink, and settle in. Just don’t stay up too late reading—you know how important sleep is at this age.
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