Still Life at Eighty, Abigail Thomas
Still Life at Eighty, Abigail Thomas
List: $17.99 | Sale: $12.59
Club: $8.99

Still Life at Eighty
The Next Interesting Thing

Author: Abigail Thomas

Narrator: Abigail Thomas

Unabridged: 4 hr 1 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/19/2024


Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Three Dog Life, a witty and irreverent look at aging and the writing life, delivered with trademark brevity, humor, and wise wit.

“The Emily Dickinson of memoirists” (Stephen King) Abigail Thomas shares her thoughts on aging in this irresistibly wry memoir-in-vignettes—offering richly insightful writing tips along the way.

While reflecting on the past, Abby accepts the shape of her present. No more driving, no more dancing, mostly sitting in a comfortable chair in a sunny corner with three dogs for company—as well as the birds and other critters that she watches out her window. Only this beloved writer could generate so much enthusiasm over what might seem so little. Vivid memories fall like confetti, as time contracts, shoots forward, loops and suddenly she is back in her twenties in New York City, drinking, sleeping with strangers, falling in and out of love, believing in a better world. Sometimes dread or grief arrives, inhabits her body like a shadow, and all she can do is write it away, paying close attention to what catches her eye, sticks in her brain, keeps her in the moment.

Whether you’re a book lover, dog lover—or both—pull up a chair, pour a cup of tea, and enter Abigail Thomas’s quietly mesmerizing world.

About Abigail Thomas

Abigail Thomas worked as both a book editor and book agent before writing her first short story collection, Getting Over Tom. Her second and third books An Actual Life, and Herb's Pajamas, were works of fiction. Her memoir, A Three Dog Life, was named one of the Best Books of the Year by The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. She is also author of the memoirs SafekeepingThinking About Memoir, and What Comes Next and How to Like It.  The daughter of renowned science writer Lewis Thomas (The Lives of a Cell), Thomas has four children, twelve grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She lives in Woodstock, New York, with her dogs.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader on February 05, 2025

Still Life at Eighty was a thoughtful read/listen (I bought the audio from @librofm) narrated by the author in her warm, comforting voice. Abigail Thomas writes about aging- and also writing itself. Though it’s easy-to-read, this is one to sit with and savor, to look for yourself inside the pages. I......more

Goodreads review by Clif on April 11, 2025

This is a book of short essays, some about aging as hinted by the title, but there are many about common everyday subjects that could apply to anyone at any age. Rather than try to describe the book further I've decided to simply copy a number of short excerpts from the book. The quotes as I've show......more

Goodreads review by Louise on March 02, 2025

Not for me. Nothing interesting or compelling......more

Goodreads review by Lin on May 02, 2023

It’s rare that an author invites us to enter the sacristy of her mind as unapologetically as Abigail Thomas. After two short story collections, one novel, and four works of nonfiction, including the memoirs Safekeeping: A Three Dog life; What Comes Next and How to Like It; and Thinking About Memoir......more

Goodreads review by Antonia on April 19, 2023

Abigail Thomas is perfect.......more


Quotes

"On the verge of turning 80, American novelist, poet, and memoirist Abigail Thomas wrote a series of introspective vignettes about the quotidian moments of her life at that time. She conversationally shares observations, occasionally in third person, of ordinary moments during the extraordinary times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the innumerable joys she reflects on are her beloved dogs. Many of the moments captured in this quietly memorable audiobook include their antics, as well as some poignant moments involving loss. The author’s keen wit further seasons the collection as new hobbies, like spatchcocking chicken, take her by surprise, or when mulling over the term “senior citizen” versus “elder.” Thomas’s unhurried performance invites listeners of all ages to pause and appreciate each day."