Non-F INDENPENDENCE DAY by Steven Lopez To Retire or Not to Retire to What We Aspire

Steve Lopez is a writer amongst the dwindling field of journalism.  He's a columnist for the "Los Angeles Times" and a four-time Pulitzer-Prize finalist for commentary.  He's the author of three novels and the recipient of the PEN USA Literary Award for Nonfiction.  His biography about Nathaniel Ayers, a Juilliard music student whose mental illness put him on a downward trajectory was made into a major motion picture starring Robert Downey Jr. as Lopez and Jamie Foxx as Ayers.  Lopez's latest non-fiction book is his reflections and conversations with those who've considered retirement from both sides; being ideal or hell on wheels.  Lopez observations lay close to home; what's best for him, his marriage and his sanity.  Lopez contemplates turning 68 and his career prospects in journalism.  He compounds his sense of growing dread with laments for his youngest child who is on the verge of departing for college.  His sentiments for parents preparing for their prodigies pending departures from home ring true.   But, the writer's bemoaning grows tiresome.  "People who told me right before she was born that a child will keep you young, it was true, but now I want to bolt the doors shut, because when she leaves, she takes my fountain of youth."  I understand equating his daughter on the precipice of independce against his future as it appears winding down. "She and her friends are giddy as the next phase of their lives approaches...and new adventures in front of them."  Still, I wanted to yell at Lopez, grow up and be grateful.  Nonetheless, there are interviews and revelations from fascinating individuals with varying views on whether to retire.  In particular, Norman Lear and Mel Brooks wake up each day with zeal for working.  For those who opted for retirement, there were disparaging epiphanies.  Some found they tired of retirement and others discovered a whole new exciting world, "a new fantastic point of view, no one to tell us "No"or where to go." (T. Rice)  Pragmatic considerations are elucidated; financial security, the importance of a structured day and feeling needed or productive.  Lopez shared several fears with others such as loss of identity, purpose and social interactions.  I didn't uncover new insights from INDEPENDENCE DAYS for pondering the pros and cons of retirement. Lopez' loquacious, self-indulgences didn't aspire to wisdom.  My advice for Lopez is to keep his day job interviewing interesting people and leave the family laments at home.