No Spring Chicken: Stories and Advice from a Wild Handicapper on Aging and Disability

(Paperback)

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Description

Large target market: Readers over 50 read an average of one book or more a month, yet are often unable to see themselves clearly in any of them, and around 49 million people in the US, or 15% of the population, live with a disability, many of whom, but not all, are included in the 65 or older group; this book will have wide appeal within this demographic. A timely handbook: Seniors are increasing in number as baby boomers age; this book addresses many of the issues they face (and that their adult children face, as their caregivers). A fun approach to an often-serious topic:The authors wry, humorous tone gives this title a more personable, approachable feel than the average book on aging. Established award-winning author with strong readership: Authors first book, Not a Poster Child, won 2019 Living Now Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in Inspirational/Memoir (Female), the 2018 Sarton Women's Book Awards Silver Medal in Memoir, was a Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018, and has impressive endorsements: Overall, this is a frank, no-nonsense account of living with a disability, edged with a razor-sharp wit . . . Bold, charming, and inspirational. Kirkus Reviews Its refreshing to see a sense of humor that leans absurdist rather than self-deprecating, and Falk-Allens cheekiness enlightens as much as it endears. Not a Poster Child is enlivened by its uniquely compassionate approach to living with a disability as it confronts timely issues of vaccination, workplace accessibility, and life-affirming kindness. Clarion/Foreword Reviews

Reviews

Best Books of August 2021, starred review,Kirkus Reviews

2022ForewordIndies Finalist in Travel

2021ForewordIndiesFinalist in Travel

Part of her book is designed to encourage all of her readersdisabled or notto go out and explore the wider world, hence the amount of practical advice in these pages She looks squarely at the additional challenges handicapped people face when traveling and offers exuberant encouragement. A fun, spirited book
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Falk-Allen follows up Not a Poster Child with an enthusiastic collection of stories from her life as a world traveler and polio survivor. She offers plenty of colorful accounts of places shes visited The books second part flips between advice for caregivers of aging parents and for aging readers themselves concerning ambulatory difficulties, dealing with changes in ones capabilities, and developing a partnership between the caregiver and the person needing assistance the authors infectious sense of adventure will appeal to those struggling with aging and disability.
Publishers Weekly

Pull out your travel pants and let Francine take you on a globe-trotting tour of her favorite destinations and the best ways to navigate them, especially [with a] handicap. After her travel section, she shares her resilient experience finding incredible resources and tools to maximize quality of life with a winning attitude. Highly readable and very informative.
Kathryn E. Johnson, Retired CEO, American Hospital Associations Health Forum

No Spring Chicken manages to be inspiring, heartwarming and informational all at once, with a charming irreverence that makes it a delightful read. Partly a book on travel, particularly for those who experience mobility or other challenges, its also a book that inspires curiosity, tenacity and adventure no matter ones physical abilities or age. With compassion, humor and just the right amount of sass, Francine Falk-Allen encourages us all to explore, be kind to ourselves, ask for what we need, and have some fun.
Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, writing and speech coach and author of Filling Her Shoes and From Page to Stage

Francine Falk-Allen has packed No Spring Chicken with useful information, inspiring personal stories, and laugh-out-loud moments. Whether youre facing physical challenges of aging or a disability at any time, youll find many practical tips for making daily life and traveling to virtually any place in the world easier. Im glad to have this resource to recommend to my therapy clients and others.
Marcia Naomi Berger, LCSW, author of Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love and Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love

Move over, Rick Steves, Francine Falk-Allen has condensed a life of travel from her living room to Paris, Egypt, and across the street into a smart, simple how-to for navigating any terrain. If you are aging or have loved ones who are unable to navigate the world as they once did, you will find this book extremely helpful; its laced with lots of common sense and humor. Her chapter on the importance of incorporating gentle Yoga into your daily regime is powerful and achievable. Add three deep belly breaths and get started.
Amy Peele, certified Chopra Yoga instructor specializing in chair yoga, and author of Match: a Medical Murder Mystery and Cut: A Medical Murder Mystery

No Spring Chicken is like having your own personal guide at the Aging or Disability Theme Park, so you get the most out of all the rides! Part travelogue, part owners manual for aging or disabled people and those who love them, its a delightful guide to living your best life. Falk-Allen knows the terrain, has walked the path, and shares her wisdom with optimism and resilience.
Mary E. Plouffe, Ph.D., author of I Know It in My Heart: Walking through Grief with a Child

Author Bio

Francine Falk-Allen was born in Los Angeles and has lived nearly all of her life in Northern California. A former art major with a BA in managerial accounting who ran her own business for thirty-three years, she has always craved creative outlets. This has taken the form of singing and recording with various groups, painting, and writing songs, poetry, and essays, some of which have been published. Falk-Allen facilitates Polio Survivors of Marin County and Just Write Marin County (a Meetup writing group), and is a volunteer member of the San Rafael City ADA Accessibility Committee. Her first book, Not a Poster Child: Living Well with a Disability: A Memoir has been included on several national outletss lists of best books of 2018, including Kirkus Reviews, BuzzFeed, and PopSugar, and received a gold medal from Living Now Book Awards for Inspiring Memoir Female and a silver medal from Sarton Womens Book Awards for memoir. She was also named one of 25 Women Making a Difference in 2019 by Conversations Magazine. She loves the outdoors, gardening, pool exercise, her sweet, peculiar old cat, spending time with her husband and good friends, strong British tea, and a little champagne now and then. Francine lives in San Rafael, California.