The Book of Charlie

By: David Von Drehle

Narrated by: David Von Drehle

One of our nation’s most prominent writers discovers the truth about how to live a long and happy life from the centenarian next door in this “original and highly readable account of a splendid American life” (The Wall Street Journal).

When a veteran Washington journalist moved to Kansas, he met a new neighbor who was more than a century old. Little did he know that he was beginning a long friendship—and a profound lesson in the meaning of life. Charlie White was no ordinary neighbor. Born before radio, Charlie lived long enough to use a smartphone. When a shocking tragedy interrupted his idyllic boyhood, Charlie mastered survival strategies that reflect thousands of years of human wisdom. Thus armored, Charlie’s sense of adventure carried him on an epic journey of the Jazz Age, racing aboard ambulances through Depression-era gangster wars, improvising techniques for early open-heart surgery, and cruising the Amazon as a guest of Peru’s president.

David Von Drehle came to understand that Charlie’s resilience and willingness to grow made this remarkable neighbor a master in the art of thriving through times of dramatic change. As a gift to his children, he set out to tell Charlie’s secrets. The Book of Charlie is a “genuinely original, formula-shattering” (Bob Woodward) gospel of grit—the inspiring story of one man’s journey through a century of upheaval. The history that unfolds through Charlie’s story reminds you that the United States has always been a divided nation, a questing nation—a nation of Charlies in the rollercoaster pursuit of a good and meaningful life.

©2023 David Von Drehle. All rights reserved. (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

A life worth reading

Towards the beginning of this book, I wasn’t sure if the author’s appreciation for his own prose might get in the way of telling Charlie White’s life story. As it turns out, Charlie’s story is so powerful, enjoyable and worth telling that the author’s sometimes-too-intentional efforts at poetic descriptions fades to the overpowering stoic diligence of Charlie’s life.

This is a life worth reading about, a true story of lived philosophy told well, despite my earlier comments about the author. The Audible version that I used was narrated well enough to keep the listener absorbed. You won’t get much more than a simple philosophy from Charlie himself, but perhaps you’ll gain a healthy philosophy by reading an account of his life experiences.

And Charlie lived an incredible life for 109 years, from one century to another, through depression to prosperity and countless other tumultuous social, political, economic, technological…changes of the past century. His experiences and connections to known history, let alone the length of his fascinating life, were the result of “luck”, according to Charlie. Yet his lucky life at least, in part, was made through Charlie’s response to every circumstance.

This is a life story well worth reading.

Just what the world needs today, Sunday 25 June 2023

The only hope for humanity in times of crisis, of a “maelstrom of change” as this book says at the end, is to embrace change and never lose sight of the wisdom that precedes us - with all the mistakes of individuals and communities, for that is the human way. Just like Charlie lived and I thank David von Drehle for
writing this remarkable story that helps us all.

Nice book

I listened in a day. Being from Kansas, I could identify with the story and enjoyed the history from Charlie’s perspective. A unique individual and nice story.

Excellent! Must read for all.

Such a great and meaningful story. So we’ll written and narrated beautifully. Great lessons for all. Touched me very deeply.

Enjoyed

Great reminder that we need to enjoy life no matter what it throws at us.

RB

This is a beautifully written book with so many life lessons. Charlie is a person we should all emulate. The author did a great job of drawing parallels between what Charlie did in his life to universal of how we should all live. Wish I could have met Charlie! What a remarkable man and life well lived!!!

Hit’s It’s Mark!

Mr. Von Drehle does an admirable job of sharing with the listener his very special friendship with a fascinating and long lived Dr. Charlie White. I enjoyed it very much and hope you will too.

Fascinating Story

Excellent depiction of a true doctor that endured endless challenges in his life, but finds a path to success. A life well lived.

An amazing life story.

I wish I had known Charlie. A tale well told. Worth reading again and again.

Beautiful story & inspiring

Charlie’s lessons about life are wonderful! The reader makes it easy to immerse yourself in Charlie’s story. Thank you for such a positive read