Judith Viorst, MAKING THE BEST OF WHAT'S LEFT: When We're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered

April 14, 2025

Loading player...

Episode Description

Writer and poet Judith Viorst, who is now in her nineties, joins Zibby to discuss MAKING THE BEST OF WHAT’S LEFT: When You’re Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered, a funny and poignant reflection on aging, widowhood, and the lessons she’s learned since losing her husband of over sixty years. With her trademark wit, wisdom, and unflinching eye for the agonies and absurdities of ordinary family life, Judith talks about life’s later chapter (the “Final Fifth”), touching on grief, community, and rediscovering identity beyond being a wife. She also reads from her devastatingly tender poem, “Stop Being Dead.”


Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Ej0z5e


Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!

** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!

** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode.


(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.)


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent Episodes

Shai Davidai on the October 7 Anniversary
NYT Bestselling Author Michael Lewis on Blockers
Erin Schlozman on the Myth of the Perfect Mom
Hank Phillippi Ryan on Storytelling