On With the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life by Heidi Herman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

On With the Butter! by Heidi Herman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On With the Butter! is an uplifting book by Heidi Herman. It is aimed at retired people, but readers of all ages can benefit from the advice and inspiration Herman shares. Drawing on Icelandic philosophies, via Herman’s amazing mother (the anecdotes from her life are at times almost unbelievable and always entertaining!), we are encouraged to live life to the fullest.
I approached this book in part out of professional interest, as my field of Community Arts often involves working with older people. It was good to see that, while Herman’s tone throughout the book was light and conversational, it was backed up with academic sources. It’s great to see someone advocating for older people engaging in all kinds of activity, and Herman gives plenty of practical advice on how to encounter different experiences.
With COVID-19 currently limiting the activities available to us, and particularly more vulnerable elderly people and those with underlying health conditions, many of the activities Herman suggests are not currently safe. In spite of that, I think this book could be more valuable than ever. Herman includes many suggestions of activities that can be done from the home, or in safer outdoor spaces. It would be a great resource for someone who feels like they have exhausted the possibilities of their restricted world. Additionally, reading about Herman and her mother’s adventures provides a much-needed burst of escapism!
For me, this is a five-star book. I would recommend it to anyone who feels bored and cooped up! It reminded me of a book I had as a child – Something to do. Whenever I was bored, I would open it up and get an idea for an exciting project to embark on. I can see On With the Butter becoming a similarly useful resource!

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