I received this book free from the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an unbiased review. The book came quickly, was autographed, and included a note from the author, which was a very nice touch. As someone with an intense job who is hoping to retire in the next few years, I love the concept, and wanted to love the book. Unfortunately, the execution fell a bit short, at least for me. The ideas seemed pretty simplistic, and obvious editing errors like referring to Groupon and "Social Living" instead of Living Social, were disappointing. I did like the stories about the author and her mother, and the mindset behind the Icelandic saying of the title. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I felt like the book could be improved with some editing and deeper dives into HOW people could adopt some of the recommended changes. ( )

An entertaining and informative little book that is chock full of ideas and suggestions to get us all more involved in experiencing all that life has to offer. The book ties in closely with the authors'relationship with her mother who had passed away in her nineties. Proud of her Icelandic heritage this woman packed more into her senior years than most do in a lifetime. She never ceased her curiosity, fascination, and willingness to participate in new experiences that all of could certainly pay more attention to.

Many topics and suggestions are offered primarily directed at seniors who tend to shut down and isolate limiting their enjoyment of life and how this engagement can lead to shortening it. So the lesson, and it is for everyone; is keep doing, keep discovering, keep risking to take the steps that will lead to enriching our life experiences and reap the rewards of what it truly means to be alive. ( )

The author devotes a chapter each to various ways of getting the most out of life. Using her mother as a major inspiration, she illustrates how having an adventurous and curious spirit can lead to vitality well into old age. I enjoyed the anecdotes about her Icelandic mother, and found a few suggestions to try in my own life.

This is a wonderful book, inspired by the Icelandic phrase "On with the butter", which is to carry on with your life. A great message when you are depressed, grieving or suffering isolation during the Co-vid 19 times.

The author is not asking us to make enormous changes, only little, simple things that help you enjpy amd share life.

I loved reading about her and her mother both and was remnded of my own mother. As an example, you are planning a short trip and instead of whizzing through the town, passing by the little parks, historical markers and stores. Take some out to make discoveries! I remember that on a trip to a nature preserve, we stopped to explore a store that sold local nuts. The store had everything you could image to do with nuts-nut lore, nut cookbooks, nut decorations. We had a wonderful time in that very unique store. Nothing in the guides in that area, we would missed a whole lot of fun if we had stopped.

The book is full of fun challenges and almost dare to try new foods, music and dance. I think it would make a great for a friend or a relative. ( )

At the heart of this book is a valuable reminder to everyone, everywhere, of every age: "Forge ahead." Every day is an opportunity filled with promise, it says; even a single second offers the possibility for joy, fun, and adventure. "On with the Butter!" further offers suggestions for how to discover and appreciate those moments and all of life, and outside of a few of these ("Visit a foreign country"), they are easy and affordable.
Fortunately, the author is also a good writer. Each section begins with a brief and engaging story about how to find a new experience, followed by a list of suggestions. The writing, the format, and the mostly original ideas make "On with the Butter!" many steps above the familiar little guidebooks that offer the "the world is a wonderful place" message. It is always encouraging, but never in a sappy way. Instead of gushing and making readers feel they've had more sugar than they could ever endure, author Heidi Herman seems to be standing right there, like the friend you've always wanted, assuring: "The world is waiting for you!"
Most readers are likely to find great suggestions to add to their lives here - but they will have to sort through some rather useless information to get there. The book includes an entire chapter that defines technology like Facebook and blogs. At a time when seniors well into their 80s regularly use both, that seems a waste of time. Another chapter encourages readers to volunteer, but instead of offering new suggestions for where one could do so, it lists animal shelters, libraries and hospitals.
Finally, while well-written, "On with the Butter" could have used an editor with an eye to all readers. Get involved with groups at "your church," is repeated throughout the text. No need to say "your church/temple/mosque/synagogue," but by replacing "your church" with "your house of worship" the author would have made men and women of all faiths feel included. ( )