Tony Civale, the protagonist, who is 69, should be seen as a role model for people, notably seniors, who have given up on active, productive lives because they feel they are old, outside the loop or outcasts from society.Tony’s vitality and virility, his dauntless persistence in trying to overcome an unexpected, devastating tragedy, and how he successfully dealt with it and the other problems associated with the tragedy, such as grief and extreme loneliness, should be an inspiration to those who may tend to succumb to the kinds of difficulties he faced.These perceived realities, as well as his vulnerability, drive this feel-good book that has a happy ending and is loaded with redeeming value. The character trait that helps keep him from wallowing in despair and self-pity is his determination to maintain a sense of humor, no matter what, and to spend his few remaining years meaningfully.