Lessons from Lucy

By: Dave Barry

Narrated by: Dave Barry

Length: 4 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

In this “little gem” (Washington Independent Review of Books), Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and New York Times best-selling author Dave Barry learns how to age happily from his old but joyful dog, Lucy. 

As Dave Barry turns 70 - not happily - he realizes that his dog, Lucy, is dealing with old age far better than he is. She has more friends, fewer worries, and way more fun. So Dave decides to figure out how Lucy manages to stay so happy, to see if he can make his own life happier by doing the things she does (except for drinking from the toilet). He reconnects with old friends and tries to make new ones - turns out to be a struggle, because Lucy likes people a lot more than he does. And he gets back in touch with two ridiculous but fun groups from his past: the Lawn Rangers, a group of guys who march in parades pushing lawnmowers and twirling brooms (alcohol is involved), and the Rock Bottom Remainders, the world’s oldest and least-talented all-author band. 

With each new lesson, Dave riffs hilariously on dogs, people, and life in general, while also pondering deep questions, such as when it’s okay to lie. (Answer: when scallops are involved.) 

Lessons from Lucy shows listeners a new side to Dave Barry that’s “touching and sentimental, but there’s still a laugh on every page” (The Sacramento Bee). The master humorist has written a witty and affable guide to joyous living at any age. 

©2018 Dave Barry (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Required Reading, Excellent Audio Book!

There are not many books that I have listened to where I can honestly say that I enjoyed each and every chapter. Lessons from Lucy might be the first. What a well done audio book!

There were parts where I was laughing out loud and had to replay portions and others that brought me to tears. Perhaps that is a representation of a life well lived - one full of both laughs and at times, tears.

Sweet and Relatable

I enjoyed listening to the book. I have 3 dogs and love, love them to death. I can relate to the things he mentioned and gave me good ideas on how I can be more in the present time with my family and stop checking my phone for updates on FB, IG, SC, and Twitter.

35 year fan

I've been a huge fan of Dave Barry for 35+ years and this book caught me off guard. It's different than all of his other material but amazing, possibly his best. It's not all funny (not intended to be) but very accurate & heartfelt. I went from tears of laughter (Comcast) to tears of sorrow (listen to epilogue!!!). Loved that he read the book himself. Dave, if you see this I was so relieved to hear the news at the end of your story. Saw you talk at UC Davis a very long time ago & am a fan for life.

A good perspective on life

The author frames this book as being somewhat self helpful at the same time he expresses cynicism about the self help genre. I didn’t really think of it as being a self help book at all. I thought of it as a brief memoir, filled with some insights and perspective that he has attained along the way of his seventy years on earth.

The book is warm, occasionally funny, contains lots of lovely Lucy stories, some interesting Dave stories, and a post Epilogue chapter that will break your heart. The narration is fine tho a smidge uneven in volume. This is my first Dave Barry book, but probably not my last.

Laughed out loud!!

I love Barry’s dry humor. I listened over a week in my vehicle, and laughed out loud many times. I’ve already listened to some parts for a 2nd time, and still laughed out loud.

A wonderful book - the best!

made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. Dave Berry seemed to reach into my heart and reveal so many of my truths.

Appreciate what you have

This is a sweet, amusing, touching book - a good reminder to appreciate what you have and be positive. It wasn't a laugh-out-loud kind of book. Maybe it's funnier for Dave Barry fans, dog owners, and people who live in Florida.

This is why you do Audible!

These kinds of gems are why you get books on Audible. Everyone (starting with elected officials and moving up to all dog people!) should learn from Lucy. Can you imagine what we could accomplish?!

Wow!

Such a laugh out loud funny book, with excellent analogies, but profoundly moving as well. Loved it!!!

Great book

Fantastic book! I loved every word. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. I hated for it to end.