At 82, Still Speaking, Writing, Teaching, Rehearsing and Wishing Not to Sound Boastful

With great trepidation I asked Judith Viorst her age.

“I write decade books and my last was “Unexpectedly 80”, she answered.

Judith Viorst was born and raised in New Jersey. She received a B.A. in history from Rutgers University and two decades after writing numerous adult and children’s books studied for six years and graduated from the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute. She is an American Author, journalist and psychoanalysis researcher.

Viorst is the author of eight collections of poems for adults; several novels; eighteen books for children including the famous Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day written for, and about, her son Alexander. The musical version with play and lyrics written by Viorst and music by Shelly Markham, was commissioned by and performed at the Kennedy Center and now appears in theaters all over the country. In addition, the book is being made into a Disney movie due to come out October, 2014, starring Steve Corell and Jennifer Garner and a children’s musical she wrote is opening September 28th, 2013. Oh, and she has four children’s books in the works, two of which will be out in 2014.

Not too shabby for an octogenarian.

“This is so thrilling,” she said. “Everyone is so excited about the movie, especially my grandchildren; I hope all this does not sound boastful.”

 “When I started writing decade books, who thought I would keep on going, but here I am.  Getting older does not mean you have to drop out, some of it is dumb luck, and some of it is genes. For the women I know my age it’s energy, vitality and caring about what is going on in the world around you.” She explained.

Viorst is married to Martin Viorst, a political writer. They have three adult sons and seven grandchildren. “I have been married for 53 years, I think I should win an award for that.” she said.

“My Father once said that my sons are the best books I ever wrote.  I believe he was right.”

Viorst will be discussing her decade book Suddenly 60 and Other Shocks of Later Life in addition to what she has learned, and the challenges and pleasures of growing older on October 30th at 7:30pm at the Jewish Community Campus in West Nyack, presented by Rockland Jewish Family Services. $20 before 10/25; $25 after or at the door. Go to www.rjfs.org/viorst or call 845-354-2121 x177--Jessica Vera, Special Events.