101 and Still Thriving: How My Mother Became a National Sensation
From New York to Florida, Join Us on Her Remarkable Book Tour
Credit - Tina Buckman Photographer
I have so much to share about my centenarian mother, Mildred, that I hope you'll forgive me if this update feels more like a list or promo than a compelling narrative.
Mom just celebrated her 101st birthday on August 25th, and she’s still as independent and lively as ever. She lives alone, recently bought a high-tech new car (and yes, she drives well, though she sticks to local trips), and plays cards daily at her clubhouse and on her devices—an iPad, iPhone, and computer. She also brilliantly manages all her finances online, never misses a Happy Hour (and will go alone if needed), and is still traveling the world.
Her vision is better than mine; she doesn’t need glasses, and I often ask her to read things for me. Her hearing is sharp, unlike many of my friends who now have hearing aids. And her sense of smell? It's better than any dog I know. When she was sitting in my apartment she announced that my neighbor had turned on his greasy oven. She was right.
In response to the requests from her fans, we co-wrote her book, MILDRED’S MINDSET: WISDOM FROM A WOMAN CENTENARIAN, and self-published it. Time was of the essence, so we launched it on March 8th (International Women’s Day) in NYC with two sold-out events.
People love her Brooklyn accent, so in addition to the hardcover, paperback, and Kindle versions, I produced an Audible version as well. The book has been an Amazon bestseller in three categories, although those rankings fluctuate. Be sure to check out the reviews on Amazon—people are buying multiple copies to give as gifts.
Photo Courtesy of Sherri TV
Mom also made a splash on Sherri TV with Sherri Shepherd (you might remember her from The View). Mom stole the show. Fans were waiting outside in the rain, calling her name, “Mildred, Mildred!” as she got into the car. It was hilarious. Everyone wanted a photo with her. Mom flew up by herself to do the show and was in town for less than 24 hours before flying home alone.
You’ve got to watch the Sherri segment! She was so funny and completely uncensored. One journalist even called her a "geriatric shock jock." Move over, Howard Stern—Mildred is here!
Last summer, when she turned 100, Mom encountered a quirky aviation glitch that only affects centenarians. When she entered her birth year (1923), it appeared as 2023, making it seem like she was an unescorted minor. She made a humorous video about it, saying she’s reliving her childhood. The video went viral, and the media picked it up, including major news stations, People.com, and Travel & Leisure. There are countless articles, and more are still being published. Just a few days ago, Woman’s World released a lovely feature on her.
Mom’s Florida book tour kicks off this Thursday, August 29th. Below are some of the events, but you can find all the details by scrolling down on this link.
BOOK EVENTS:
Boca Raton Public Library — Thursday, August 29th at 6 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, Boca Raton (Glades Road) — Saturday, September 7th at 12 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, Delray Beach — Sunday, September 8th at 1 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, Palm Beach Gardens — Monday, September 9th at 4 p.m.
Boca Pointe Country Club — Thursday, September 12th at 4 p.m.
Palm Beach County Public Library, Palm Beach Gardens Branch — Thursday, September 19th at 2 p.m.
Palm Beach County Public Library, Glades Road Branch — Tuesday, September 24th at 2 p.m.
Miami-Dade Public Library, Northeast-Dade Aventura Branch — Saturday, September 28th at 2 p.m.
Books & Books, Coral Gables — Sunday, October 6th at 11 a.m.
Barnes & Noble, Orlando Plaza Venezia — Thursday, October 17th at 5 p.m.
The Club at Mirasol — Monday, November 4th at 7 p.m.
Palm Beach County Public Library, West Boynton Branch — Monday, December 9th at 2 p.m.
Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center — Thursday, February 6th, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Wycliffe Golf & Country Club Hadassah Chapter — Monday, March 31st, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Additionally, there will be a screening of my film, Look at Us Now, Mother! at the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Signing off for now—I need to finish packing, as I’m heading down to Florida to begin this adventure with Mom!