Reviewed by Anastacia Hawkins for Readers' Favorite

In Barbara Morris’s "I’m Not Goin’ There! A Gutsy Girlfriend Guide for Boomer Women Who Don’t Want to Spend Their Golden Years Cuddling With Their Cats", 83 year old Barbara Morris, who worked as a pharmacist until age 76, starts off with a disclosure stating that the book is a source of information, ideas and suggestions, and not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical professional. The information, ideas and suggestions are from Barbara’s own experience in outsmarting Mother Time, from redefining middle-aged to the influence of friends, family and tradition, as well as the importance of healthy eating habits, and mental and physical exercise. "I’m Not Goin’ There!" does “go there” with the controversial chapters on cosmetic surgery and “Club Decline”, the heavily promoted senior lifestyle that Barbara considers an exclusive “club” that promotes deterioration and decline! Throughout the book, Barbara keeps reminding her readers of the crucial Five Keys to incorporate into your thinking and behavior to help you avoid premature decline. Barbara includes a video of herself promoting her book in which you can see that she is indeed a young and vibrant 83 year old. Barbara backs up her information with statistics, suggested reading, as well as website information and the advice to spend at least 15 minutes a day reading, watching or listening to information that teaches about anti-aging nutrition and living. This book was written for women who want to stay healthy, youthfully ageless, constantly growing and productive regardless of how old they get.

"I’m Not Goin’ There!" is certainly chock full of information and advice for women who want to stay youthful regardless of their age. The title of the book may lead you to believe that the content is witty and fun but it is not. The book is informative and touches on many subjects that women deal with as they reach 40, 50, and beyond. The book is well-written and easy to follow. Barbara Morris does not shy away from controversial subjects, such as cosmetic surgery, dating younger men, and growing old gracefully, but nor is she pushy or in-your-face. She is simply passionate about helping women look and feel their best. If you are a young woman in your forties, fifties or sixties and are feeling “old”, I recommend this book to you. You may not agree with all of Barbara Morris’s ideas and suggestions, but this book will certainly get you thinking about how you see yourself and how others see you. You will come away feeling more informed and, hopefully, inspired to make some changes. If you are already retired and are a member of “Club Decline”, as Barbara puts it, it is not too late to make a change! "I’m Not Goin’ There!" will help you whether you are thinking about goin’ there, are already on your way there, or have set up camp. The resources sited throughout the book are a nice addition as well.