Reviews and Press
60s are the new 40s
Brampton Boomers and Seniors are Hot!
Being 60 years of age no longer means being restricted to playing shuffleboard and bridge. A recent study by global research group AC Nielsen found that 57 per cent of mature Canadians are realizing longer, active life-spans and believe 50s are the new 40s, and 60s the new middle age.
Without computer skills, many Brampton boomers and seniors are apparently feeling increasingly alienated and even slightly embarrassed about being technologically challenged; computers didn’t exist when they went to school. So they are turning to computer training for mental stimulation, enhanced self image, a sense of belonging in today’s hi-tech society … and to have fun!
That is just the beginning.
One of the new breed of seniors, Norma Jean Gangaram, whom I met at a recent computer class has not only mastered computer skills as a mature adult, but written a series of fascinating children’s books. She is a wake up call to anyone who still mistakenly adheres to the illusion that 55+ is ‘over the hill’, a time to decrease activities and plan for a passive retirement. She has inspired me, at 63, to release and develop my own creative instincts. After all, it is the prime of life!
Norma Jean’s captivating stories for children of any age are fun and educational. At first she penned stories about growing up in ‘the good old days’. When I read them to my grandchildren they were engrossed and begged me not to stop. I must admit the stories even triggered memories of good times in my own childhood.
Success motivated her to follow up with an adventure series set in Guyana entitled Anansi the Trickster, with each story centered around a specific life lesson. They are always on top of the bedtime book bundle at my place because the kids really don’t want anything else. They are learning honesty, trust, integrity, self-esteem and more between the lines of fun-filled escapades.
I encourage all young-at-heart baby boomers and seniors to follow Norma Jean’s example by finding fulfillment in expressing their god-given talents, whatever they may be, and making later life an even greater life.
Written by Marlene Karadsa of Brampton.
“Thanks a lot for providing me this opportunity to share my thoughts about your wonderful books. As an educator I strongly believe, these books are significant tools in motivating students to work hard and achieve their goals and dreams even though faced by huge odds and difficulties in this competitive world. A lot of students can make personal connections to self and the world through these awesome stories”
“All the children in the different stories touched my heart as well, with their innocence, and thirst for life.Every story ended with a moral and a beautiful life lesson that I shall carry with me always. These fables are meant to pass on from generation to generation!”
With mountains of mischief, pranks and deceit, there is always a lesson to to be learned from the adventurous tales of Anansi! A totally unique trickster from another culture, Anansi the Spider is one character that has it all: he is funny, silly, cunning, nosy and playful. What he lacks in strength, he makes up for in wit– wit that he selfishly uses to trick his animal friends!
Legends and folklore of Guyana combines hilarious tales of talking creatures like Anansi with charming stories of Guyanese life. Each story is an experience in itself, as the reader is taken deep into the rich cultural world of Guyana.
Always ending with an important life lesson, these engaging stories will appeal to all children of all ages. Each tale combines excitement and a juicy plot with a life lesson about what it means to be a caring human. The author explains,
“I wrote these books for my grandchildren and I want my stories to help them to learn how to make informed decisions, be a leader and not a follower and to think things through for themselves.”
These books have had an impact on many people beyond the author’s grandchildren. Nalini, a Guyanese-American who enjoyed the books explained:
“They brought back a lot of childhood memories for me and I was very excited that I could share these memories with my children. Some of the things from Guyana I had even forgotten about, and that’s how sometimes cultures and traditions get lost…we are so busy with our lives over here that we forget our memories from our home land and we never remember to pass those precious memories and stories on to our children.”
Ivy, an elementary teacher, had this to say: Each of the stories reflects the author’s immense love for the younger generation. Great emphasis has been laid on teaching students important values of life such as helping, sharing, giving, and compassion which are missing in this modern world. As an educator I strongly believe, these books are significant tools in motivating students to work hard and achieve their goals.
The author’s stories reflect her childhood memories of Guyana, growing up poor and the many creative ways she found to entertain herself in the absence of television and libraries. Now living in Canada with grown children and grandchildren, Norma Jean has retired from nursing to focus on her goal of instilling a love of reading.
“My Job as a grandparent is a very important one and it is taken very seriously, I hope to stimulate the urge in my grandchildren and all children to read. The fact that I was born in a poor county plays a major role in my desire to stimulate young minds.”
