"Why Survive? Being Old in America" is a comprehensive exploration of aging in the United States. The book critically examines the societal and systemic issues faced by the elderly, including healthcare, income security, housing, and social services. The author challenges the negative stereotypes associated with aging and stresses the need for a compassionate and inclusive society that values and respects its older citizens. The book also provides recommendations for policy changes to improve the quality of life for the elderly.

"Look Me in the Eye" is a powerful exploration of ageism and sexism from the perspective of an older woman. The book delves into the societal attitudes and discrimination that older women face, particularly as they become less visible and valued in a culture that prioritizes youth and beauty. Through personal narrative and critical analysis, the book challenges readers to confront their own biases and to consider the complex intersection of aging and gender. It serves as both a call to action and a deeply personal account of the author's experiences, offering insights into the resilience and struggles of older women.

A middle-aged mother narrates her mounting anxiety when her adult daughter moves back home with her girlfriend, forcing her to confront ingrained homophobia, social expectations, and financial insecurity. At the care home where she works, she witnesses institutional indifference and cruelty toward vulnerable elders, experiences that unsettle her certainties and mirror the prejudice she harbors at home. Through clashes, small acts of defiance, and uneasy self-reflection, she wrestles with what love, protection, and dignity truly require in an unforgiving society.