THE VIAGRA DIARIES

A smart, witty, sometimes hilarious coming-of-age novel for and about the boomer generation. 

Anny Applebaum is 65, an artist and an art lover, 10 years divorced, who supplements inadequate social security with money she earns writing a newspaper column for seniors. Her editor, a young woman who likes and admires her, has to inform her that their boss plans to cut the column unless she can come up with topics that attract more readers. Meanwhile, her daughter continues to push her into seeking a mate and suggests she try one of the online dating sites. On JDate, Anny finds Marv, and they set up a date to meet in person. He is an attractive 75-year-old diamond merchant who appears to reciprocate Anny’s initial attraction. Following advice from her daughter and a couple of friends, she doesn’t go to bed with him right away, but their first kiss leads her to expect the proverbial phone call. When he doesn’t call for weeks, she is disappointed but has an idea for a column, which she titles "The Viagra Diaries." Starting with Mr. X (Marv), she writes about all kinds of guys she meets and interviews, and column after column inspires so much reader response that she is given a much-needed raise at work. Before long, her column becomes nationally syndicated, and she becomes a star. Along the way, she speculates on how renewed sexual vigor via Viagra has influenced the dreams, expectations and relationships of her generation. The ending, which is really a new beginning for Anny, is enticing and exciting. No, 60 is not the new 40: As Anny would say, why should it be? Sixty is a time to enjoy life and continue to pursue one’s dreams.

This realistic and funny novel will appeal to women of all ages, while men should find it attractively controversial.