DESCRIPTION:
Dick Van Dyke danced his way into our hearts with iconic roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Now, as he's about to turn 100 years old, Dick is still dancing, still approaching life with the twinkle in his eye that we've come to know and love.
In 100 Rules for Living to 100, he reveals his secrets for maintaining your joie de vivre, staying physically healthy, and making the most out of the life you've been given. Through stories from his past and present—the pivotal moments from childhood to film sets to his expansive family and finding love late in life—Dick reflects on both the joyful times and the challenges that shaped him.
His indefatigable spirit and positive attitude will surely inspire readers to count the blessings in their own lives, persevere through the hard times, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of being human.
One of the first chapters, titled “Learn to Fall,” sets the tone for an incredibly entertaining read. How many people in my generation have witnessed his not-so-graceful trip over the ottoman in the opening of his show? Or the near trip? Or the side step? Yes, there were three different opening scenes, and they all still bring a smile to my face. As a physical actor, Dick Van Dyke used his lanky frame to great comic and artistic effect — not just in pratfalls, but in his unforgettable dancing in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Bye Bye Birdie.
This memoir radiates his love of life, his joy in staying active, and his determination to keep moving forward despite age. His optimism is contagious. Chapters like “Make Your Own Rules” and “Tolerate and Cherish Your Little Brother” highlight his humor, gratitude, and deep affection for his brother, Jerry. Another standout, “Accept Your Limitations,” offers a gentle wisdom that only a century of living can bring. Honestly, there are too many memorable chapters to count.
As the age progresses, Dick Van Dyke’s dependence on his wife, Arlene, becomes more evident — not only as his partner in daily life but also as a keeper of memories. This adds tenderness to his recollections, though I found myself feeling a bittersweet awareness of his mortality as I listened. While I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, it also made me quietly aware that time, even for the most vibrant among us, moves on.
For me, the book stirred memories of my own — evenings spent watching classic television with my mother. Icons like Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett, Betty White, and, of course, Dick Van Dyke, were part of that shared joy. Having lost my mother years ago, listening to this memoir brought both nostalgia and a touch of melancholy. That same awareness of life’s fleeting nature that Van Dyke shares in his stories is one we all eventually come to feel.
In the end, this memoir is far more than a collection of memories — it’s a celebration of humor, resilience, and the art of aging gracefully. It’s a reminder to keep dancing, keep laughing, and most of all, to keep living with joy. A truly worthy read — not one to be missed.
Many thanks to Hachette Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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