Harry Bernstein is a published author whose first book "The Invisible Wall" has been published by Random house is receiving excellent reviews. The book, about his early childhood in a poverty stricken street where Jews and Christians were strictly divided, was rejected by a number of publishing houses before being accepted by Random House. So what’s so unusual about this? Well, Harry is 96 years old! Harry says "I’m more of an expert on failure then I am success." (For an interview with this new author open this link)

What caught my interest was the similarity between Mr. Bernstein’s story and that of my dad, Paul Luvera , Sr who published a book "How to Carve and Paint Totem Poles" which has been reprinted numerous times. Originally published in 1997, his book is still available by contacting my sister Phyllis Ennes ennespl@comcast.net. Born in Calabria, Italy dad ran a small neighborhood grocery store until his retirement. Bored in retirement he began carving and carved totem poles which people wanted. After studying the cultural background of totem poles and gathering information he carved a number of poles. He then decided to write a book on how to carve them. But no publisher would accept it, so he self published the book investing his savings and with apprehension on the part of my mother. The late Mike Royko, Chicago Daily News columnist learned the story and wrote an article about dad and the book. Sales took off and he ended up getting all of his money back plus having to reprint the book over again to keep up with demand. Dad was 79 years old at the time.

I guess age only matters if it matters to you.