'The Book of Charlie': A centenarian's life well-lived

When Washington Post editor David Von Drehle moved into a new home, he found his neighbor, Charlie White, was not your typical 102-year-old. Striking up a friendship, Von Drehle discovered the colorful White, who'd already lived a couple of lifetimes, had a lot to teach others about making the most of our time alive. Correspondent Luke Burbank talks with Von Drehle about a remarkable character, the subject of "The Book of Charlie."
#biography #wisdom

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[cynthiahonorio]

Wish I had a neighbor like him! He was a gift you found and regifted to us with a book!

[susannpatton]

Such an amazing story. He literally has seen it ALL. From before radio to having a smart phone.
You young kids, don't underestimate the older people around you

[karmicsheila]

I would have loved to have had a long conversation with Charlie. Thank you for sharing his wonderful life with us❤

[chrisfinch]

Who needs the Book of Mormon, when you've got the Book of Charlie? I always admire people who live up to be in their 100s, or even become a super-centenarian, after living past 110 years of age. Bless your heart, Charlie!

[PDogB]

Great story! Thanks, and more like this please!

[MisfitsFiendClub]

Once attended a memorial for a man who lived to 107. To this day I can't even comprehend how much change you would witness living that long 🤔

[rubytuesdayphoenix]

It's always wonderful seeing Chris Cooper in anything- I wasn't expecting him in this story!

[cynthiamason]

Just what I needed to see and hear this afternoon, thank you, Luke. ♡

[veronicanunez]

I love Charlie!! Awesome length of a hard lived life. But what a human being❤

[calvken]

Worked until his 90s. The fact that he didn’t retire when he could have is key. He continued to engage his mind, which probably helped keep him out of dementia in those latter years.

[zoecunningham]

Charlie lived by
"doing the right thing" became a tresured goft to all he encountered, and beyond. Rewarded with living a complete full long life. Now for continuous generations to have opportunity to learn by his extraordinary example.

[davidclaro]

That story was beautiful. I’ll have to get that book.

[HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

❤❤❤❤❤ Love this, Love Chris Cooper, Love the neighbor for writing the book, Love Mustangs and now I love Charlie! 😊😊😊 thank you

[mililaniman]

I want to read this book. This book will hopefully inspire me to live a long full life.

[thomasdecarlo]

Kudos Charlie …. You found the core to everything … do the right thing

[angelinimartini]

I think I’ll buy this book. Seems like a good read. Makes me miss my grandpa.

[dan-dmilesperhour]

Only a matter of time now before Tom Hanks plays him in a movie. Anybody else notice a resemblance?

[JerjerB]

I hope to live this long so that I can understand life better...

[katebriscoe]

I am really excited to read this one 😊

[cynthiahawkins]

My dear late mom in law Paula ADMITTED to being 98 when she died. But I think she was probably the big 1-0-0. Vibrant, active, and beautiful, she welcomed me as a new daughter to the family when I married her oldest son Ric (we are still married, now 15 years)..So much of life is what we choose to make it. And that is especially true as we grow older....I am 75, still a kid in Charlie's book!!! Ditto Ric - he's 80.