Best-selling author of The Madman and His Mistress, Roswitha McIntosh, is back with an introspective, yet simple and profound take on aging gracefully and living right. In one hundred pages, McIntosh packs in well-researched, well-referenced insights on preserving the energy of one's youth.

McIntosh compares the human body to the hardware of a computer, while the decisions one makes are the software. She states, "The best computer cannot produce good results if the software is flawed." Her comparisons to everyday life choices will undoubtedly draw various audiences to this book. For instance, if students continually skip class, they will not be successful; constantly giving in to temptation, whether that be binging on food or being an extra few minutes late to work—because you know you can—is bound to build up and lead to negative consequences. While these points seem obvious, millions continue to engage in these activities unaware of the long-lasting effects, particularly in the later stages of the aging process.

The majority of sections are simplified to specific words like "Attitude," "Anger," "Smiles," "Stress," and "Willpower." McIntosh then demonstrates how each word affects the trajectory of one's life and how damaging a temporary bout of anger can be while a simple smile can be incredibly beneficial.

In many ways, The ABC's of Staying Young resembles Rhonda Byrne's The Secret; the only difference is McIntosh's ability to dissect the essential elements and present them directly. Readers do not have to go searching for answers or even wonder what the author meant by a particular cryptic phrase. There is no mystery to preserving one's youth, and the author has been extremely diligent in laying out each and every factor that can ultimately alter the composition of aging.

While the advice in the book is useful, it is by no means preaching. McIntosh has handpicked quotes by history's prominent figures to help illuminate what she is trying to say. Insight from the ever-enriching Mark Twain can be found in multiple sections of the book. Nevertheless, the author has not simply selected quotes from the famous. Instead, she has delved into ancient history to find nuggets of wisdom that can kickstart an individual's desire to live better. Comparing The ABC's of Staying Young to the wildly successful Kathryn and Ross Petras' "It always seems impossible until it's done," a book of inspiration quotes for doers and dreamers does not seem far-fetched. What makes this book a universal must-read is its evergreen and age-blind characteristics. Old or young, now or in the future, anyone who picks up this book is bound to find something useful.

McIntosh supports her arguments with concrete research studies. For example, in her exploration of self-discipline, she cites a study at the University of Amsterdam, which proved that setting a regular, daily schedule of only fifteen to thirty minutes can improve self-discipline. In other sections, like "Wisdom," the author alludes to biblical stories of King Solomon and two women claiming to be the mother of a child to show the importance of knowledge and learning.

The three words that seem to resonate, in one form or another, throughout McIntosh's text are learn, laugh, and love. Following these three words keeps the curiosity alive, and generally curiosity is a precursor to desire. Where there is a desire, there is a vibrant energy, a youthful exuberance to life regardless of age.

McIntosh, from her own research and experiences, has done life's homework for her audience. The ABC’s of Staying Young is a bona fide life study guide that not only gets as close to the fountain of youth as one can get, but also helps the individual live the most gratifying and fulfilling life possible.

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