Finding Wisdom in the Passage of Time
“Daylight Saving Time” by David W. Berner is a profound and deeply moving memoir that touches on the inevitability of change and the importance of embracing it. The book delves into the author’s personal experiences and philosophical musings following a heart attack, prompting him to reevaluate his life. Berner reflects on the loss of youthful dreams and the gaining of wisdom, highlighting the beauty and complexity of growing older.
With a narrative that is both introspective and expansive, capturing the nuanced experiences of growing older through the lens of his own life, particularly after a life-altering heart attack at the age of 56, “Daylight Saving Time” is ingeniously framed around the transition from Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time. A metaphor for the journey from darkness to light, this seasonal shift mirrors author Berner’s own transformation as he reflects on the past and contemplates the future.
Marked by a poignant blend of sorrow and joy as he recounts moments of personal loss, professional milestones, and intimate reflections, Berner’s prose is both lyrical and grounded, offering readers a rich tapestry of his daily thoughts and experiences. He delves into the physical realities of aging—graying hair, weakening knees, and the need for reading glasses—while also exploring the deeper emotional and psychological shifts that come with the passage of time. With insights that are both relatable and thought-provoking, the book prompts readers to reflect on their own experiences with aging and mortality.
“Daylight Saving Time” is not just a memoir; it is a meditation on life itself. Berner’s ability to find beauty in the mundane, his observations imbued with a sense of wonder and gratitude, urge readers to appreciate the present and embrace the future with hope and courage. A touching and eloquent exploration of what it means to grow older, David W. Berner’s heartfelt narrative offers comfort and inspiration, making it a 5 Star recommendation for anyone navigating the complex journey of aging.
