The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man by David Von Drehle is a biography of Charlie White, a man who lived through more than a century of American history. White was born in 1902, before radio, and lived long enough to use a smartphone. He witnessed firsthand the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Through it all, White remained resilient and optimistic. He was a man of great curiosity and adventure, and he lived a life full of rich and varied experiences. He was a jazz musician, a paramedic, a surgical technician, and even a guest of the president of Peru.

Von Drehle's book is a celebration of White's life and the lessons he learned along the way. It is also a meditation on the American experience and the resilience of the human spirit.

In the book, Von Drehle identifies several key principles that contributed to White's long and happy life:

• Resilience: White faced many challenges in his life, but he always found a way to persevere. He was able to bounce back from setbacks and learn from his mistakes.
• Optimism: White had a positive outlook on life, even during difficult times. He believed that things would eventually get better.
• Curiosity: White was always eager to learn new things and experience new things. He was never bored with life.
• Gratitude: White was grateful for the good things in his life, big and small. He appreciated his family, his friends, and his health.

The Book of Charlie is an inspiring and heartwarming story about a man who lived a remarkable life. It is also a book that can teach us all how to live our own lives to the fullest.