Old White Man Writing

Nearing seventy years of age, Joshua Gidding was in a reflective mood about his life. He considered the ups and downs, successes and failures, that led to his current status. He had penned a novel that was a commercial and critical disappointment in the early 1980s, and the sting of that setback still lingered. He questioned whether he possessed a voice that deserved to be heard or whether anyone cared. Nowadays, Gidding has existential questions about the privilege he grew up with and whether it might deter him from speaking out.

Gidding admits that he was raised in an affluent household where much was expected of him. However, Gidding was dogged by a persistent insecurity that not only delayed experiencing joy but might have also undermined his confidence in scholastic and athletic endeavors. This nagging presence is played out in the book in a humorous dialogue between Gidding and his “German” tormentor. Despite the lack of success as a mainstream writer, Gidding has flourished as a writing teacher and a book reviewer.

Gidding believes that failure has defined a good portion of his life, yet a notable highlight was his twenty-plus-year marriage to his first wife, Diane. Gidding was taken with Diane, and insecurity fell by the wayside during his courtship. Diane was the key to Gidding overcoming depression, and their love was strong and endured as the couple had a shared language. The couple would have a son named Zachary, and their union would last until Diane’s succumbing to Cancer in 2004.

Old White Man Writing is an introspective deep dive into an eventful life crammed with wonderful highs and seemingly bottomless lows. Gidding’s anecdotes evince an analytical mind often at war with itself in making the right decision or saying the right thing. There is humor and heart in the memoir that is often succeeded by cringeworthy moments that are perceptible. Gidding’s memoir allows itself to be comfortable in its discomfort, whether it be relaying his occasional missteps with other races as well as with the opposite sex.

Whereas some memoirs fall short because of puffery or being withholding, Gidding’s story excels because he is honest with his own shortcomings and is self-deprecating. Old White Man Writing is an inspiring book about a man’s self-examination and finding some catharsis when all has been said. Joshua Gidding has penned a gratifying autobiography worthy of praise.