Kilbourn Public Library Book Club

The Kilbourn Public Library Book Discussion Group read The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson for the January selection.  A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it's not too late to start over. 

After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop.  The only problem is that he is still in good health, and in one day, he turns 100.  A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn't interested.  So he decides to escape.  He climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant.

Many readers have spoken about the humor and optimism of Allan Karlsson.  How do these characteristics weave through the novel?  What parts do you find particularly funny...and what makes them funny?

What do you consider justice for Allan Karlsson?

The One Hundred Year Old Man is a novel with the topic of aging at its core.  What are society's expectations of how the elderly should act?  Does society do a good job in terms of how we treat our older population?

Let us know what you think!