The Book of Charlie

The Book of Charlie is a heartfelt biography by journalist David Von Drehle, chronicling the extraordinary life of Charlie White, a man who lived for over a century. Drawing from the rich conversations the author shared with his elderly neighbor in Kansas City, this book is more than a memoir—it’s a tribute to resilience, gratitude, and wisdom earned through time.

Born in the early 1900s, Charlie White lived through an era that spanned from before the invention of radio to the age of smartphones. His life is a living history of the modern world—one marked by personal tragedy, adaptation, and remarkable range. From playing in jazz bands during the Roaring Twenties to driving ambulances during the Great Depression and witnessing the development of early cardiac surgery, Charlie’s experiences offer a panoramic view of 20th-century American life.

What stands out most is Charlie’s deep commitment to Stoic philosophy. He embraced life’s uncertainty, understanding that while we cannot control what happens, we can always choose how we respond. “A man must always stand on his own,” he would say—a principle that guided his choices. His simple life mantra—“Do the right thing”—remains a timeless and powerful call for personal integrity.

Charlie viewed being a doctor not merely as a profession but as a privilege—something that resonated personally with me as a physician. His story made me pause and reflect on my own path, urging me to see the nobility in service, not just in success.

Von Drehle’s writing is warm and nuanced, weaving personal memories with historical insight. Lines like:

“You don’t need to go looking for sorrow. It’s already come for you—and it will come again. So when pain takes a day off, enjoy the gift.”
leave a lasting emotional imprint. These are not just wise words, but lived truths from someone who weathered more than a century of joy, loss, and change.

The Book of Charlie offers universal lessons for readers of all ages. It reminds us to look beyond the surface of ordinary neighbors—to listen, to ask, and to learn. Charlie’s story encourages us to find the “Charlies” in our own lives, and more importantly, to become one ourselves.