The Book
More than a book, Too Sharp to Shelve is a movement.
Life is changing at a fast rate, people are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. Having 20 to 30 years more of life begs the question, what am I going to do with that time and how do I want to feel about my life. More and more people are asking themselves these questions and seeking answers that work for them.
Why This Book?
Too Sharp to Shelve is not about retiring well or slowing down — it’s about stepping up.
This is the book for those who know they’re not done yet.
It’s about staying relevant, visible, and valuable in a world that too often overlooks seasoned talent. Now, more than ever, we need voices of experience and perspective to balance the noise of constant disruption.
This book is both a toolkit and an invitation: to claim your space, share your strengths, and keep shaping the future.
Why Now?
The world won’t wait. Why should you?
- Technology, workplaces, and culture are shifting daily.
- New opportunities are opening up for older adults — opportunities that didn’t exist before.
- Outdated beliefs about aging still hold too many people back.
Now is the time to design the life you really want — not the one others expect of you.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is for retirement-aged high performers with the energy and desire to continue being relevant and impactful.
It is for you if you:
- Are ready to sustain, reinvent, or redirect your work and life.
- Want to be intentional about how you live your later life.
- Are eager to design a life you will love and feel proud of.
- Have wisdom, creativity, and energy and know you still have so much to contribute.
This is your call to action: to step forward, sharpen your edge, and remind the world that wisdom paired with energy is unstoppable.
Inside the Book
This isn’t another book about winding down.
It’s a manifesto for possibility.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Practical strategies
- Reflective exercises
- Real-world stories
All designed to help you reimagine work, purpose, and impact on your terms.
Your experience isn’t baggage — it’s leverage.
What Others Are Saying About The Book
“This is the book I wish I had written! It’s a great balance of information and opportunities for reflection. Doing this work is vital for those of us anticipating or already IN retirement.” Susan Hawk Schneider Retirement Coach/Group Facilitator
I’ve worked with Jill as she applied the concepts in this useful and timely book. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is unclear about what’s next for them as they face the decision of whether or not to retire. The worksheets and assessments in this book helped clear my mind as to my next steps. My new job is the result of the “Too Sharp To Shelve” approach and promises great fulfillment and fits well into my values and lifestyle. Joe Kennedy, Public Policy Analyst, Advisor, and Author of the book “Ending Poverty” Changing Behavior, Guaranteeing Income and Transforming Government.
Too Sharp to Shelve is a well written, well-structured guide for those considering their retirement options. A must read, for anyone who wants to create a roadmap of their sunset years. Harriet Dworkin, BA, Human Resources Professional
Marlene’ s wisdom and heart light the way to a vibrant, meaningful life beyond retirement. This inspiring guide shows that the best years can still be ahead.” – Christian Mickelsen, #1 Best Selling Author of Abundance Unleashed