Christine Nöstlinger, however, does not write about the grumpy cucumber king or the Franz who looks like a girl. This is about her own life: How she survived the war as a child in a bomb shelter. How she begins her first confession with a lie. How she learns about the true nature of humanity on a scooter. How she loses a borrowed bra in dance class and asserts herself as an art student in male circles. The great children's book author, journalist, poet, and writer speaks of marriages, daughters, and affairs. Of her successes, of furious teacher attacks, and absurd political correctness sheriffs. And also about whether it is desirable to age with dignity.