On a typical Saturday morning, I wake up stressed out, despondent, and just… miserable. Years of juggling with kids, work, part-time studies… a woman can only take so much before she runs out of steam. I didn’t realize it at first, but I was slipping into my midlife years, doesn’t time fly!
Trying to figure out my misery, it dawned on me that the dreaded cloud of midlife crisis was right on top of me. It was time to find my way out of this maze (or make one). Munching on the midlife crisis book series played a big role in helping me find my footing against all odds.
Here are a few of the best female midlife crisis books that I found most useful.
Midlife Bites: Anyone Else Falling Apart, or Is It Just Me?, by Jen Mann (2022)
When I set my eyes on the title, I literally spoke the words out loud. I couldn’t wait to read this book to the last letter and “confirm my fears.”
It’s a good thing Jen presents the cold, hard facts about important conversations and other crucial aspects about women in midlife crisis. Then she wraps it all up in some dark humor and an unmistakable personal touch.
The gems I picked up from this book helped me big time with practical ideas for navigating the crossroads of this stage. I went from bearing overwhelming feelings of isolation, feeling overlooked and unappreciated, to finding handy insights and unforgettable takeaways. Besides, I don’t know where I’d be right now if not for the various ideas shared here on the different productive ways forward – important conversations, pushing myself above and beyond my comfort zone, and much, much more.
Why Can’t We Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis, by Ada Calhoun (2021)
The modern world presents the average woman with a set of midlife crisis that she might have to figure out all by herself. I learned this the hard way. Thankfully, I happened to come across this book, and I couldn’t believe how relatable it is to my real-life struggles.
I craved a good read from someone who has been in this situation, and that’s exactly what I got from this piece by Ada Calhoun. The modern middle age woman (particularly Gen X, and now early Milllenials) has been facing a whole new set of often-overlooked challenges. I love how Calhoun has gone into details on the cultural and political contexts of the modern woman midlife situation.
And how she shares priceless nuggets on how we can dig ourselves out of this mess as well as secure a solid foothold for the next generation of women. Such an informative, empowering, and entertaining read. Hands down one of the best books for midlife crisis!
The Breaking Point: How Female Midlife Crisis is Transforming Today’s Women, Sue Shellenbarger (2005)
Further in my pursuit of answers, this proved to be the one copy that I truly needed. Sue Shellenbarger takes us to the depths of the new phenomenon that middle-aged women are facing in pursuit of romance, corporate excellence, spirituality, sports, adventure, and everything else.
But what I love the most about this book is the various options included herein that we can use to rise above midlife crisis, excel in and have a positive impact on our career, family, and in society. This one is provocative, but it packs a ton of helpful insights.
Self-Love Workbook for Women by, Megan Logan (2020)
When I stumbled upon this gem at a book-store, I was instantly hooked! The moment I flipped through its pages, I completely knew it was a must-have. Written by Megan Logan, this book is packed with thought-provoking questions that made me reflect on things I often overlook. I love its self-guided approach which taught me that there’s no need to rush, but explore at your own pace.
It goes beyond being just a workbook; it offers insightful reading passages that are easy to follow. It’s been a fantastic tool for my personal recovery. Honestly, it’s the perfect gift for any woman in your life. Diverse and well-rounded, it’s a treasure trove of wisdom.
Life Reimagined, by Barbara Bradley Hagerty (2017)
For the past few years, I’ve been navigating a bit of a “crisis” evaluation, and this book has truly illuminated those dark corners. What stands out most to me is the science-backed insights it offers. Despite reading about the amygdala for ages, this book finally unlocked how it interacts with other brain areas for me. It’s eye-opening!
Plus, it dives into preparing for an active post-employment life, which is vital for staving off dementia and boosting life quality. It’s prompted me to spark conversations with fellow midlifers about staying engaged and planning for the future. The book feels like it’s speaking directly to me, especially with its exploration of the mind-body connection. This is one I’ll keep referring to for years.
The Shift: How I (lost and) found myself after 40 – and you can too, by Sam Baker (2021)
I’ve been a fan of Sam Baker since her days at Red magazine, so finding her book was a kind of thrilling moment for me. This is a must-read for every woman approaching or experiencing peri-menopause, or honestly, any woman. It’s like having a dear friend by your side, offering comfort, a big hug, and a gin and tonic when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
This book assures you that you’re not alone or losing your mind, and that you will get through it. It’s funny, warm, and packed with wisdom. It talks to you like an adult, makes you laugh, and dishes out fantastic advice. It brilliantly captures the essence of being a vibrant, experienced woman who’s full of life, balancing the hot, sweaty, and fierce moments with grace. I can’t recommend it enough!