I’ve read two books recently about middle-aged women going through some life changes, making adjustments and basically taking stock of their lives. It’s funny, both protagonists are around 40 and I guess being that I recently turned that magic number perhaps these books struck a chord with me. Although, really, 40 is middle age? Goodness, I still feel like I’m 20 in a lot of ways.
Ah well back to the books, let me tell you about these because I want to recommend both and I do have a giveaway of one of the books so keep reading…
The first one is Of Men and their Mothers by Mameve Medwed. I’ve read one of her books before and as with it, this one was thoroughly enjoyable. Medwed creates credible characters with ordinary lives but still off-beat enough to make you smile and keep you entertained. This book is about Maisie Grey, a woman recently divorced who vows never to make the same mistakes as her former mother-in-law when it comes to her teenage son. But, we can all say we’d react one way and it’s not until a situation forces our hand that we will show our true colors. Here’s my full review and I hope you’ll check out this book.
The other book was a bit of a mixed-bag for me. The Ten-Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer focuses on a group of women who have put their careers on hold to raise their children and are now coming to terms with the consequences of their choices. I felt like Wolitzer was striving for a lot with this book and so some of the situations felt forced or out of place. Although I didn’t love the book I’m still glad I read it, and here’s my full review for more info.
Now for the giveaway, The Ten-Year Nap is an ARC but I know it’s a book that’s been talked about quite a bit. I’d love to pass it along so leave a comment if you are interested in it and I’ll do a drawing on Friday.
I am not sure 40 is middle aged… I think the closer I get to it the less I will think of it that way. I would love to be in our your drawing for The Ten-Year Nap!!! I am currently reading A Short History of Tractors in Ukraine and it is really good, about respecting those who are elderly and following their wishes, allowing them to live with dignity. I like it so far, it is really good.
Anyway…I’d LOVE to win that drawing!!! 🙂
Have a great night.
Please put my name in the hat for the drawing. Thanks!
I tell myself that mid-40s is solidly middle-aged (let’s face it, how much beyond 90 will I live?) but you’re right: I often feel as though I’m still in my my 20s. Dunno why or how…
I’ve never read a Wolitzer, but many of my “adult” friends seem to like her. Put my name into the drawing, please.
I find that the older I get, the older “old” gets.
I’m always up to trying to win a new book. Count me in!
I’m SO very interested in The Ten Year Nap (despite the grudge I hold against Wolitzer for those nasty chick lit comments…*cleansing breaths*). I have one of her other books, The Position, on my shelves as well.
I don’t like to think of 40s as middle age either (I feel about 20, too!!). It’s interesting to see how characters work it out in literature, though. Sometimes I can relate, and other times not so much. The Wolitzer sounds interesting, but I will let someone else have a chance as I have a toppling stack to read at the moment, so no need to add my name (thanks though!).
I’d love the book! I’ve interested in reading it and have had trouble getting my hands on the library’s copy!
The 10 Year Nap is high on my list of TBR’s, so I’d love a chance at winning a copy 🙂
When I was 40, I didn’t think of it as being middle aged either. I think maybe 50 is the “new middle age” – at least I certainly felt as if I’d crossed some wierd dividing line of life when I reached that number.
Just wanted to stop by and tell you I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and it’s the best. Your reviews are great and I enjoy reading about your trips. I read a fair amount of book blogs and get plenty of great ideas for book. I work at a library and I still can’t control my book buying habit. I will turn 41 this year and I don’t feel old I just can’t bend like I used too.:)
I’d love to be entered for The Ten Year Nap.
I, too, am 40 and I don’t feel Iike I’m 20, but I do feel about 30!!
I guess I’m on the backside of middle-age now that I’m 46! I don’t feel 20, but like 3m, I feel about 30.
I’ve never read anything by Wolitzer, but this sounds intriguing, especially since I plan to set a “women’s friendship” end cap at work in August. This might be a good addition to my current list. Throw my name in the hat, please.
I’d love to put my name in for the drawing. I feel like I’ve taken that same 10-year nap, though I’m going on 12…
Thanks!
Bethany – I read History of Tractors too… I had a mixed reaction to it probably because I was kind of horrified for the poor father. Can’t wait to hear how you like the rest of it. And, got you in for the drawing! 🙂
nik – You bet!
Lazygal – I guess maybe that’s what’s called being young at heart right? 🙂
Nicole – Oh isn’t that the truth! I remember as a kid thinking that 40 was ancient. Silly girl 🙂
Andi – You crack me up. I think you need to write about that grudge for your next bibliobuffet article!
Danielle – It was a bit harder for me to relate to the Wolitzer book as I don’t have children but I thought of my friends who have kids and wondered if they went or go through some of those situations. You are right, it’s great to look to literature to see how the characters will work through our issues.
Kristen – It seems to be a popular one on Bookmooch as well!
Ravenous Reader – I wonder too if it has to do with all the ads and marketers telling us that 40 is the new 30 and that sort of thing you know.
Jennifer – How sweet of you! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and glad to hear from another bookworm who can’t resist buying books 🙂
3m – I got you down as well for the drawing!
Les in NE – Ok, why are you girls feeling 30 and I’m stuck in the 20s?! ha,ha.. Oh and I think that would be a perfect book for your display.
Gentle Reader – I’ve got you down too! And, it sounds like this would be a perfect book for you – as you’ve maybe gone through something similar it would be great to hear your thoughts on how the author handled the material!
I just turned 40 in April and I have a hard time considering myself middles-aged too. Personally, I think 40 is the new 30 😉
Stefanie – I’m going to go with you and claim 40 is the new 30 🙂