makboo's review against another edition
3.0
“When we are young, we are diluted versions of ourselves. We become balsamic reductions as we age—our very best parts distilled and clarified.”
whatjenreads's review against another edition
4.0
Like other essay collections, On Being 40(ish) contains some essays better than others. This collection of essays had me crying at times, out loud laughing at times, and nodding my head in solidarity at times. As I near the big 4-0 (gasp) this collection of essays solidified what I already know- I’m happier at almost 40 than ever, my don’t give an f has been triggered, my body reminds me constantly that I’m no spring chicken, and that my 40’s are going to rock. This book is like sitting around with your best girlfriends while demolishing bottles of wine and talking life. It’s real, honest, raw, and relatable. Thank you @simonandschuster for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
carolmia's review against another edition
4.0
This is a poignant collection of essays by women about their life experiences and outlook after turning forty.
I don't usually read these types of collections but the description caught my attention, and I'm happy I picked it up. The title includes personal stories from different writers, they explore many themes, from aging, careers, relationships, to the shift in priorities each lived decade.
I related to many of the stories, but my absolutely favorite was THE PEOPLE WHO GOT ME HERE by Julie Klam, I felt emotionally connected from the beginning.
Overall, a meaningful and relatable collection of essays.
Received ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
I don't usually read these types of collections but the description caught my attention, and I'm happy I picked it up. The title includes personal stories from different writers, they explore many themes, from aging, careers, relationships, to the shift in priorities each lived decade.
I related to many of the stories, but my absolutely favorite was THE PEOPLE WHO GOT ME HERE by Julie Klam, I felt emotionally connected from the beginning.
Overall, a meaningful and relatable collection of essays.
Received ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
m_l_valentine's review against another edition
4.0
One could argue that many of the authors were cut from similar cloth, and they are. But there was a variety of experience throughout these musings. The writers sparked familiar feelings and made me dread some others. Now I want to write my own essay.
voya_k's review against another edition
1.0
As a 43 year old lady myself, I've read lots of these essay collections of vaguely feminist ladies writing about LADY STUFF in my time, and this one did not particularly knock my socks off. These things tend to include authors with a pretty limited range of identity and experience -- living in the Northeast or West Coast, maybe Iowa (Writer's project hangover/teaching job). I've over it.
The Megan Daum one was good tho, b/c Megan Daum is usually good. I also laughed meanly b/c Sloane Crosley got in despite being only 38 while pondering the fate of her face b/c she's Sloane Crosley, you guuyyyyssss.
Anyway, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
The Megan Daum one was good tho, b/c Megan Daum is usually good. I also laughed meanly b/c Sloane Crosley got in despite being only 38 while pondering the fate of her face b/c she's Sloane Crosley, you guuyyyyssss.
Anyway, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
gabriela_rus's review against another edition
4.0
This book is like a mosaic of thoughts, feelings, personal histories, joys, frustration, bits and pieces of life which put together create a beautiful picture of feminine wisdom. Because that is what being 40ish is all about: figuring all this shit out, keeping what is worth and letting go of all the useless crap which seemed to be important and 20.
Turning 40 this year I must say I can totally relate with most of the essays, reading this book gave me a sense of peace and self-confidence.
Turning 40 this year I must say I can totally relate with most of the essays, reading this book gave me a sense of peace and self-confidence.