Reading this book about midlife gave me an insight to what my parents and older relatives may be going through. It was quite thoughtful but with humour.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an advanced ecopy of the book. This review is solely my opinion.

Expectations have a lot to do with one’s enjoyment of books. If you have few expectations, your perceived value of the book can only go up. If you heard raves or thought you’d get something else, disappoint could well ensue. I “bought” the wrong item.

For some reason, perhaps the subtitle, (Indignities, Compromises and the Unexpected Grace of Midlife), I thought this book would be humorous, I was expecting Erma Bombeck, thus disappointment ensued. Given the quirky title about aging, I expected humorous vignettes. Grant, a former Chicago Tribune columnist often quotes other writers and reflects on them. I did this enough in college. When reading, I actively look for clever turns of phrases to highlight – to enjoy those slices of word cake once more. This is not that kind of book.

I am openly Christian and use words like blessed and praying regularly. Grant does this too. I just hadn’t expected bible verses to be quoted, as in a devotional type book. I know some readers get offended by that.

She writes of (to me) obvious matters, such as “Sometimes it takes a very long time to bloom” and “It takes time to Heal.” One more astute comment, “We can’t do everything at once.” OK, Two: “The good fruit is ready and waiting for us.” I got tired of it. My advice to the author and editor, “Step it up a notch and find new clichés.”

My favorite essay is “What is Left of Her”, where the author tells a touching story of her sister and her dysfunctional, too short life. “Melanoma Posters” was also a more moving essay.

If you are expecting a light devotional book about family and life, you might enjoy the reflections in When Did Everyone Else Get So Old? My expectations were out of sync with this title.

Midlife is a period of transition. It can be a troubled time or one full of opportunity. Grant shares her thoughts on her experiences and the lessons she has learned. Some of her stories are about ordinary events while others are life altering.

I enjoyed Grant's thoughts on getting old. I could identify with many of her examples and emotions. Midlife is a crazy time for many women and reading her stories helps us know what we are experiencing is not so abnormal. Her insights are good and range from marriage and parenting issues to the danger of comparing ourselves with others.

My favorite part of her book was actually the beginning where she explores the whole concept of memories. She reminds us we are not merely the sum of our life events. Memories help us see how we've grown and help us appreciate the blessings we have today that we might otherwise overlook.

A note for evangelical readers: Grant is uncomfortable with the concept of God sending some to heaven and others to hell. “I am hopeful that all things and all of humankind and all of creation will ultimately be renewed by, and reconciled to, God.” (Loc. 1921/2194)

I recommend this book to readers who are looking for some insight into the experience of midlife. You'll have a few laughs and get some help in making it through this time of transition.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Reading this seemed like having a conversation with a good friend. The only problem was this particular friend was just a bit younger and hasn’t yet navigated that uncharted territory that is ahead for me.

While the book really wasn’t filled with what I expected, I enjoyed it and especially liked what Grant had to say in Chapter 12 and the references she made to some verses in Ecclesiastes.

This was a quick, positive read that can be finished in a weekend or less. It’s most likely more relatable to mothers and those seeking or practicing a spiritual life, but it’s definitely not preachy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Herald Press for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.