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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I never considered myself a big fan of Brook Shields, not that I didn't like her, but I just didn't think that much about her. Well, let me just tell you, I'm a fan now. She talks about aging, motherhood, and menopause with such humility, grace, and humor that I lapped it all up and wanted more. Her personal stories were so insightful and I loved how she weaved them into various points in her book. I also really appreciated all her research and highlighting pertinent statistics across many topics. It came across as more a study than an opinion piece which I appreciated. You never know what you're going to get with a celebrity book as many seem to constantly remind you that you are not a celebrity by name dropping, discussing lavish trips, expensive gifts, etc. However I didn't get that from Brook at all. She came across as very humble and down to earth, even when she complained about her daughters stealing her designer clothing and accessories. She wasn't bragging, she was illustrating a point about why sometimes we have issues enjoying the luxuries we can afford, whether that be Gucci flats, or a Coach bag. And I too am glad more people are talking about menopause, because it's about damn time.

There are many differences between the way Brooke and I think about life, our values and, obviously our experiences. But...she is from my generation (well technically she's GenX and I am the end of the boomers but still). This book was really insightful regarding what it has been like for her to be a woman of my age coming up in the entertainment industry, but mostly I really connected to her perspectives about the way "we" are treated at this age in this country. Very interesting to listen to (as she is the reader).
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Shields is a very expressive audiobook narrator, what she wrote was all the more heartfelt because of it. I enjoyed the overall tone and the life lessons she imparts, about being proud to get old and being the best version of yourself. I liked the reflections and the stories she chose to include, as well as how self-aware she is to her life situation and opportunities and how she's tried to make positive change because of them in this stage of her life.

I enjoyed it, though probably not enough to recommend or for a reread. But if it was already on your list, I would go for the audiobook.

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“We’re always chasing, never appreciating.” 

An empowering, thought-provoking look at aging, which is seen as a big no-no in modern culture for women, who especially become invisible after a “certain age.” But this is our chance to stop being people pleasers and live for ourselves. Advocating for ourselves is also crucial, as the horrifying parts about medical maltreatment and lack of menopause support illustrate. 

However some of this book/advice rings hollow knowing the author is a famous actress with ready access to the kind of money, cosmetics, surgery, support, healthcare, mental healthcare and other resources to lighten the physical and mental harshness the rest of us normal, underpaid people face going through the world alone. 

“We are the narrators of our next chapters.”

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