There Are No Grown-ups: A Midlife Coming-of-Age Story Paperback – April 30, 2019

I was very sad to finish to book not because it was necessarily good, but because I was looking forward to reading it, and while I read it, while I didn't agree with everything, the mindset was very helpful.I am a number of years off from 40, but still into my thirties, and I was telling my best friend (same age), that I was going through this self-help-at-40 kick (I am), and I love it. All of the books I ordered and am reading seem to revolve around aging gracefully and finding resolution in life. The only differences are the technique.Because I love a bit of schadenfreude, the ones I pick also have a french lean. I am not a francophile, in fact, there are many things about French culture I absolutely despise and cite often as qualities I dislike in people. But the women who write in this realm (Pamela Druckerman,  Mireille Guiliano, etc) are such good writers, and posit some great paradigms to think about (whether you agree with them or not)."There are no grownups" does not disappoint in this sense. Part memoir, part self-help, the book goes through scenarios and research with some key takeaways about aging well and dealing with lives problems. While I was reading this book we were navigating one of our au pair's friends being displaced and staying with us. Nothing makes you feel old than two very young twenty-somethings grappling with what my husband and I would consider run-of-the-mill HR issues.  Were they valid, yes, but are they the end of the world, no. Though the live-in aspect of does makes it more complicated, the book paired with the au pairs reminded me of all the young dumb shit, and how none of it really affected where I am today. Anyhow, based on this book I've decided to forgo my 30s and just be resolutely middle-aged and comfortable.

I was kind of bored with the beginning of the book but found that it grew on me as it progressed. However, as a sixty-something woman I had not much sympathy for someone who thought she was getting old in her forties. Still, the writer’s insights are many and good and can be applied by anyone at any stage of life.

I didn’t love or hate this book. It was okay. Some of what she discussed was great, but I got bored. I’d say it’s worth the read if you’re a fan of non-fiction, but not a top of the “to be read” list in your head.

I may not have reached my forties yet but so much of what Druckerman so cleverly details in this book was relatable to me. Her concerns and preoccupations match those of more than one decade and are delivered with as much wisdom as sharp, occasionally offbeat humor. Her honesty was refreshing and bold. For every comedic interaction there is an equally as touching anecdote from various periods of her life — it may jump across decades at times but the journey feeds the message. Druckerman’s story is full of highs and lows, laughs and discomfort — and told throughout with tremendous heart. A memorable read.

Enjoyable personality showing through the pages. I have studied in France so the cross cultural elements were extra entertaining. I'm nearing the 40 age mark so the timing felt very appropriate too. She didn't shy away from any embarrassment or struggle either, very real.

This was a light, breezy memoir essay book about turning 40, being in your 40s, coming towards the end of your 40s, and noting the changes, both good and bad, that come with this particular decade of life. The author grew up in the U.S. and currently lives in France with her British husband, which gives a nice, multi-dimensional view of this decade. Each chapter hits on a different theme of this decade and concludes with a brief little list of "you know you're in your 40s when...," followed by a list of both funny and (mostly) true statements.I enjoyed the parts about how the French view and treat aging, particularly women, the most, although this wasn't necessarily the focus of the book. It's not the first time I've heard about how French women don't expect to disappear from society's view past a certain age, and I found it very refreshing. I also enjoyed the parts about how friendships change, how people become more compassionate and less judgmental, and finally finding your tribe.Was there a focus on physical changes, appearance, and clothes? Sure,but this didn't bother me. The sad truth is that there is a huge focus in our society on physical appearance, and the physical signs of aging is something a lot of us have to deal with, and don't deal with particularly well. There's also not a lot of very deep, reflective thinking in spots - but again, I don't think that was intended to be the primary focus.One of my favorite spots in the book was when she discusses giving a graduation speech and telling the students that they will find their place. She notes that "...somewhere in the world, there's an empty space shaped just like you. Once you find it, you'll slide right in. I don't mention that this might take them another twenty years." I laughed out loud because it couldn't be more true.

I was looking for a book sharing the experience of mid-life from perhaps a more philosophical perspective than what was shared. This book was really a memoir that had a lot of irrelevant chapters to the portrayed topic of the book.

Honest sharing, witty and insightful.It gave me some great perspectives, and it was very entertaining. Makes you think, makes you laugh, makes you realize that life is for living.

I enjoyed this book and feel like I know the author! Many things she said resonated with me and made me feel less alone in this chapter of my life. A good read and I particularly enjoyed the section on fashion!

Gute Zusammenfassung der Fragen, die einen ab 40 beschäftigen. Kurzweilig und gut recherchiert. Macht Spaß zu lesen.

I read the first few chapters aloud to my husband, who kept saying "that's exactly what you say!". What a comfort that I am not alone in this feeling of confusion and of not being able to reconcile the person in the mirror to the person inside. Loved the style of writing, had several laugh out loud moments, and generally enjoyed it from the first page.Glad I saw a BBC radio 2 clip featuring Pamela Zuckerman on my facebook feed!Great, thoroughly recommended book!

The print is so tiny that it made me not want to read the book at all. (I bought the paperback one with the green cover (and two eyes). Don't buy it!

I liked that the chapters were individual themes. Easy to leave and pick up again later without having to go back to catch up.A few laugh out loud moments too.I would happily recommend to friends (like me) who are just entering their forties.