Musings from Middle Age

by Kerre Woodham

A laugh-out-loud account of one woman's journey to the brink of middle age as she discovers her new place in the grand scheme of things.

Is there an invisible line we cross at a certain age when we become ‘un-chat-up-able’ and become someone’s mum? When do barmen and supermarket check-out operators start calling us ‘madam’ and why do some women have the unnatural urge to cut their own hair with nail scissors or run away to Buddhist retreats when they hit forty? In this hilarious collection of stories from the brink of middle age, Kerre shares her insights into what makes us tick as women ‘of a certain age’. Topics explored include: coping with the empty nest; shoes, shoes and other indulgences; when is it futile to dress to impress?; is there such a thing as a female mid-life crisis?; and many more. Told in Kerre’s frank and self-deprecating style, this is a hilarious account of living life to the fullest - no matter what your age.

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Michele Harrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't laughed so hard for quite some time, to a good book, so this was a real treat - right when I needed it. I am not so sure I have been left laughing at what I have to look forward to, but I am pretty sure that like Kerre I will find a way to see the humour in what lies ahead, and to find inspiration in the many fabulous women who have gone before me or who will be riding along with me into that dark but sparkling night of old age and dotteryness! Pad up girls, and embrace all that modern medicine has to offer, I say. And dear god, can you young ones just get the f@&$ over your insecurities and start utterly embracing and adoring your youthful magnificence while you have it all in tact, and still defying gravity, I beg of you!! Seriously. As for me, I'm pretty sure these 'just starting to sag' bits are going to look bloody fabulous when I look back at now photos in 20 years time, so the only thing to be worrying about is how often I am smiling in them! Read this book, and your smile will be wide and your laughter loud, I promise.

[Catherine Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Kerre says - this book is NOT for women under 40, who quite frankly won't want to know what's in store for them. I cried with laughter in many places and just plain cried in others - mostly tears of self pity for what I am about to undergo in the next few years. (Menopause is not for pussies, so to speak.) Ultimately, though, this is an uplifting book, and even in the scary bits, Kerre's warm, humorous style carries you through. Highly recommended.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilariously honest.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually bought this book at the time Kerre was doing a tour of Paper Plus stores promoting it and so I have a dedication addressed to me personally in the front of it. However that was seven years ago and I've just read it. Being a mother of five/Nana of eight I am well past "that age" and could laugh at the milestones Kerre was reaching and discussed.
I actually found it an easy read with short chapters that meant if you could only grab a few minuets to read you could. There were some repeats but an actual light look at Kerre's life.
It is was a humorous look at "middle age" and coming through it so if you are 'of that age' it will help you to see all that is happening or to come is normal

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this light hearted read. There were times I had to stifle my laughter, so as not to wake hubby next to me. The joys of getting older!

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kerre Woodham what were you thinking? You warn in your book “only intended for the eyes of women aged 40 plus”. Well I would say more like 90 plus … and not at all if you are a woman. If dear reader, you have picked up this book thinking it will be like Woodham’s “Fat Chick” books then you will be sadly disappointed as it is just Woodham’s take on the aging process. I will confess that I only read the first 55 pages, so perhaps there is some improvement thereafter? Maybe someone would like to read ‘Musings from Middle Age ‘and tell me if it gets better? But I myself was not prepared to waste any more time on it.
As a woman of a certain age, (the same age as Woodham actually) I have noticed that I have become invisible, gravity has kicked in and wobbly bits abound, but I have reached a degree of acceptance – I mean if Rachel Hunter can’t get a man then why should my singledom bother me unduly. However, am I really expected to believe that the gorgeous, blonde bombshell, and raconteur extraordinaire, Kerre Woodham, with her large as life personality, has become invisible - I don’t think so! If a publisher wants a book written on the subject of aging gracefully, why not choose an author who has a few more years under their belt. This book makes me feel like an aging harridan! I still have a good 40 years in me for goodness sake – 60 is the new middle age! This book made me so angry. However if you are a man, and want to know why your wife, sister, mother, life partner or whatever, is angry or moody all the time – then read this by all means – you might find it funny – unfortunately,I certainly didn’t.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerre is a Kiwi writer who kept us ladies entertained for a few years while she wrote about her exploits about becoming a marathon runner. Now 47, she's not running so much and has turned her writing into musing about becoming a middle aged woman. I was especially impressed with the beginning of the book when she talks about that magical moment in most womens lives - when they become invisible.

I did like that her writing was fun and full of entertaining stories without turning farcical. I have read too many women comedians books lately which were disappointing, as they tried to rapid fire the jokes which become a bit boring. I like a book that makes me smile and where I actually learn something about the author.

So as well as facing the approaching fifties, Kerre talks about her relationship with the Irish guy and empty nest syndrome as her grown daughter leaves home and then marries. In a world that is obsessed with youth, it is nice to hear from a woman not pumped up with silicone (she does admit to a touch of botox though).

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had several places where I could get lost enjoying Kerre's wit and humor. However, it wasn't a captivating page turner like her other books. There were a lot of other times when I got bored, and wondered, is this really saying anything? Maybe the biggest reason I felt some disconnect is me, that I could understand the stories she shared, but not fully grasp what it felt like to actually live the tales shared.

Over all I am glad I read the book, and enjoyed a lot of the insights and commiserated with a lot of the experiences.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library ebook. Not too bad, bit repetitive in parts. Thought it might have been a selection of articles which were amassed into a book format. Found myself skimming through quite a few parts of it. Would be fun to go for a night out with Kerre. Irreverent humour. She is perhaps a bit fixated on the skinny/perfect woman myth but then she does work in that industry.
Definitely for the 40+ age group. Worth getting out as a library book for a light read.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry Kerre. I like you but this book is crap!

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got to page 82

[Marie-louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of laughs reading this. Puts a positive spin on middle age which it is as we are still around.