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Do the Next New Thing: Embrace Uncertainty and Discover Purpose, Happiness, and Friendship
Many of us have been there. Because of life changes—kids are grown and gone, divorce, relocation, retirement, death, health issues—we ponder what’s next and try to determine a direction for our lives. We’re often stuck—wanting to do something but not knowing what that something is.
And how do you figure it out?
When she desired a purpose, a passion, friends, and a community, Pamela Lamp devised a project for herself. She took those first few steps—steps anyone can take —to find herself and begin the journey she wished to travel.
Like a conversation with a good friend, this book is full of observations of what might just happen when you take a step back, embrace uncertainty, and let go of control.
And how do you figure it out?
When she desired a purpose, a passion, friends, and a community, Pamela Lamp devised a project for herself. She took those first few steps—steps anyone can take —to find herself and begin the journey she wished to travel.
Like a conversation with a good friend, this book is full of observations of what might just happen when you take a step back, embrace uncertainty, and let go of control.
- GenresNonfiction
170 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
About the author
Pamela Lamp
2 books9 followersPamela (please call her Pam!) Lamp is a wife, mom, grandmother, blogger, and podcast host. She is the author of Do the Next New Thing and will try *almost* anything once.
She loves to meet with book clubs, either in person or on Zoom and discuss all the ways novelty can enrich one’s life.
On the Who I Met Today podcast, she interviews people from all walks of life, with topics ranging from health and food to books, aging, and travel. She hopes to encourage listeners and readers to explore uncharted territory and learn something new every day. Pamela enjoys traveling, cooking, playing golf and pickleball, reading and, of course, exploring new things. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband.
She loves to meet with book clubs, either in person or on Zoom and discuss all the ways novelty can enrich one’s life.
On the Who I Met Today podcast, she interviews people from all walks of life, with topics ranging from health and food to books, aging, and travel. She hopes to encourage listeners and readers to explore uncharted territory and learn something new every day. Pamela enjoys traveling, cooking, playing golf and pickleball, reading and, of course, exploring new things. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 8, 2024
It was refreshing to read Do the Next New Thing, a new book about embracing unknowns and being a lifelong learner willing to try new things, at any age.
“Like a conversation with a good friend, this book is full of observations of what might just happen when you take a step back, embrace uncertainty, and let go of control.”
I’ve gotten better at accepting uncertainty since the pandemic years (when many of us were forced to, whether we embraced it at the time or not), but there’s always room for improvement.
I enjoyed following Pam’s journey when she moved from Texas to Nashville, determined to explore new places, try new activities, and make new friends. Pam’s story is positive and encouraging, and Do the Next New Thing full of good reminders for anyone open to embracing change in a digestible way.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cloverfield Publishing for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Like a conversation with a good friend, this book is full of observations of what might just happen when you take a step back, embrace uncertainty, and let go of control.”
I’ve gotten better at accepting uncertainty since the pandemic years (when many of us were forced to, whether we embraced it at the time or not), but there’s always room for improvement.
I enjoyed following Pam’s journey when she moved from Texas to Nashville, determined to explore new places, try new activities, and make new friends. Pam’s story is positive and encouraging, and Do the Next New Thing full of good reminders for anyone open to embracing change in a digestible way.
Thank you to Netgalley and Cloverfield Publishing for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2024
In a book that is deceptively short, Pam challenges us (especially perhaps those in “middle age”) to not lose our zeal, sense of fun & purpose. She does this by sharing examples from her year of doing new things in a new to her city. She fills the book with humor & sage advice. It is a book that is easy to read but one I found myself highlighting & re-reading. This is a book to buy & share joyfully.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy!
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy!
September 7, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. I am always looking for new experiences, new things to learn and explore. So I was disappointed to find that most of the suggested “new things” in this book are adventures/explorations I have been doing for years. Hopefully, other readers will find this book helpful.
September 15, 2025
i loved this inspiring, easy to read, and very accessible book. I loved how the author shared her project with readers and gave real examples that others could follow. I find myself in a similar situation to the author and got great tips from reading. Highly recommend!
June 7, 2024
Isn’t it fun when a book speaks to you?
Author Pamela Lamp documents her year of trying one new thing per day in order to find new purpose to her second half of life. I can relate to being at a crossroads in life, and enjoyed reading about her journey. I have heard several of her ideas before: i.e. start by writing a list of things you want to see and do, use your good China, make time for play, but, she breaks them into digestible steps with personal examples. One tip I particularly liked was: stay open to new thoughts, people, food and books or you’ll become rigid. I also liked how she uses quotes from popular books (most I’ve read!) to start each chapter. My favorite was: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” -C. S. Lewis
Ultimately she realizes, in addition to finding her sense of purpose, that she needs to continue to be intentional about trying new things so she doesn’t go back to old habits. I would definitely recommend this quick, insightful self-help book to anyone at a new stage in life or looking for a way to shake up their current life. Available 8/6/24
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Clovercroft Publishing for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Author Pamela Lamp documents her year of trying one new thing per day in order to find new purpose to her second half of life. I can relate to being at a crossroads in life, and enjoyed reading about her journey. I have heard several of her ideas before: i.e. start by writing a list of things you want to see and do, use your good China, make time for play, but, she breaks them into digestible steps with personal examples. One tip I particularly liked was: stay open to new thoughts, people, food and books or you’ll become rigid. I also liked how she uses quotes from popular books (most I’ve read!) to start each chapter. My favorite was: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” -C. S. Lewis
Ultimately she realizes, in addition to finding her sense of purpose, that she needs to continue to be intentional about trying new things so she doesn’t go back to old habits. I would definitely recommend this quick, insightful self-help book to anyone at a new stage in life or looking for a way to shake up their current life. Available 8/6/24
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Clovercroft Publishing for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2024
I like how this book has the author’s experiences and some helpful tips at each chapter. The book is a short read. Explaining about how life challenges can be.
I wanted to think the publishers and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and do a review.
I wanted to think the publishers and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and do a review.
June 4, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC as the exchange for review.
*Do the Next New Thing* is a simple yet incredibly moving book. It’s short, but it had a big impact on me. The author takes us on her journey to find her "IT"—passion and purpose, the things that make life joyful and fulfilling.
She shares the joy of letting go—of fear, perfection, worry, and caring about what others think. It’s so freeing to just relax and live without all those constraints.
She also talks about her struggles with transitions, like moving to a new city and starting a new phase of life. She faces surprises, explores new skills, and gains new courage. Her story is really inspiring.
We all go through times when we feel lost—because of moving, losing something, or just life changes. The author’s day-by-day journey is so relatable and motivating. It’s a heartwarming read that inspires you to find your fun and purpose, and discover your own "IT."
*Do the Next New Thing* is a simple yet incredibly moving book. It’s short, but it had a big impact on me. The author takes us on her journey to find her "IT"—passion and purpose, the things that make life joyful and fulfilling.
She shares the joy of letting go—of fear, perfection, worry, and caring about what others think. It’s so freeing to just relax and live without all those constraints.
She also talks about her struggles with transitions, like moving to a new city and starting a new phase of life. She faces surprises, explores new skills, and gains new courage. Her story is really inspiring.
We all go through times when we feel lost—because of moving, losing something, or just life changes. The author’s day-by-day journey is so relatable and motivating. It’s a heartwarming read that inspires you to find your fun and purpose, and discover your own "IT."
June 1, 2024
I really enjoyed Pamela Lamp’s new book, Do The Next New Thing. Lamp chronicles her experiences after making a commitment to herself to try one new thing each day for a year — a life-changing decision that had a positive impact on her sense of self and on her relationships.
So many things about the book spoke to me. Early on, Lamp talks about having an empty nest after many years of being a stay-at-home mom, and her desire to find the “thing” that will excite and engage her in the new stage of her life. While I’ve worked throughout my kids’ lives, the prospect of the empty nest looms, and I can relate to the uncertainty about the next chapter. Particularly because I’ve long been someone who isn’t great at identifying my future goals — or at making changes. I’ve been looking to try some new things myself, and Lamp has really inspired me to get moving! I also loved the quotes, primarily from novels, that open each chapter. So many of the books referenced are ones I’ve read and loved…I need to go back and make a list of the others and add them to my TBR list.
This is a great, quick read for anyone looking for a little inspiration and the motivation to make a life change — from something as small as trying a new place for lunch to something much bigger!
So many things about the book spoke to me. Early on, Lamp talks about having an empty nest after many years of being a stay-at-home mom, and her desire to find the “thing” that will excite and engage her in the new stage of her life. While I’ve worked throughout my kids’ lives, the prospect of the empty nest looms, and I can relate to the uncertainty about the next chapter. Particularly because I’ve long been someone who isn’t great at identifying my future goals — or at making changes. I’ve been looking to try some new things myself, and Lamp has really inspired me to get moving! I also loved the quotes, primarily from novels, that open each chapter. So many of the books referenced are ones I’ve read and loved…I need to go back and make a list of the others and add them to my TBR list.
This is a great, quick read for anyone looking for a little inspiration and the motivation to make a life change — from something as small as trying a new place for lunch to something much bigger!
August 30, 2024
Awesome book
I never gave much thought to what I wanted to do today and then I retired and now that’s all I think of every time I wake up. now I have some ideas thank you, Pam
I never gave much thought to what I wanted to do today and then I retired and now that’s all I think of every time I wake up. now I have some ideas thank you, Pam
August 28, 2024
“Become an explorer and you just might find the next new thing about yourself.”
The first sentence of this lovely book stopped me in my tracks! Pamela Lamp opens with a walk with her friends as she nervously ponders her move from Houston - the very same actual path I walked as a lonely, brand new transplant TO the area. Call it a coincidence, but I beg to differ, and now imagine passing Pam as we cruise around Memorial Park, just as we have intersected in the digital world.
Pam has become a friend and I have great respect for her journey: moving to a new city as an adult without children, mastering her own blog and podcast and spreading the idea of how we all can benefit from doing the Next New Thing. Her recent new thing is a book detailing her adventures, with kind words of wisdom for how we can all benefit from managing transitions with curiosity and grace. She admits that it wasn’t always smooth sailing, and this judgement-free sincerity sets this read apart from others in the category.
The slim book packs a big punch and I found myself profoundly moved, nodding in agreement with her trial and error escapades. Some passages struck so personally, I was brought to tears. Chapters open with author quotes, and close with an encouraging space for readers to write in, but the heart of this book lies in the vulnerable words about her journey.
We all have learned recently how fragile our plans can become, and the ideas outlined in this one-sitting read can certainly apply to all demographics. I hope her honest and engaging story will resonate with other readers too.
To hear Pam’s voice and find even more inspiration, I highly recommend her Who I Met Today Podcast! Also find Pam on Instagram @pamelalamp2 and at her website https://whoimettoday.com/about/
The first sentence of this lovely book stopped me in my tracks! Pamela Lamp opens with a walk with her friends as she nervously ponders her move from Houston - the very same actual path I walked as a lonely, brand new transplant TO the area. Call it a coincidence, but I beg to differ, and now imagine passing Pam as we cruise around Memorial Park, just as we have intersected in the digital world.
Pam has become a friend and I have great respect for her journey: moving to a new city as an adult without children, mastering her own blog and podcast and spreading the idea of how we all can benefit from doing the Next New Thing. Her recent new thing is a book detailing her adventures, with kind words of wisdom for how we can all benefit from managing transitions with curiosity and grace. She admits that it wasn’t always smooth sailing, and this judgement-free sincerity sets this read apart from others in the category.
The slim book packs a big punch and I found myself profoundly moved, nodding in agreement with her trial and error escapades. Some passages struck so personally, I was brought to tears. Chapters open with author quotes, and close with an encouraging space for readers to write in, but the heart of this book lies in the vulnerable words about her journey.
We all have learned recently how fragile our plans can become, and the ideas outlined in this one-sitting read can certainly apply to all demographics. I hope her honest and engaging story will resonate with other readers too.
To hear Pam’s voice and find even more inspiration, I highly recommend her Who I Met Today Podcast! Also find Pam on Instagram @pamelalamp2 and at her website https://whoimettoday.com/about/
August 24, 2024
Life delivers the unexpected – a new job, a move to a distant city, divorce, retirement, death. How do we find friends, find ourselves in this new strange and unfamiliar place. And if we are women of a certain age, finding ourselves without the children that filled our lives, the hardest question is What do I want to do? Not what do you want to do? Or what do we want to do? What do I want to do?
That is the question Pamela Lamp asks in her wonderful new book Do the Next New Thing. Pamela is a blogger and podcaster. We met virtually when my debut memoir, The Spiral Shell, A French Village Reveals Its Secrets of Jewish Resistance in World War II, came out in April of 2020. Now, I am thrilled that her new book, Do the Next New Thing, is available for all of us.
Do the Next New Thing inspires me to continue to seek my passion, to find one new thing every day of my life. One day wandering the produce aisle in the grocery store, I came across dandelion greens. I’d never cooked or eaten dandelion greens. Now, I can tell you they are delicious.
Reading Do the Next New Thing is like sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee or tea and having a conversation. Pamela Lamp’s enthusiasm and warmth permeate every page. So ask yourself, What makes you happy? What do you want to do? And read, Do the Next New Thing.
That is the question Pamela Lamp asks in her wonderful new book Do the Next New Thing. Pamela is a blogger and podcaster. We met virtually when my debut memoir, The Spiral Shell, A French Village Reveals Its Secrets of Jewish Resistance in World War II, came out in April of 2020. Now, I am thrilled that her new book, Do the Next New Thing, is available for all of us.
Do the Next New Thing inspires me to continue to seek my passion, to find one new thing every day of my life. One day wandering the produce aisle in the grocery store, I came across dandelion greens. I’d never cooked or eaten dandelion greens. Now, I can tell you they are delicious.
Reading Do the Next New Thing is like sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee or tea and having a conversation. Pamela Lamp’s enthusiasm and warmth permeate every page. So ask yourself, What makes you happy? What do you want to do? And read, Do the Next New Thing.
April 16, 2024
Follow author Pam Lamp’s journey of self-discovery and fulfillment in her debut novel. After her children had grown, Pam was faced with leaving the comfort of her friends to start over in a brand-new city. At the same time, like so many of us at this stage in life, she was searching for her own purpose and identity.
Pam’s delightful and unique approach to her path to happiness and fulfillment was to try one new thing a day for a year. I couldn’t put the book down. She took me on her magical ride of discovery and renewed self-confidence. Her simple plan gave her a love for her new city, Nashville. Each “new thing“ was the building block for new friendships, a deepened relationship with her husband and clarity on a new career direction.
I highly recommend reading this motivating and highly entertaining book. #DoTheNextNewThing
Pam’s delightful and unique approach to her path to happiness and fulfillment was to try one new thing a day for a year. I couldn’t put the book down. She took me on her magical ride of discovery and renewed self-confidence. Her simple plan gave her a love for her new city, Nashville. Each “new thing“ was the building block for new friendships, a deepened relationship with her husband and clarity on a new career direction.
I highly recommend reading this motivating and highly entertaining book. #DoTheNextNewThing
May 23, 2024
Pamela Lamp’s DO THE NEXT NEW THING is an inspiring and soul-stirring guide to living a more joyful and purposeful life. I am not usually one to read motivational books, but Pamela’s story resonated with me deeply. Like Shonda Rhimes in her memoir YEAR OF YES, Pamela takes us on a year-long journey of breaking out routines and standing up to fear. By pushing herself to attempt the unfamiliar, Pamela not only forges a more fulfilling relationship with her husband, but she finds real friendship and sincere purpose. Peppered with practical worksheets and quotes from the author’s favorite writers, DO THE NEXT THING is a moving and deeply accessible memoir that readers will find un-put-downable. I’m honestly planning on gifting this book to every woman I know!
May 28, 2024
I loved this book and it found me at a time when I needed inspiration and motivation. Pam's honesty and her warm, conversational tone make this such a quick, engaging read. I've been a fan of her newsletter and podcast (https://whoimettoday.com/) for a while and always look forward to Pam's recommendations.
Do the Next New Thing is the perfect gift for friends and family who are hoping to break out of a rut or who've moved to a new area and need a little nudge to get out there and enjoy. Thanks, Pam! I hope there's a sequel so we can see what you do next!
Do the Next New Thing is the perfect gift for friends and family who are hoping to break out of a rut or who've moved to a new area and need a little nudge to get out there and enjoy. Thanks, Pam! I hope there's a sequel so we can see what you do next!
July 4, 2024
Author Pamela Lamp's Do the Next New Thing is not the kind of book I would normally read but I found it enlightening. She explains how she coped with many changes by challenging herself to just do the next new thing on her long list to help herself find meaning and purpose after moving to a new city. Her writing is easy to read and her suggestions are good!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2024
This is such a delightful, inspiring read! I couldn't put it down, and found so many profound nuggets inside. I know I'll be re-reading it again soon and trying out some of the suggestions. Pamela Lamp's writes like she's talking to a friend, and pulls you right into her year-long quest to keep things fresh and fun, to make each day count. Five stars for sure!
June 13, 2024
I loved this book! Pam is an inspiration for anyone at a crossroads in life, or those just looking to get more out of their everyday by seizing the opportunities for novelty - big and small - that are all around us. Her writing is conversational and breezy, allowing readers to devour the book in one sitting and feel like they've just spent an afternoon catching up with an old friend.
July 26, 2024
Love Pam's advice! Highly recommend, especially to those of us who have been stay-at-home moms and are looking for what to do next in our lives. It gave me a lot of inspiration and ideas!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
September 22, 2025
I really enjoyed Pam’s inspirational book!
Do the Next New Thing is relatable to everyone. Pam was honest and candid about her life. As I kept reading, it was as if she read my mind. We all need a purpose and when life gets mundane this book will help get you of your comfort zone!
Do the Next New Thing is relatable to everyone. Pam was honest and candid about her life. As I kept reading, it was as if she read my mind. We all need a purpose and when life gets mundane this book will help get you of your comfort zone!
August 15, 2024
5/5 Loved this book. So much wisdom and inspiration to try new things (big or small) and see how it can change your life! Pam’s writing is intimate, witty, and joyful.
August 6, 2024
4.25/5 stars
I was excited when Pam reached out to me a few months ago to read her book. It’s a look at how we can make little changes and try new things in our lives that can have a big impact. Have you ever felt like you were missing something in your life? Had a desire to learn new things? This book shares some interesting ideas.
Podcaster and debut author Pam Lamp moved to a new city, and in looking for friends and new experiences, she embarked on a year-long journey of self-discovery and fulfillment, trying something each day that she hadn’t tried before. I found this concept to be compelling.
Especially if you are at a new stage of life, and are looking for ideas and activities to mix things up from day to day. She has some great suggestions.
I’d like to give special thanks to the author,
Pam Lamp, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited when Pam reached out to me a few months ago to read her book. It’s a look at how we can make little changes and try new things in our lives that can have a big impact. Have you ever felt like you were missing something in your life? Had a desire to learn new things? This book shares some interesting ideas.
Podcaster and debut author Pam Lamp moved to a new city, and in looking for friends and new experiences, she embarked on a year-long journey of self-discovery and fulfillment, trying something each day that she hadn’t tried before. I found this concept to be compelling.
Especially if you are at a new stage of life, and are looking for ideas and activities to mix things up from day to day. She has some great suggestions.
I’d like to give special thanks to the author,
Pam Lamp, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews