Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays that Will Change the Way You Think About Age

by Dina Alvarez, Dina Alvarez (editor)

One of Zibby's Most Anticipated Books of 2025

Midlife Private Parts is a soulful and revealing collection of essays that explore the many facets of this transformative time in life. Each story sheds light, with humanity and good humor, on what it really feels like to move through the world as a midlife woman and beyond.

Whether it's sexual pleasure, midlife reinvention, menopause, friendship, redefining style at a certain age, dating after divorce, feeling invisible, or simply being in the last place you ever thought you'd be, you'll feel seen in these essays that acknowledge the changes and challenges but capture the power, freedom, and confidence that comes with age.

Told through the eyes of contemporary women writers, authors, and creatives, each shares a story of coming to terms with aging and confronting the unexpected moments that define midlife. In their candid personal narratives, you will find connection, validation, promise, and inspiration.

If you are craving community, Midlife Private Parts will be akin to a safe haven where you will feel seen, heard, and understood. A place where women are empowered to age boldly and unapologetically.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

224 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt and insightful collection of essays that explores what it's like to navigate the world as a midlife woman and beyond. It addresses the complexities, challenges, and freedom that come with aging. The book features essays by Dina Alvarez, Dina Aronson, me, and other influential voices. Instead of merely discussing aging, it redefines the concept altogether.

The contributors wrote about various topics with humor and honesty, including the experience of menopause, the bittersweet challenges of empty nesting, societal invisibility, skin-tightening treatments, sexual awakenings, and the reality of medical gaslighting. There’s no sugarcoating in this collection, but it is filled with tenderness, reflection, and an underlying joy in honest storytelling.

I loved being part of this project. Each writer shares her unique experiences and emotions—frustration, freedom, shame, curiosity, grief, and desire—without reservation. While the essays can stand alone, collectively they create a portrait of midlife not as a period of decline, but as a time of remarkable transformation. Whether it's reclaiming sexuality, addressing long-ignored health issues, or discovering unexpected joy in newfound freedom, each voice in this collection resonates with authenticity.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[Tami DuBow`` · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every essay had something relatable in it, and inspiring. Always, validating, often funny, I may have to get this for all my friends.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short essays by many contributors about various aspects of being a woman in midlife. I saw the editors speak at a live podcast taping for Totally Booked with Zibby and figured this would be a perfect choice for my Hot Flashes book club. Some were funny, some were heartfelt, some were super relatable, some I just kind of skimmed through. I SO appreciate the editors’ determination to give midlife women a voice and to remind us that life does not end with perimenopause. And this made for an easy read to read an essay or a few a day. But overall each essay is so short that this collection won’t really stick with me. But it did introduce me to a few new authors whose memoirs I’ll check out!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy; all opinions are my own.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays that Will Change the Way You Think About Age by Dina Alvarez & Dina Aronson
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overview
Midlife Private Parts is a candid and introspective collection of essays that dismantles societal stereotypes about aging, particularly for women navigating midlife. Co-authored by Dina Alvarez and Dina Aronson, the book delves into themes of identity, sexuality, resilience, and self-acceptance with raw honesty and humor. Positioned as a “soulful and revealing” exploration, it challenges readers to reframe aging as a period of empowerment rather than decline.

Strengths
Unflinching Authenticity
The essays confront taboo topics—menopausal bodies, shifting desires, societal invisibility—with a rare blend of vulnerability and wit. The authors’ willingness to expose their own struggles (e.g., body image, career pivots) fosters a sense of solidarity with readers.

Nuanced Exploration of Midlife
Beyond clichés, the book examines midlife as a transformative threshold. Essays weave personal anecdotes with broader cultural critique, addressing how ageism intersects with gender, sexuality, and self-worth. The result is a layered portrait of midlife as both chaotic and liberating.

Engaging, Accessible Prose
The writing is conversational yet polished, balancing emotional depth with levity. Descriptions like “bolder, sexier, and better than ever” capture the book’s celebratory undertones, making it accessible to both academic and general audiences.

Timely Relevance
As demographic shifts place midlife women at the center of cultural conversations, this book offers a timely counter-narrative to youth-obsessed ideals. Its essays resonate with contemporary movements advocating for age inclusivity.

Weaknesses
Limited Diversity of Perspectives
While deeply personal, the essays primarily reflect the authors’ lived experiences. A broader range of voices (e.g., racial, socioeconomic, or LGBTQ+ perspectives) could have enriched the discussion of aging’s universality.

Uneven Depth in Some Essays
A few entries lean heavily on anecdote without fully unpacking their broader implications. Readers seeking rigorous sociological analysis may find these sections less substantive.

Niche Appeal
The book’s focus on midlife experiences—particularly for women—may narrow its relevance for younger readers or those outside its demographic target.

Comparative Value
Compared to similar works (e.g., Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher), Midlife Private Parts distinguishes itself with its irreverent tone and focus on bodily autonomy. It complements more research-driven texts by prioritizing emotional truth over data.

Conclusion
This collection is a vital addition to the growing canon of literature on aging, offering a refreshing antidote to shame and silence. While not exhaustive in its scope, its authenticity and warmth make it a compelling read for anyone grappling with the complexities of midlife.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley, Regalo Press, and the authors (Dina Alvarez & Dina Aronson) for providing a review copy. Midlife Private Parts is a brave and necessary conversation-starter—one that invites readers to reclaim their narratives with humor and grace.

Final Verdict
★★★★☆ (4/5)—A resonant, if occasionally uneven, celebration of midlife’s messy and magnificent truths.

Note: Ideal for book clubs or readers seeking a blend of memoir and social commentary.

[cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably the worst book I have ever read, it had such great reviews and WOW I am not really sure why. If I had not paid for it on Kindle I would not have finished it making it the first book I never finished.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays that Will Change the Way You Think About Age
By Dina Alvarez and Dina Aronson

Note: I am a woman in midlife myself, so I have a bias about that when reviewing this.

Midlife Private Parts is a groundbreaking anthology that dismantles stereotypes about aging through a collection of candid, poignant, and often humorous essays. Edited by Dina Alvarez and Dina Aronson, this volume amplifies the voices of midlife women, offering a mosaic of experiences—from menopause and reinvention to desire and invisibility—that redefine what it means to grow older as a woman today.

Key Themes and Strengths:

-Intersectional Narratives: The essays traverse diverse lived experiences (e.g., divorce, childlessness, illness) with unflinching honesty, validating the complexity of midlife.
-Empowerment Through Vulnerability: Contributors reframe aging as a site of liberation, challenging societal erasure of middle-aged women (e.g., Chapter 5’s exploration of reinvention).
-Editorial Excellence: Alvarez and Aronson curate with a keen eye for storytelling balance—melding wit, wisdom, and raw emotion into a cohesive narrative arc.

Critique:
While the anthology excels in personal storytelling, a deeper engagement with structural critiques of ageism (e.g., workplace discrimination, healthcare disparities) could further strengthen its academic relevance. Nonetheless, its accessibility and emotional resonance make it invaluable for both scholarly and general audiences.

How I would describe this book:

- A revelatory read that replaces midlife clichés with truth-telling brilliance.
- Like a heart-to-heart with your wisest friends—this book is the manifesto midlife women deserve.
- Alvarez and Aronson have crafted a beacon of solidarity for anyone navigating the messy, magnificent journey of aging.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Regalo Press for providing an advance review copy. This anthology is a testament to the power of women’s stories—and a vital contribution to conversations about aging, identity, and resilience.

Final Recommendation:
A must-read for gender studies scholars, book clubs, and women seeking kinship in the tumult of midlife. Its essays linger long after the last page, offering both mirror and map for the years ahead.

[Tara Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admitting your age is hard, and even more so, aging is hard. And while there's an endless barrage of influencers offering their reels with questionable content and the ever-present illusion of quick fixes, Midlife Private Parts is refreshing. The narrative format from many perspectives explores aging in a hope-filled reflection of overcoming an obstacle life throws at you. That's the thing - as a woman on the verge of this era of life, I've got questions. This book has answers, conversation starters, and wisdom seldom shared outside of a generational exchange of bemoaning one's fate. We need to talk about these things, and Midlife Private Parts grants permission to open the door to empathy, understanding, and transformation. It is self-help from those who have lived it; what was once secret is shared. I've learned so much, and the anxiety about age is there, but the advice I'll earn on each read of this anthology is uplifting.

[Rebecca Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This astonishing anthology blows the lid off the array of the midlife experiences of real women. The smart, stylish editorial choices of Dina Alvarezand Dina Aronson spotlight the insight, humor and respectfulness of writers telling compelling true stories – reinvention, desire, parenthood, singlehood, divorce, childlessness, the loss of parents, illness, fulfillment, failure, personal style, bespoke aging and the joy of going all in on female friendship. Women carry stories. We intuit and interpret meaning. This book does exactly that; it’s a remarkable panoramic of midlife women in modern America.

[Lisa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the loneliest things in life is to feel like you are all alone. To feel like what you are going through makes you odd compared to others.
Midlife Private Parts is a compilation of essays from women who make you realize that you are not alone with what you are experiencing in life as you are getting older and entering new phases. That you aren’t necessarily that different. There was a comfort that I felt as I read each essay. Some I felt that the writer was in my thoughts and others that I felt a sense of empathy for the writer, because I could imagine what she was feeling.
This is a great book to have in your bag or sitting on your beside table. Read an essay whenever you have a few minutes. This book will make you feel like you have some new friends that totally get you.

[Marla Weingarten · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all crave community, but sometimes it's hard to find a good fit. This excellent collection of essays will be a great fit for just about all midlife women. I found so many authentic voices to relate to on these pages. It was like having deep, meaningful conversations with new friends. And speaking of friends, one of my favorite essays was "Same Sheriff, New Posse" by Glorious Broad Maryjane Fahey about the importance making new pals as you get older. I believe this is critical to a happy midlife and beyond. As is having the courage to reinvent yourself. Several inspiring essays relate the journeys of women who spread their wings. Sex, menopause, children leaving the nest, divorce and rediscovery of passion are just a few of the topics tackled here. I highly recommend this book!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a coming home to myself. It’s a compilation of women’s stories….women in midlife. Women just like me. It’s like a book of poems or a tarot card deck, where you can randomly open the book on any given day and land at the exact story you needed to hear in that moment.
I saw a midlife part of myself in each story. In some I laughed…in others I cried, and yet others made me get curious and add to my bucket of things to explore.
Dinas, what a beautiful gift you've created. It’s deeply comforting to know that so many of us are awakening to the desire for a different kind of midlife. This book is proof we’re not alone, and that our stories, in all their rawness and beauty, truly matter.
-Sonia Flores, host of Modern Latina in Midlife podcast

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars.

This essay collection highlights the experiences of women in the menopausal years- a demographic that is underrepresented in literature. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, these women talk about the dramatic shifts they made in their lives challenging the common narratives that come with middle-aged woman. The essays are short and to the point allowing readers to read in a few sittings and to pick up randomly. As an older millennial, I appreciated the authors' candid approach on various matters and they make it clear that they want to help the debunk the myth that your life is over past 45. Overall it was an enjoyable read.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley team for the advanced copy.

[Kathleen McLychok]

This book is like inspiration and joy wrapped in a warm hug for those of us “midlife women” who are navigating this exciting and often times daunting new chapter of our lives. Edited by the talented “Dinas” - Dina Alvarez and Dina Aronson- this anthology by contemporary midlife women shares the trials of tribulations of menopause, divorce, career pivots, empty nesting and the ever-changing evolution of marriage, parenthood and our own bodies.
I usually read at night, but with this book- I read in the morning with my coffee - because what better way to start the day than with the bright, nuanced and groundbreaking voices of my own generation of women.

[Shena Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like having a glass of wine (OK, maybe a bottle of wine!) with a group of friends who just GET YOU. It's a collection of pieces written by real women who tell it like it is about a time in life that can be poignant, painful, perplexing, preposterous, and just plain priceless. I found myself laughing-crying (and crying-laughing) about all the things: editing friend groups, all of a sudden no longer being the "young" kid on the block, inevitabilities like losing a parent, and (yes) those bouts of rage that come with "middlesence." Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy for the plane, the beach, the book club...it's *****!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midlife Private Parts is a beautifully written collection of essays focusing on women whom are in their middle age: the good, the bad, the common invisibility factor, but also the next season of life. Each essay, while different, shared an aspect that writer went through that at the end will hopefully leave the reader feeling a little lighter and ultimately more seen. I think these writers did a great job collectively sharing their stories as we all have one to tell and women (in my opinion) are such natural storytellers. If you are in your 50's or beyond and I think you'd enjoy this one. Thank you Regalo Press for the gifted copy via NetGalley.

[Lisa King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midlife is truly an awakening. This chapter of life offers the opportunity to look back and reflect on what we have learned. In doing so we can release any sense of regret and look forward with hope of what is to come. The touching essays in Midlife Private Parts reiterate that we can evolve, change and move forward with optimism for our future. I congratulate the authors on opening up this important conversation!

[Kim PeretzMok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midlife Private Parts is more than an anthology of women's midlife stories; it is a journey to one's own exploration and empowerment. Having a collection of works written by women for women seems like a natural and necessary addition to any feminist's personal library, and indeed this selection of essays begs to be read and re-read. Thoughtful, inspiring, and honest (not to mention heartwarming and humorous), this book leaves the reader with the feeling that she belongs right there with these extraordinary storytellers taking up space - in the best company – anywhere women share experiences and feel empowered to speak up and out for themselves and each other.

Midlife Private Parts, a great summer read that will be pulled off the shelf to enjoy all year long.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I liked some of the essays but many were so unrelatable. I might have enjoyed it more if I read in print — I wish the audio was each woman reading her own essay instead of one person reading all.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was validating to read essays by women my age and read about some of our common experiences. I particularly liked the ones about fashion and makeup. The essays didn't change how I think about aging, but they did reflect a lot of my own feelings and concerns.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes my heart sing that we are finally giving middle-aged woman that voice they deserve! This is a realistic and sometimes fun look at the ways aging affects us. Grab your readers and read on!

[Ruba Abu Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Midlife Private Parts’ by Dina Alvarez is such an inspiring, heartfelt, and relatable collection of essays.
I enjoyed reading it.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

[Khaya Ronkainen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gift. Listening to each essay was an illuminating experience. I could relate and, importantly, I felt seen by all these powerful women sharing their wisdom.

Relevant as it is in my life right now, it’s also the kind of book I wish I’d read during my premenopause years, when my body was betraying me in ways I couldn’t understand.

Every woman, no matter the age, would learn so much from this book. I highly recommend it!