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The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic
It's time to embrace your inner crone! Tap into the wisdom of age and learn how to take up space, shake off expectations, and live life on your own terms.
If you’ve been looking for permission and encouragement to stop clinging to youth and propriety, The Crone Zone is here to help you step into your full bog witch power.
Following in the footsteps of role models from Strega Nona to Baba Yaga, you’ll learn to access your innate crone energy through rituals, meditations, inspiration, and relatable advice from your crone guide. Learn
Pick the perfect caftan for every occasionEmbrace your gray hair—or dye it blueCultivate all-black houseplantsMake friends with a murder of crowsAnd more!
Featuring covetable illustrations, this beautiful book makes an ideal gift for milestone birthdays or big life changes. So put on your best black cloak, prepare a cauldron of your favorite beverage, and indulge in a hearty cackle, because life in the Crone Zone is good—and about to get better.
If you’ve been looking for permission and encouragement to stop clinging to youth and propriety, The Crone Zone is here to help you step into your full bog witch power.
Following in the footsteps of role models from Strega Nona to Baba Yaga, you’ll learn to access your innate crone energy through rituals, meditations, inspiration, and relatable advice from your crone guide. Learn
Pick the perfect caftan for every occasionEmbrace your gray hair—or dye it blueCultivate all-black houseplantsMake friends with a murder of crowsAnd more!
Featuring covetable illustrations, this beautiful book makes an ideal gift for milestone birthdays or big life changes. So put on your best black cloak, prepare a cauldron of your favorite beverage, and indulge in a hearty cackle, because life in the Crone Zone is good—and about to get better.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
40 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 7, 2025
While I'm not into the rituals described within, I see how they're empowering. The whole book is a love letter to being unapologetically yourself.
October 25, 2025
While I’m only in my 30s, I proudly consider myself an aspiring crone. How to Be a Crone was exactly the handbook I didn’t know I needed. Think of it as a how to age guide for the witchy and wise.
Rather than lamenting the perceived negatives of getting older, Bargiel turns them on their head, transforming every “ugh” into an opportunity for self celebration! Don’t know how to dress your new older figure? Guess it’s time to stop caring what anyone thinks and embrace your unique style!
Inside, you’ll find advice on loving your aging skin, must have crone purse items, delightfully kitschy witch essentials, and even how to form your own coven. Scattered throughout are little self care spells that, frankly, everyone should adopt.
I adored this book. it’s part humor, part magic, and entirely affirming. I think most women (but especially the crones in training) will find nuggets of wisdom and camaraderie here.
Thank you to Quirk Books for the gifted copy— all opinions are my own.
Rather than lamenting the perceived negatives of getting older, Bargiel turns them on their head, transforming every “ugh” into an opportunity for self celebration! Don’t know how to dress your new older figure? Guess it’s time to stop caring what anyone thinks and embrace your unique style!
Inside, you’ll find advice on loving your aging skin, must have crone purse items, delightfully kitschy witch essentials, and even how to form your own coven. Scattered throughout are little self care spells that, frankly, everyone should adopt.
I adored this book. it’s part humor, part magic, and entirely affirming. I think most women (but especially the crones in training) will find nuggets of wisdom and camaraderie here.
Thank you to Quirk Books for the gifted copy— all opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
I decided to write this in real time and not censor it, felt like it would fit the topic of the book. This could explain the confused tense and changed opinions.
Very American, at times it was not possible to relate to stories I’m thinking because they are typically of that country but not mine. I’m not sure if I’m having difficulty with it because I’m further along my crone path than the author. The book might have felt more relevant ten years ago before peri and menopause. I found the constant references to the patriarchy felt twee, I mean men literally f&£k us over. Also a comment of don’t use a slur in your private vent felt very condescending. Actually maybe the book has done exactly what it said and has brought out my inner crone. If your menopausal then it’s a 3, too late we’ve already got to the end of our crone threshold, maybe perimenopause then it’s a 4 and maybe 20 year olds actually are the ones who need it but probably won’t and I think for them I’d say this could be a 5. Hence I gave it a 4. I would say, from my understanding, bloods don’t show if your perimenopausal, which is a very hard time, they only say once you are menopausal.
I laughed at times, so much of what she said resonated with me. Actually as a crone I change my mind, 5 stars all around.
A room of your own is something I have cherished and fought like a Tasmanian devil for. When my son comes home to use my/ his room I feel like I’ve lost my anchor even despite the joy of having him under the same roof for a while. I would agree that when I’ve lost my room carving a space out for me in a part of another room definitely helped and I liked that the author recognised for most a spare room is a luxury that is not available. I think that was an example of a thoughtful advice that helped base the book in reality.
The author felt like someone I would want to go for a drink with or stir a cauldron with, like a friend discussing how they stay sane rather than someone preaching how to do magic, for most of the time. Sometimes she did mention TikTok but not often so I tolerated that.
By the time touchstones are described and an exercise is set out I’m highlighting galore and planning my next expedition to the art shop! I think I’ve been indoctrinated. I love its inclusiveness throughout, what is funny is when she mentions crones with a uterus and I’m reminded mine has been removed and for some people that is what defines a woman. Maybe Trans women have just gone straight to the crone state, although none that I’ve met have been angry like me.
For those who dislike swearing, trigger warning there is swearing in this book. For me I have sworn like a trouper since I started the peri menopause and sometimes, especially during my peak cancer shower of shit show, it was the only thing that kept me going.
Definitely going to use the ideas about personal style, which is not a superficial discussion.
I like the suggested reading.
The house bit and facial work, injections and stuff annoyed me but that might be a British thing.
The end section, I loved and I now totally love the author and made loads of highlights. There is even a Granny Weatherwax quote.
I have the book on my kindle but saw it in a book shop when I was on holidays and I think it’s well worth buying a physical copy because it was beautiful. I think it would make a lovely self gift and also a fab gift, especially for someone about to head into the perimenopause. I think it’s worth telling them to flick through it and keep it to one side no matter how irrelevant they think it is. I think it’s more of a risk for the menopausal woman who, as you can tell from my review, might get angry at some parts of the book but I think that can happen with a good friend and I think the author’s heart is in the right place. Her vulnerability shone through this book and I hope she writes more, and she does that from a palace built from her embracing her crone.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this crone zone for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal rantings, no maidens were hurt whilst writing this review.
Very American, at times it was not possible to relate to stories I’m thinking because they are typically of that country but not mine. I’m not sure if I’m having difficulty with it because I’m further along my crone path than the author. The book might have felt more relevant ten years ago before peri and menopause. I found the constant references to the patriarchy felt twee, I mean men literally f&£k us over. Also a comment of don’t use a slur in your private vent felt very condescending. Actually maybe the book has done exactly what it said and has brought out my inner crone. If your menopausal then it’s a 3, too late we’ve already got to the end of our crone threshold, maybe perimenopause then it’s a 4 and maybe 20 year olds actually are the ones who need it but probably won’t and I think for them I’d say this could be a 5. Hence I gave it a 4. I would say, from my understanding, bloods don’t show if your perimenopausal, which is a very hard time, they only say once you are menopausal.
I laughed at times, so much of what she said resonated with me. Actually as a crone I change my mind, 5 stars all around.
A room of your own is something I have cherished and fought like a Tasmanian devil for. When my son comes home to use my/ his room I feel like I’ve lost my anchor even despite the joy of having him under the same roof for a while. I would agree that when I’ve lost my room carving a space out for me in a part of another room definitely helped and I liked that the author recognised for most a spare room is a luxury that is not available. I think that was an example of a thoughtful advice that helped base the book in reality.
The author felt like someone I would want to go for a drink with or stir a cauldron with, like a friend discussing how they stay sane rather than someone preaching how to do magic, for most of the time. Sometimes she did mention TikTok but not often so I tolerated that.
By the time touchstones are described and an exercise is set out I’m highlighting galore and planning my next expedition to the art shop! I think I’ve been indoctrinated. I love its inclusiveness throughout, what is funny is when she mentions crones with a uterus and I’m reminded mine has been removed and for some people that is what defines a woman. Maybe Trans women have just gone straight to the crone state, although none that I’ve met have been angry like me.
For those who dislike swearing, trigger warning there is swearing in this book. For me I have sworn like a trouper since I started the peri menopause and sometimes, especially during my peak cancer shower of shit show, it was the only thing that kept me going.
Definitely going to use the ideas about personal style, which is not a superficial discussion.
I like the suggested reading.
The house bit and facial work, injections and stuff annoyed me but that might be a British thing.
The end section, I loved and I now totally love the author and made loads of highlights. There is even a Granny Weatherwax quote.
I have the book on my kindle but saw it in a book shop when I was on holidays and I think it’s well worth buying a physical copy because it was beautiful. I think it would make a lovely self gift and also a fab gift, especially for someone about to head into the perimenopause. I think it’s worth telling them to flick through it and keep it to one side no matter how irrelevant they think it is. I think it’s more of a risk for the menopausal woman who, as you can tell from my review, might get angry at some parts of the book but I think that can happen with a good friend and I think the author’s heart is in the right place. Her vulnerability shone through this book and I hope she writes more, and she does that from a palace built from her embracing her crone.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this crone zone for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal rantings, no maidens were hurt whilst writing this review.
July 5, 2025
A fun little book with some good parts which I really enjoyed and laughed loud with the author (the changing room ) chapters struck a particular cord and parts of the book were very empowering . I would say it’s a fun little book for anyone entering their crone zone with a lighthearted vibe and a little bit witchy Read on kindle for NetGalley
November 19, 2025
This is a fun little book about being proud to claim the title of Crone! It would be a great book to hand out to your friends when you all reach, uhm, a 'certain age!' If you are offended by the F-bomb, talk of sex toys, or raging against the patriarchy this book is not for you. If you can look in the mirror and chuckle at your new wrinkles and your grey hair, then pick this book up.
Nina Bargiel has offered up a book filled with fun anecdotes, interesting rituals, and even some recipes to help one fully embrace the Crone era.
Many thanks to Quirk Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Nina Bargiel has offered up a book filled with fun anecdotes, interesting rituals, and even some recipes to help one fully embrace the Crone era.
Many thanks to Quirk Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
October 21, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina Bargiel.
This inclusive how-to guide is a witchy means for women to reclaim the term ‘crone’ through a smart and clever embrace of our true selves. Filled with lessons, charms, wisdom, and personal anecdotes, it is both an entertaining and helpful book that is just as beautiful inside as it appears on the outside.
Embrace the crone within, both literally and figuratively! And while I may not be middle age just yet, I’m glad it’s never to early to start…
This inclusive how-to guide is a witchy means for women to reclaim the term ‘crone’ through a smart and clever embrace of our true selves. Filled with lessons, charms, wisdom, and personal anecdotes, it is both an entertaining and helpful book that is just as beautiful inside as it appears on the outside.
Embrace the crone within, both literally and figuratively! And while I may not be middle age just yet, I’m glad it’s never to early to start…
September 24, 2025
Absolutely awful!
November 27, 2025
The Crone Zone is exactly the kind of book I wish I had years ago. It is funny, wise, tender, witchy, and wonderfully freeing. Nina Bargiel invites readers to step into the powerful identity of the crone, not as a stereotype, but as a reminder that age brings strength, insight, humor, and magic. As someone on my way to the Crone Zone, I loved every part of this journey.
The structure blends rituals, short reflections, practical lifestyle tips, and magical encouragement. Some parts made me laugh. Others made me feel grounded and supported. The tone is conversational, and Bargiel speaks like a friend guiding you through a new chapter of self-acceptance and self-expression.
The book also offers playful touches like all-black houseplants, finding the perfect caftan, and embracing colorful hair. It strikes a balance between fun and meaningful. The illustrations help bring the themes to life and make this a beautiful book to keep on your shelf or give as a gift.
This is a celebration of aging rather than something to fear. It encourages readers to release outdated expectations and step into a season filled with intuition, liberation, and a bit of enchantment. Highly recommended for anyone approaching or embracing their crone years.
ARC reader review.
The structure blends rituals, short reflections, practical lifestyle tips, and magical encouragement. Some parts made me laugh. Others made me feel grounded and supported. The tone is conversational, and Bargiel speaks like a friend guiding you through a new chapter of self-acceptance and self-expression.
The book also offers playful touches like all-black houseplants, finding the perfect caftan, and embracing colorful hair. It strikes a balance between fun and meaningful. The illustrations help bring the themes to life and make this a beautiful book to keep on your shelf or give as a gift.
This is a celebration of aging rather than something to fear. It encourages readers to release outdated expectations and step into a season filled with intuition, liberation, and a bit of enchantment. Highly recommended for anyone approaching or embracing their crone years.
ARC reader review.
December 9, 2025
I had high hopes for this book but ended up feeling like it was a just a witchy take on a Popsugar or Glamour magazine article with little quizzes followed by the same old prescriptive instructions about what color to wear, how to dress your body or your living room and what exercises to do to stay in shape.
As another reviewer commented, it seems a series of bits where you are told to ignore the world and be who you really are followed by instructions on how to change. For example, accept your aging body, but dye your hair and get Botox. Or wear what feels right, followed by a Color Yourself Beautiful style description of what type of crime you are and what colors and clothing you should be wearing. The quiz to help you pick your familiar pushed the Popsugar comparison to the top.
Fun little witchy ceremonies in each chapter to help you find your authentic self but it seems the author needs to do more of that herself. I also felt like this is actually written for 30 somethings that feel stressed about aging.
As another reviewer commented, it seems a series of bits where you are told to ignore the world and be who you really are followed by instructions on how to change. For example, accept your aging body, but dye your hair and get Botox. Or wear what feels right, followed by a Color Yourself Beautiful style description of what type of crime you are and what colors and clothing you should be wearing. The quiz to help you pick your familiar pushed the Popsugar comparison to the top.
Fun little witchy ceremonies in each chapter to help you find your authentic self but it seems the author needs to do more of that herself. I also felt like this is actually written for 30 somethings that feel stressed about aging.
December 19, 2025
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Aging is not for the faint-of-heart. Thank goodness, women are beginning to speak freely and honestly about what they are going through, sharing knowledge and insight. The Crone Zone offers guidance, advice, tips, and support in a tongue-in-cheek, take-back-your-power sort of way. I did not find any earth-shattering new advice but was instead reminded of things I need to do—first and foremost to take care of myself in whatever way I see fit!
I can see others finding a wealth of information in this book, especially if you have gone through a mid-life break-up of a long-term relationship. But there are nuggets in here for everyone and I would say to add it to the list of books to borrow from the library as you try to find the book or two that you find is perfect to guide you into your senior years.
Aging is not for the faint-of-heart. Thank goodness, women are beginning to speak freely and honestly about what they are going through, sharing knowledge and insight. The Crone Zone offers guidance, advice, tips, and support in a tongue-in-cheek, take-back-your-power sort of way. I did not find any earth-shattering new advice but was instead reminded of things I need to do—first and foremost to take care of myself in whatever way I see fit!
I can see others finding a wealth of information in this book, especially if you have gone through a mid-life break-up of a long-term relationship. But there are nuggets in here for everyone and I would say to add it to the list of books to borrow from the library as you try to find the book or two that you find is perfect to guide you into your senior years.
December 7, 2025
As someone who will be 69 this year and female, I loved this book. In our society, old seems to mean useless and overlooked. And it has taken me a long time to start embracing my inner 'crone'. However, this book encourages you and gives you ideas and suggestions on how to become comfortable no longer being twenty-something and to embrace and have fun with it. Broken down into short 'chapters', this is a great book to read a bit, try something out and put it down, only to come back the next day for something fun and new. Definitely a great gift for a friend who is worried about 'aging out'. You aren't old - you are still alive and vibrant!
May 8, 2025
The Crone Zone covers a hodgepodge of issues relevant for aging women. These issues include what to wear, whether you go grey, senior dating, etc. Author Bargiel's writing is more opinion than informational. Each topic concludes with a ceremony or spell that goes along with the witchy, crone theme. The basic goal of the book is for women to become their true selves. Reader warning: this book is filled with the word f*** which the author uses as an expression of empowerment. Should you find that word offensive, stay away.
December 16, 2025
A fun little book with some really funny parts that I enjoyed. The author (at times) is really funny and relatable even to me (a 30 something year old) and I love the overall message. Embrace the CRONE. EMBRACE IT.
The changing room chapters were particularly enjoyable. I love the little witchy vibes and it's a lighthearted but sweet self-help type book for those crystal/astrology girlies getting older. I would say it’s a fun little book for anyone entering their 'crone zone' with a lighthearted vibe and who is a witch or is just a little bit witchy.
Thanks to Negalley for the copy.
The changing room chapters were particularly enjoyable. I love the little witchy vibes and it's a lighthearted but sweet self-help type book for those crystal/astrology girlies getting older. I would say it’s a fun little book for anyone entering their 'crone zone' with a lighthearted vibe and who is a witch or is just a little bit witchy.
Thanks to Negalley for the copy.
November 14, 2025
A lot of good things to think about - but I think there was room for more earnest discussion, where the author decided to be witty or sarcastic instead. I think having the catchphrase repeated so much, and the formula took me out of the book at times. It’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly what niche this book belongs in, but I’ll keep it on my shelf and plan to pull it out for some ideas in the future (I’m 36 so kinda baby crone)!
September 26, 2025
The Crone Zone is a really empowering book about how to grow older as a woman. Society has a lot of expectations for older women (for women in general tbh) and this book helps the reader focus not on meeting those expectations but on how to live a life on their own terms, regardless of the hand they have been dealt. It was a fun read and full of wisdom!
October 18, 2025
A fun little book, but there seemed to be a lot of "you're perfect as you are, now here's how to change". Maybe that's good for crones looking to make a change, but I feel OK as is. However, I love the reminder to own my crone-ness.
Edited to add, after I read a couple other reviews: why are people so offended by the word fuck?
Edited to add, after I read a couple other reviews: why are people so offended by the word fuck?
November 6, 2025
I'm in the zone!
This book should be required reading for every woman 50 and over. It digs right in to what is probably bothering you and what to do about it. Crones have always had power; it's just that many of us don't realize it. This book will show you how to claim that power. And it will do it while making you laugh on almost every page. Highly recommended!
This book should be required reading for every woman 50 and over. It digs right in to what is probably bothering you and what to do about it. Crones have always had power; it's just that many of us don't realize it. This book will show you how to claim that power. And it will do it while making you laugh on almost every page. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2025
Not at all what I expected. I thought it'd be a positive book about getting older, full of love and wisdom, but instead the author sounds pissed off about everything. I don't mind the "f" word once in awhile but she uses it in every other sentence. It was also too witchy for me. Read a few chapters and was done.
September 2, 2025
What an interesting and quirky book on the topic of being a Crone. I love the little nod to entertainment (TV & Books) witches. I loved the mix of topics but not quite what I thought it would be.
October 24, 2025
Thought it would be a fun and engaging book as I love the genres of spirituality and all things witchy. It was terrible! Note to author, try a thesaurus.
October 29, 2025
This skews young. It takes a light-hearted tone with a lot of f-bombs.
December 14, 2025
This is a fun book.
November 13, 2025
The thing that drew me into this book was the line "help you step into your full bog witch power" and this was the most me thing ever. Then it talked about a volcano ready to erupt called "Mount St. Fuck You" and that was just perfect. It explains the Crone archetype and had some amazing tips.
5 stars
5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews