I'm 50: Welcome to the Full-Body Betrayal

by Linda A. Sanchez

138 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Linda Ann Sanchez is the author of Lost & Found: The Journey of Socorro, a heartfelt memoir about resilience, faith, and identity. Found as a toddler on the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico, and later adopted into the U.S., Linda’s journey is one of overcoming abandonment, embracing love, and discovering the healing power of storytelling.

Since then, she has gone on to write and publish across genres—memoir, fiction, bilingual literature, psychological thrillers, and mystery-paranormal. She is currently venturing into speculative fiction with Truth: A Conspiratorium Novel, the first book in her new thriller trilogy, The Redacted Series, and has also co-authored several works that explore justice, betrayal, and inner strength.

Linda is the founder of Legacy & Light Publishing, a platform that supports diverse voices and helps authors share stories that matter—because every story deserves to shine. Through this work, she continues to empower others to reclaim their narratives and connect with readers around the world.

When she's not writing, Linda enjoys time with family, meaningful conversations with readers, and giving back—donating a portion of book proceeds to the orphanage where her life story began.
She loves connecting with readers on Goodreads, so feel free to follow her journey, leave a review, or send a message.

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m 50: Welcome to the Full Body Betrayal is an enjoyable read, written in a mixed style—part memoir, part journalistic and part narrative. The book follows the journey of the protagonist, Marie, through the chaotic ride of midlife and menopause. I was enthralled from the first page, followed the story told with wit and warmth and remained engaged until the end. The voice of the protagonist navigates her twisted path with raw honesty sprinkled with humour. Despite the humour, the book provides insightful insights into the inevitable experience of half the population.

[Tania · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I saw a rave review about this fiction book, and since menopause decided to crash into my life this year too, I thought I’d give it a try. Even though my own experience — and the way I’m dealing with this not-so-lovely milestone — is very different, it was interesting to hear her take on letting go, not trying so hard, and becoming more comfortable in your own skin.

Sometimes the best way to understand your own feelings is to read someone with completely different ones — and funnily enough, after finishing this, I now feel even more comfortable with the way I’m handling menopause myself, even though it’s very different from Marie’s.

The story: We follow Marie as she hits fifty and finds both her body — and her life — suddenly rebelling. With plenty of humour and heart, the book explores her chaotic midlife journey and the process of rediscovering herself along the way.

[Loralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria has just turned 50, and is dealing with all the "fun" (note the irony) things that come with it. She feels like her body is betraying her with night sweats, creaky joints, menopause, and all that comes with a woman aging. Will she be able to navigate a path through this mess with the support of friends, her doctor, and her husband who wants to be there, but isn't sure how he can help? This book will be relatable to women figuring out the tricky trails of going into menopause and the people who love them! There are a few adult situations in the book, so its more suited for adults, especially aging adults in both interest level and content.

[E.K. Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, sad, and slightly terrifying ride – especially if you're under 50

I’m not in the age group this book is written for, and to be completely honest, I found parts of it quite terrifying. I had no idea that so many unexpected things - like laughing (lunging, sneezing) and suddenly weeing yourself - could happen during the menopause. It was eye-opening in a way I wasn’t quite prepared for.

That said, it’s well written, witty, and funny in parts. Marie has a warm, self-deprecating voice, and I really loved her husband, Dan. The last third of the book is especially uplifting as she starts to embrace her new self and grow into a different kind of strength.

While I personally found it a bit unsettling, I imagine that for readers going through the same experiences, it will feel deeply relatable. If you’re in the right demographic, this could be both a comfort and a laugh. If you're younger, maybe read it with a hot chocolate, marshmallows, and something soft nearby to scream into.

[Ela Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this book a perfect representation of how every women feel later in life? No. But from what I have heard from my mom, aunts, and older sisters and friends, this book comes very close. So while it may not be perfect, it does shed light on the truth about the changes women’s bodies go through as they age.
This book is about how Marie deals with the changes in her body: perimenopausal, menopausal, hormonal, or whatever it is we women experience during that phase of life. The story revolves around her family, her friends, and the doctors she sees during this time. I found the story touching, especially the way Marie’s husband and her son deal with this ‘change.’ Loved the ending, the acceptance, and the closure.
I am not there yet, but from all the conversations and reading I have done, I hope I will be able to handle these changes with grace and self-respect when the time comes.
Good book!

[Michelle Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books about women and the changes we experience as we age. Chapter three resonated with me and was emotional. This narrative stresses the need for older women to be seen, heard and understood. It's a story about change and becoming better.

[Val Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIGHTHEARTED STORYTELLING WITH COMPASSIONATE DEPTH

I’m 50: Welcome to the Full Body Betrayal is an excellent read—light, easy, and entertaining, yet layered with serious truths. The humor carries the weight of experiences that might otherwise feel too heavy, making the book both accessible and deeply relatable.

I loved the writing style: part narrative, part journal, part memoir. The voice of the protagonist feels authentic and engaging, drawing you into her journey with warmth and wit. Beneath the laughter, though, lies an honest exploration of menopause and life beyond it. And all of it was delivered with compassion and optimism rather than despair.

This is more than just a funny take on midlife changes. It’s a candid, uplifting, and well-crafted book that balances honesty with hope. Highly recommended for anyone navigating this stage of life, or simply looking for a refreshing, insightful perspective on aging with humor and grace.

[Caitlin Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly excellent book! I mistakenly thought when I got it that it was a nonfiction, but presenting it as the story of Marie as she goes though her experiences was much better and far more compelling. Not only does Marie do a great job of describing much of the physical and mental challenges and changes that occur, but she also shows how she adapts to them and, most importantly, changes her outlook of them. It’s not about returning to “normal” but more about being comfortable with yourself as you get older. And she also shows how her husband, despite not being sure what to do, did a great job of supporting Marie as she went through all of this.
I can enthusiastically recommend this book, not only to women starting to approach or who have already reached that certain age, but also to any family members of those women. Marie’s story not only is incredibly relatable but is also poignant and inspiring. Overall, a worthwhile read and a great story!

[Dimitris Margetas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It says it in the book that many women go through that and they just pretend it is all fine. That’s why I decided to read this book. Because right now like 5 of my close friends are going through menopause and they are not talking about it. At least not to me. And I just finished the book and I cannot believe that I read a book all about menopause and I did not think, not even for a minute, to quit it. And that is the humour of the author. Really spot on, or a humour that works so well for me. Exorcism yoga! And not only the humour. The author goes deep where it is needed (the evolution of oneself, the nostalgia of the youth) and it makes you stop and think. The book helped me understand women better. Or at least women of that age. Menopause is serious business and I am glad that she found healing and relief through writing this funny book.

[S.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous story about aging

Maria, a fifty-year-old woman, has been slapped in the joints with aging. And then there’s the hot sweats of menopause. Sagging skin. Age spots. And . . . the list goes on. At least she has a good doctor, supportive friends, and a husband who tries to understand.
But what is happening to her?
What can she do about it?
And how will she accept aging and all that comes with it?

The author has a great sense of humor, transforming Maria’s horror of getting old into laugh-out-loud self-awareness. For example, she looks at her body in the mirror and says, “[it’s] like my body filed for divorce and forgot to notify me.”

Depressed women worried about growing old should read this book. Afterall, laughter is the best medicine.

[Julie Grayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m 50: Welcome to the Full-Body Betrayal by Linda Sanchez is one of those books that makes you laugh, wince, and nod along all at once. It follows Marie, a woman navigating the wild hormonal rollercoaster that is menopause—hot flashes, mood swings, mysterious body changes, and all. But beneath the humor and chaos, it’s really a story about rediscovering yourself and finally learning to put your own needs first.

As a woman in my mid-forties, I can’t say I related to every part (not yet, anyway), but oh boy, there were enough moments that had me cackling and thinking, Yep, this is coming for me soon. It’s a quick, witty, and wonderfully honest read that I’d happily recommend to my girlfriends, *and* to my readers who enjoy a sharp, funny take on life’s less glamorous transitions.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

From menopause, mood swings, and memory loss, this satire is a hoot for any woman needing a good laugh and a healthy dose of reality. If we’re lucky enough to live so long, this is what we have to look forward to, ladies. Yikes! Whether we’ve experienced the midlife years or not, I think most women will understand and sympathize with Marie, our eyes and ears into the time of life where everything changes—our bodies, our minds, and the way we perceive ourselves.
Get ready for a bumpy ride.
As always, Ms. Sanchez’s sharp voice shines through, drawing the reading into the narrative, into Marie’s world. I really enjoyed this book.
5 Stars

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an entertaining and refreshingly honest take on what it really feels like to hit fifty. With humor, warmth, and plenty of relatable moments, it captures the emotional roller coaster of changing hormones, shifting identities, and a body that suddenly seems to have a mind of its own. The writing is sharp and candid, making you laugh one moment and nod in recognition the next. It’s a comforting reminder that midlife isn’t a meltdown it’s a messy, hilarious transformation that many readers will see themselves in

[Garima Bais · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author writes this book with such wit and honesty that you can’t help but laugh while nodding along in agreement. The awkward, and all-too-relatable realities of turning fifty that Marie is experiencing seem real. From memory lapses to hot flashes, every page feels like a conversation with a funny friend who gets it. I loved how she turned struggles into humor while still keeping the message uplifting. A perfect read for anyone navigating midlife!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, nod, and feel seen! Turning 50 comes with surprises, and Linda Sanchez captures them all with honesty and humor. I loved how relatable and unfiltered her writing is. I’d recommend it to every woman entering her 50s—it's like chatting with a good friend who tells it like it is. I gave it 5 stars because it made me feel less alone and helped me see aging with a smile.

[Jane Rozek · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book to read. Such humour was therapeutic just in the reading of it! Some helpful information slid inside the author's hilarious scenes and self-reflection. Women, you won't feel lonely anymore!