Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go--and Embracing Who We Are

by Stacey Lindsay

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Kelly Brocklehurst]

DNF at 60 percent.

[Wisegirl Wiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book due to the fact that author Stacey Lindsay is a journalist. This book is also recommended by Maria Shriver’s curated An Open Field Book Collection. With 40 in my rearview mirror, I was curious to see how this author's reframing of the next generation of leaders’ adulting lifestyles and challenges would resonate with me. Lindsay successfully defines the new experience of this generation without setting fire to trad mom dreams. But she does open wide the femininely identified door to a new confidence in working to reach the divination of your diverse and alternative best life experience. Like a journalist, she defines the environments, events, and stories experienced by the now adult girls born in the eighties.  She interviews a uniquely curated group to reveal the feminine challenges of a new millennial coming of age. You will relate to the broader outlines of cultural choice she draws and the fresh pathways of this generation’s fourth decade of maturely influenced learning. By example you see how the girls in the group evolve through diverse experiences sharing inclusive acceptance. They live and create their own new kind of shared journey. My hippy soul was comforted as I peeked through this newly realigned generational prism to see new societal opportunities awaiting us. This practical exploration of today's midlife females in their separate but supportive journeys held a valid wisdom in youthful statements that spoke with a maturity beyond their years. Experiencing more than their share of societal trauma, that unique shared experience has bound this unique group in their souls. For the younger readers the possibilities you seek will open up to you when you learn to let go of the ‘shoulds’ and boldly explore every facet of life to uncover your unique personal desires and skills in the process . I finished this book with so much hope for the mental health of our current forty something ladies and for their success as future cultural leaders to bring us through whatever comes next. Thank you Netgalley and Viking Penguin and The Open Field Publishing groups to be published May 6, 2026.

[Bookish Emili Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being 40 is an honest, refreshing, and empowering exploration of what it truly means to step into a new decade of life with clarity, confidence, and compassion for oneself. Stacey Lindsay approaches the milestone of turning forty with a blend of wisdom, humor, and grounded storytelling that makes the book feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is the way Lindsay normalizes the emotional complexity of this life stage. She openly tackles the messy middle—questions of identity, shifting priorities, evolving relationships, and the quiet recalibration that often happens beneath the surface. Her writing is warm and conversational, offering readers the comforting sense that someone else understands exactly what they’re feeling.

Lindsay also highlights the unexpected gifts of this season: firmer boundaries, deeper self‑knowledge, renewed ambition, and a more intentional approach to joy. These insights are delivered through a mix of reflection, anecdotes, and practical guidance that feels supportive rather than prescriptive.

While the book is uplifting and heartfelt, some readers may wish for a bit more structure or a deeper dive into certain themes. At times, the narrative leans more toward personal essay than guidebook, which may leave those looking for concrete tools wanting more.

Even so, Being 40 is a thoughtful companion for anyone approaching, entering, or reflecting on their forties. It encourages readers to embrace this milestone not with fear, but with curiosity and empowerment.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Audiobook)
As someone who just turned 40, a lot resonated with me. While it is written for women, a lot of the content worked for me as a cisgender man as well. It also provided me insight into the lives of the 40 year old women around me; in particular around women's health. I've recommended it to a number of friends already. I learned some information, gained insight, and developed new skills from this book. I gave it a 5, but it's probably a 4.5.

[Cassidy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a special book, filled with inspiring stories from real women, hopes, fears, wisdom, dreams, and excitement for this decade. All tied up together in the beautiful gift of Stacey Lindsay’s incredible writing and journalistic expertise. This is a book for any woman turning 40, in her 40s, or even just at a state of transition in her life.

[Natalie Silverstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honored to be quoted in this wonderful book which is so thoughtfully researched and written. Stacey Lindsay has captured all of the many issue that women face as they navigate their 40's, a decade of pivotal change, and the ways that we can all support each other to step into our power and embrace our true selves as we face the next chapter of our lives.

[Nick Salenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that is brave & inclusive reframing of what it means to be woman today & compass for anyone ready to trust their intuition, embrace change, & step fully into who they are.

[Robyn White · Rating 4 out of 5]

4- good references for other books as well

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat helpful reminder to live life by MY standards versus societal expectations.