What do you think?
Rate this book
Grow or Fold: Transform Yourself in Midlife and Beyond
"If you’re at a crossroads in your life, this book will show you how to move forward on your terms." —Mel Robbins, New York Times bestselling author of The Let Them Theory and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast
In this genre-defying, deeply personal, and ultimately inspiring book, Grow or Fold redefines what it means to thrive in midlife and beyond. With honesty, insight, and a toolkit forged in fire, Matt Ross--former CEO of School of Rock and architect of One River School--invites you into his story of transformation, resilience, and purpose.
At fifty, faced with personal catastrophe and professional upheaval, Ross chose growth over surrender. This book is his blueprint--and your invitation--to do the same. Through raw storytelling and practical wisdom, Grow or Fold helps you navigate the turbulence of change with clarity and confidence. You'll learn how to take inventory of your life, reconnect with your core values, and design a future that reflects your most authentic self.
Whether you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply ready for more, this book is your call to action. Because in the face of adversity, there really is only one choice: GROW OR FOLD?
In this genre-defying, deeply personal, and ultimately inspiring book, Grow or Fold redefines what it means to thrive in midlife and beyond. With honesty, insight, and a toolkit forged in fire, Matt Ross--former CEO of School of Rock and architect of One River School--invites you into his story of transformation, resilience, and purpose.
At fifty, faced with personal catastrophe and professional upheaval, Ross chose growth over surrender. This book is his blueprint--and your invitation--to do the same. Through raw storytelling and practical wisdom, Grow or Fold helps you navigate the turbulence of change with clarity and confidence. You'll learn how to take inventory of your life, reconnect with your core values, and design a future that reflects your most authentic self.
Whether you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply ready for more, this book is your call to action. Because in the face of adversity, there really is only one choice: GROW OR FOLD?
264 pages, Hardcover
Published January 13, 2026
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many books about midlife are written by women, so seeing Grow or Fold written by former School of Rock CEO Matt Ross immediately made me curious about his perspective. In the introduction, Ross explains the meaning behind the title, describing “grow or fold” as a metaphor for the pivotal moments that shape the arc of our lives — moments where we are either expanding or retreating.
As he reflects on turning 50, Ross shares the questions and worries that surfaced for him. Even from a male perspective, the themes are universal: health concerns, mortality, and the lingering question of whether there is still more to do with the time we have left.
Chapter Thirteen, “Emotional Growth: Optimize Your State of Mind,” resonated with me the most. Emotion regulation is a core topic in mental health therapy — identifying what you feel is one step, but learning to regulate those emotions is where real growth happens. When we can regulate our emotions, we find balance. Life doesn’t hit us as hard, we stop taking things for granted, and our communication with others becomes clearer and more grounded.
Overall, Grow or Fold is a valuable read for anyone navigating midlife. It offers validation that your thoughts and feelings aren’t yours alone, and it’s filled with insights you can return to long after you’ve finished the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amplify Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
As he reflects on turning 50, Ross shares the questions and worries that surfaced for him. Even from a male perspective, the themes are universal: health concerns, mortality, and the lingering question of whether there is still more to do with the time we have left.
Chapter Thirteen, “Emotional Growth: Optimize Your State of Mind,” resonated with me the most. Emotion regulation is a core topic in mental health therapy — identifying what you feel is one step, but learning to regulate those emotions is where real growth happens. When we can regulate our emotions, we find balance. Life doesn’t hit us as hard, we stop taking things for granted, and our communication with others becomes clearer and more grounded.
Overall, Grow or Fold is a valuable read for anyone navigating midlife. It offers validation that your thoughts and feelings aren’t yours alone, and it’s filled with insights you can return to long after you’ve finished the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amplify Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
February 7, 2026
To put it simply: Not only for Midlife but for All life crises. Ross makes life digestible and takes comfort in life challenges to maximize their impact to ensure change. We are the roadblock that conforms to our existing needs, world, and values.
It’s not meant to be left on your bookshelf once read. It’s meant to be picked up during every milestone of your life and assess if your purpose has changed. Does it need to be revised? “Because the work continues—and the best is still ahead.”
It’s not meant to be left on your bookshelf once read. It’s meant to be picked up during every milestone of your life and assess if your purpose has changed. Does it need to be revised? “Because the work continues—and the best is still ahead.”
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews