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Your Turn: How to Create a Midlife You Love
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 22, 2026
An admitted fan of Allison Aubrey's health & science reporting, I picked up an early copy of the book at a signing event. I'm now immersed in it and taking my time--it's thoughtful & thought-provoking & I am learning a great deal.
I'll admit to a little skepticism--am I part of the target audience?
MIDLIFE : I am in my early seventies and already retired, some might say "That ship has sailed!" I don't expect to live to 140+, so I am NOT in midlife (Yikes!). But I am ever-seeking new lessons, new experiences, so this book IS for me!
"HOW TO...." : Uh-oh! Um, didn't I give up on reading self-help books ages ago? I swore off on filling out questionnaires and laboring on workbooks that led me pretty much nowhere, except for some vague guilt about "not finishing my homework." Unlike the authors of those sworn-off tomes, Allison isn't holding herself up as an expert with all the answers, but as a fellow seeker who has sought tools from various experts herself & giving us a bit of a "tasting menu," should we like to explore any of those avenues ourselves.
Even if you skip to PART 2: THIRD TURNS TO INSPIRE YOU and read the profiles of the women who have chosen new paths in midlife (similar to those NPR profiles we love so much, and those we find in Allison's Substack), I dare you not to be inspired yourself!
"THIRD TURNS" : Oh, my! I forgot to have kids! Is this a book primarily for empty-nesters? NOPE! I never juggled a career with raising kids, but I did throw myself into a career alongside a similarly-motivated working spouse. Haven't we all struggled with achieving work-life balance, and haven't we set aside many of our youthful dreams to get down to the business of making a living and saving for retirement?
Speaking personally (Why not? Allison spoke VERY personally. This is a safe space!), after having had to reinvent myself after relocating for my spouse's (much more lucrative) career, I embarked upon one that didn't exactly suit me, but was portable. Everywhere I lived, there were non-profits that needed people to raise funds & this introvert suffered a lot of imposter syndrome pushing out of my comfort zone for public speaking and asking people for money, but also had the opportunity to write & plan programs. So indeed, retirement has become MY TURN. This book is helpful as I hone and polish what that means to me.
I'M AN INTROVERT & SICK OF SAGES WHO HARP ON THE NECESSITY OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS FOR HEALTHY AGING!: Allison's got us covered here too! Social connections don't have to be "Yay rah-rah!" group activities, but can be as simple as chatting one-on-one with neighbors, or even figuring out how to meet that internet friend IRL (Which I've done, but I also count a few not-yet IRL online friends as true friends as well.) She's interviewed writers, knitters, even talks about mah jongg! That's my one regular weekly get-together. My friends and I are all knitters (all introverts), so we knit first, catch up on news, then play.
In my opinion, I think we can READ THIS BOOK IN WHATEVER WAY WE WISH! Inhale it cover to cover in one fell swoop, jump around and read whatever catches our attention first, go ahead and explore the websites and apps she mentions, play with questionnaires if we wish, get out of our comfy reading chairs, motivated to take that walk or grab some tasty fruits & vegetables to nosh. It's here to inspire us each very differently. This skeptic is finding it VERY worthwhile!
Okay, I have finished reading the book. Thank you, Allison! It was very thought-provoking and accessible. Now I have it on my shelf for reference and inspiration.
I'll admit to a little skepticism--am I part of the target audience?
MIDLIFE : I am in my early seventies and already retired, some might say "That ship has sailed!" I don't expect to live to 140+, so I am NOT in midlife (Yikes!). But I am ever-seeking new lessons, new experiences, so this book IS for me!
"HOW TO...." : Uh-oh! Um, didn't I give up on reading self-help books ages ago? I swore off on filling out questionnaires and laboring on workbooks that led me pretty much nowhere, except for some vague guilt about "not finishing my homework." Unlike the authors of those sworn-off tomes, Allison isn't holding herself up as an expert with all the answers, but as a fellow seeker who has sought tools from various experts herself & giving us a bit of a "tasting menu," should we like to explore any of those avenues ourselves.
Even if you skip to PART 2: THIRD TURNS TO INSPIRE YOU and read the profiles of the women who have chosen new paths in midlife (similar to those NPR profiles we love so much, and those we find in Allison's Substack), I dare you not to be inspired yourself!
"THIRD TURNS" : Oh, my! I forgot to have kids! Is this a book primarily for empty-nesters? NOPE! I never juggled a career with raising kids, but I did throw myself into a career alongside a similarly-motivated working spouse. Haven't we all struggled with achieving work-life balance, and haven't we set aside many of our youthful dreams to get down to the business of making a living and saving for retirement?
Speaking personally (Why not? Allison spoke VERY personally. This is a safe space!), after having had to reinvent myself after relocating for my spouse's (much more lucrative) career, I embarked upon one that didn't exactly suit me, but was portable. Everywhere I lived, there were non-profits that needed people to raise funds & this introvert suffered a lot of imposter syndrome pushing out of my comfort zone for public speaking and asking people for money, but also had the opportunity to write & plan programs. So indeed, retirement has become MY TURN. This book is helpful as I hone and polish what that means to me.
I'M AN INTROVERT & SICK OF SAGES WHO HARP ON THE NECESSITY OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS FOR HEALTHY AGING!: Allison's got us covered here too! Social connections don't have to be "Yay rah-rah!" group activities, but can be as simple as chatting one-on-one with neighbors, or even figuring out how to meet that internet friend IRL (Which I've done, but I also count a few not-yet IRL online friends as true friends as well.) She's interviewed writers, knitters, even talks about mah jongg! That's my one regular weekly get-together. My friends and I are all knitters (all introverts), so we knit first, catch up on news, then play.
In my opinion, I think we can READ THIS BOOK IN WHATEVER WAY WE WISH! Inhale it cover to cover in one fell swoop, jump around and read whatever catches our attention first, go ahead and explore the websites and apps she mentions, play with questionnaires if we wish, get out of our comfy reading chairs, motivated to take that walk or grab some tasty fruits & vegetables to nosh. It's here to inspire us each very differently. This skeptic is finding it VERY worthwhile!
Okay, I have finished reading the book. Thank you, Allison! It was very thought-provoking and accessible. Now I have it on my shelf for reference and inspiration.
Want to Read
August 11, 2026I'm excited for this book because Allison Aubrey's interviews have an informed and thoughtful perspective that pulls from grounded research on the science of well being, and I look forward to learning how she tackles the topic of midlife flourishing.
September 26, 2026
lots of good information.
Want to Read
August 8, 2026This book is showing up at just the right time for me, as I consider “what’s next” and how to go about thinking about my next moves (turns?) I’m looking forward to the inspiration and wisdom of others who have gone down this road before
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've been listening to Allison for as long as I can remember on NPR, so I was excited when she came to Dallas last night for an interview with Krys Boyd (THINK on KERA) as part of her new book tour.
My wife and I bought 2 copies, and we're both excited to learn about how we can avoid a plateau at mid-life and make our third turns, especially as our three girls go off to college and start their own adventures. I especially appreciated hearing from Allison how much research she put into the book, drawing from her 24 years as an NPR science journalist and interviews with more than 150 people spanning ages 45 to 105.
In the interview, she made it clear that the book doesn't just offer uplifting platitudes; she grounds the concept of a midlife passage in actionable evidence and science. For example, she highlights research showing that regular creative pursuits can slow biological aging by 4% - a benefit on par with regular exercise. She also shares practical, self-directed tools like the Brain Care Score, where a simple five-point increase can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 50%.
Beyond the science, what truly resonated with me was her focus on reinvention. Allison brilliantly reframes the traditional "learn, earn, retire" model into "learn, earn, return" - encouraging us to return to the joyful, playful parts of ourselves we may have left behind in childhood. Coupled with insights on maintaining strong connections, like the Gottman Institute's "magic six" hours of problem-free listening to your spouse each week, It's Your Turn is a brilliant roadmap for this next chapter.
I highly recommend picking up a copy to find the momentum to create a midlife you genuinely love.
My wife and I bought 2 copies, and we're both excited to learn about how we can avoid a plateau at mid-life and make our third turns, especially as our three girls go off to college and start their own adventures. I especially appreciated hearing from Allison how much research she put into the book, drawing from her 24 years as an NPR science journalist and interviews with more than 150 people spanning ages 45 to 105.
In the interview, she made it clear that the book doesn't just offer uplifting platitudes; she grounds the concept of a midlife passage in actionable evidence and science. For example, she highlights research showing that regular creative pursuits can slow biological aging by 4% - a benefit on par with regular exercise. She also shares practical, self-directed tools like the Brain Care Score, where a simple five-point increase can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 50%.
Beyond the science, what truly resonated with me was her focus on reinvention. Allison brilliantly reframes the traditional "learn, earn, retire" model into "learn, earn, return" - encouraging us to return to the joyful, playful parts of ourselves we may have left behind in childhood. Coupled with insights on maintaining strong connections, like the Gottman Institute's "magic six" hours of problem-free listening to your spouse each week, It's Your Turn is a brilliant roadmap for this next chapter.
I highly recommend picking up a copy to find the momentum to create a midlife you genuinely love.
September 29, 2026
Your Turn starts off really strong with a lot of interesting stories about finding a new you as your kids are growing and perimenopause is hitting; however it then drags on a bit too long and then gets a little preachy about diet and exercise. I do think more might be needed to say about how to have this type of "third act" for people who have limited means. So many stories seem to be people who can retire, who can quit their jobs and pursue their passions, etc. I wish the second half was as good as the first.
Want to Read
August 1, 2026I’m really looking forward to reading this book because I trust Allison’s reporting and analysis from her work at NPR and here she addresses the big questions that preoccupy me every day and that my friends and I discuss endlessly.
Want to Read
August 11, 2026Can’t wait to read this book — Allison is a terrific researcher and storyteller so I know it is going to be great. Plus, all of us in middle life could use some advice about how to make the most of this time and the adventures that await us!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am really excited for this book. I've been listening to Allison Aubrey on NPR for years and really appreciate her commitment to exploring the science behind all trends. She's thoughtful, smart, and a great interviewer. This book will be grounded both on real experiences and scientific research.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm excited for Allison's book because of her long spanning and impressive career at NPR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m so excited about this book. I love the idea that dreams are free therapy
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m excited to read Allison’s book because I know some of the people she writes about and I can’t wait to read about them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has come at a perfect time! I am smack in the middle of all that Allyson writes about! She is inspiring!!
Read
August 2, 2026I am interested in all things midlife - especially in new books that will help me live more fully!
Want to Read
August 8, 2026I feel like this book was written just for me, and I am so looking forward to digging into all that I will learn!
Want to Read
August 8, 2026I cant wait for your book Allison Aubrey - loving all your substack interviews - its gonna be so great!!!
Want to Read
August 8, 2026I want to read this because I'm about to start a “Midlife Curiosity Tour” and build my own version of a gap year!
Want to Read
August 8, 2026I was Allison’s editor at NPR for several years and she is simply the best. Can’t wait to read this!
Want to Read
August 9, 2026Sounds like exactly what I need - looking forward to reading it!
Read
August 11, 2026I am so excited to read Allison’s book because she has taken a very interesting approach to living life in my 60s and beyond!!
Want to Read
August 11, 2026Excited to read, love how Aubrey explores the world!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Proof that it is never too late to start over! Your Turn by Allison Aubrey is a deeply relatable, empowering look at midlife reinvention. If you need a spark of inspiration about second chances, pick this up immediately!
August 10, 2026
I am looking forward to reading this book because I am ready to pivot from taking care of others to expanding my options and applying my personal capabilities. I love Allison Aubrey's reporting on NPR and can't wait to read this thoughtful book about women making the most of their midlife!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews