How to Get Over Being Young: A Rough Guide to Midlife

by Charlotte Bauer

A deliciously funny and sage guide to midlife - an unscientific, flaws-and-all account of one woman's adventures and misadventures through the dark comedy of the wilderness years.

Through her own experiences as a fifty-something woman, and those of her three sisters, her indomitable mum and rebellious auntie, Charlotte tackles the big questions every woman seeks answers to at this time of our lives - chiefly: How the hell am I going to get over being young in a world obsessed with youth?

Written with warmth, wisdom and irreverence this guide to midlife is perfect for readers of Nora Ephron, Caitlin Moran and India Knight.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2021

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing if somewhat ambling read, Bauer's storytelling is grounded in gaiety.

[Lisa Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about the ups and downs of reaching your fifties and sixties. It doesn't claim to be a self-help book, but Charlotte's experiences are a tonic in much the same way that talking to friends and peers can be (in a "ah, thank heavens it's not just me, then" kind of way). Some resonated more than others but it's all written extremely well. Her intelligence and wit shine through and it's very entertaining. The chapters on Womance and New Romantics stood out for me; some of her observations on losing friends were helpful with things I've just gone through. It isn't my favourite book in the world ever, but I'm certainly glad I read it.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and rather painful especially when you've been through peri and menopause not that long ago. A light read for middle/older age women and men who want to understand. It ends with Fuck-it list (rather than a Bucket list).

[Maurya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I needed and thoroughly enjoyed this humour. This was recommended on a menopause site I am a part of, so if you are of that age, and a woman, I think you will enjoy. Else I would give it a pass!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining memoir about how the author and her circle of family and friends navigated their menopausal years. I was hoping for a few tips but couldn't really relate; however, I was encouraged by her thoughts about how menopause forced / encouraged women to learn to love themselves better.

[Sian · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 86% audiobook.
Content was okay but nothing I haven’t heard before and just didn’t relate.
Could have been funny but felt narrator was too serious.
Others may enjoy more.

[Zara S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious glimpse into the author's life and take on growing "old".

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

I did enjoy this but I think I wanted more from it in some way…reading about covid was also weird.

[Sandra Donegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we did get to read the book written by SATC’s Carrie Bradshaw, this is how I imagine it would read. Entertaining and punctuated by amusing questions to make a point.

[Glenda Absalom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally worth reading. Probably more for us more mature ladies to really appreciate it. I loved it.

[Nici · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! First half better then second though.

Charlotte Bauer is an a English journalist who has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. Her writing style is funny and self deprecating. This is not a self help book, but rather one woman’s observations of getting old. I found some parts hysterical!! It’s the kind of book you can dip into, skip a chapter if it doesn’t appeal and then move on. Really light hearted. Nice for a change!!