Kudos to all those who write memoirs and put themselves out there. This is one that I just couldn't get into. The chapters were short and that was a positive but, I really couldn't get a feel for who Ms. Condon is and what she learned wasn't a big deal. ( )

I couldn't finish this. It was totally unengaging for me. OK, I'm not in the target demographic, but I even apart from that issue I don't think the writing is likely to appeal to many people. The fundamental problem I had was that the narrator seemed incredibly superficial to me. The sort of person who, if I met face to face, I would try to avoid in future. Moreover, her writing style is very flat and uninteresting. ( )

I was very excited that I had the opportunity to read this book. The book is written as a memoir not the “coming of age” book I had expected. I was hoping the author would offer more insight into coping with aging and life changes. Instead we got an up close and personal look into her life with no thought about the reader. I did enjoy the book overall and found myself nodding in agreement several times I just with the author gave me more. I hated that she called her husband superman the entire book, it was cute the first few times and then after that it was annoying. ( )

Laurie Condon’s short, wise, funny and honest collection of personal essays might just knock your socks off. Assuming you wear socks.

At the ripe old age of 50, Condon reflects on who she is, where she’s come from, and where she’s going in Everything Is a Big Deal, Until It’s Not. I loved her name for her husband, Superman, as much as I love her bold-faced honesty as she confronts her fears and behaviors openly and honestly. Whether she’s talking about menopause, alcohol, aging, her early boyfriends, Assman, and Dickhead, her writing is a blend of stand-up comedy and the Sun Magazine’s personal essays.

She realizes that “much of a relationship takes place in your own head” and “There are certain people who come into your life for a specific purpose, others for a certain time frame like high school or college, and then there are the lifers.” Pepper that with quips like ““Superman suggested I just make a bunch of new heavy friends and wear leggings,” and you have a sampling of her wisdom and spirit.

Whether you’ve reached 50, want to approach it wisely, or are looking back, this book will give you perspective on the author’s life and help you find some of your own. Highly recommended. ( )

When I read the description of this book on Library Thing Early Reviewers, I immediately was interested in reading it. I am of a similar age and facing the same midlife challenges. I assumed I would be able to relate to the author's life experiences and hoped for some insights and tips regarding how to navigate the pitfalls of midlife. My expectations were far too high. This book was a disappointment. The writing was of poor quality. The narrative rambled through the author's life without drawing in the reader emotionally. There didn't seem to be any attempt to connect with the reader at all. It was essentially a dull and "plot only" biography. There wasn't a focus on her current midlife challenges with menopause and definitely no wisdom for her readers. I was surprised to discover that she has considerable experience as a writer. I assumed this was her first attempt as an author. I am sorry to say that this is not a book that I can recommend. ( )