Hilarious and relatable. I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me with an advance readers copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program. I’d recommend it to anyone who feels they may think they can relate to the cover for self-assessment, anyone looking for a good laugh, as well as a book club pick as it would be a fun one to read alongside with others.

<b>The Story</b>
I was not familiar with the history or previous writings but the title is what grabbed me and was not disappointed.

It’s not an exhaustive or clinical perspective self-help type book, which was the strong appeal for me in reading this book and staying engaged with it because offers a bit of more relatable appeal with sass and humor that makes for a play on characterization, exaggeration, but with preciseness to make the point all the much more accurate.

Love the Jen’s Gems, great for a kitchen table discussion amongst friends or bookclub.

Shares enough redemptive qualities that are relatable as well as failures that are equally relatable. Ups and downs of life depicted in a nonjudgmental but comparable asking of yourself of the same, if that makes sense?

I think of course every woman goes through these sorts of changes and what makes this book unique is that it speaks to this generation of now with references of how it relates to the mental, emotional, social, physical changes along the way in this day and age.

Some language was bit crass for my taste, swearing like a sailor, a drunken one at that but I appreciated the humor that came across.

<b>The Writing</b>
Its very straightforward, casual, yet self-reflective enough without being aloof or dismissive in the details. A great story teller in that way.

I would look forward to a future book, an approach of the elderly, because here we come!

<a href="https://ericarobbin.com">Blog post</a>

I think I would have enjoyed Blogger Jen Mann more had I not read her right after finishing Broken by Jenny Lawson. Jenny has a way more varied and creative potty mouth than Jen does, but I guess that's like comparing inhibitionless apples to blocked oranges. All that being said, Midlife Bites is an honest and funny take on the female midlife crisis, on "feelings of loneliness, fear, inadequacy, bankruptcy, or whatever". I didn't feel like the disconnected time line really worked here, it was fine starting with her mid-breakdown and then going back to the lead-up but from that point on I got a little confused about what order things were happening in, and distracted by her hating people talking about the weather and claiming that she personally never talked about the weather herself and then averring she would never talk about the weather ever again going forward, or not attend a yoga class regularly because that "would require putting on a bra and pants, leaving my house, and making mindless small talk with people about the weather."

But Midlife Bites makes a lot of really good points, and I was cheering for Jen's progress all through this book. I especially loved the point she made about her ophthalmologist and rheumatologist having spent over twice the time talking with her about perimenopause and menopause than her primary care doctor or gynecologist ever had.

Jen Mann's Midlife Bites was extremely refreshing, especially at this middle point in my life. Mann's writing is concise and understandable, and while she gives plenty of advice, she is extremely empathetic, being among the middle-aged, too. I loved this book for a number of reasons. First, Mann is exceptionally funny, adding so much humor to a time of life that is not necessarily amusing. Second, Mann's personal stories are so relatable, but, yet, so absurd, that they make the reader want to keep reading, nodding along in agreement and/or laughing at the crazy situations Mann finds herself in with friends and neighbors. Third, Mann doles out excellent advice in this book, ranging from finding one's purpose in life to trying new things, and she points out that nobody cares as much about you as you think they do, which is always outstanding advice. Fourth, Mann tackles the harder subjects like peri-menopause/menopause, changing bodies, potential changing relationships (divorce), and faith with grace and, again, humor, such that you will want, in the end, to be her friend. Honestly, Mann is like the big sister that I never had. Finally, there are so, so many good chapters in this book, but "You Will Pee Your Pants" was probably one of my favorites, with the best soliloquy on mid-life that I've ever read, one that perfectly describes how I, and many of my friends, are feeling right now. Truly, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Thank you, Jen Mann!

Jen Mann is my spirit animal. She totally and completely gets me, sometimes I feel like she has a camera hidden in my house and she just writes down everything she sees here. Honestly though, it's so helpful and hopeful for me to know that I'm not alone in this midlife struggle.

"I haven't slept through the night in months thanks to my brain being an asshole."
"No matter how ideal someone's life might look like from the outside, I promise you, no one really has their shit together. We are all muddling through this appalling clusterfuck called midlife as best we can."

I've been a long time fan of Jen since her People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-Off Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges series, and when I saw last year that she had started a Facebook group called Midlife Bites, with content particularly geared towards women of a certain age I knew I had to join. I've found camaraderie and acceptance in that group (as well as so much laughter), and when I then saw that Jen had a book coming out, I knew that it was the book for me and begged for a review copy.

There's so much to like here in this book, but the most important thing for me is to know that what I'm thinking, feeling, and experiencing is not me going slowly insane. These mixed up mental and physical "adventures" are something normal that millions of other women are experiencing as well, and that makes me feel less alone.

I highly recommend this book to those women stuck in the middle of midlife and wondering what on earth is happening. Jen's straight talk, humor, and no-punches-pulled way of communication will give you just the hope you need to move forward. 4.5 stars

Remember how you couldn't wait to be an adult and all the excitement it entailed? Well, once you started aging, you realized it was not fun, games, and no rules. But that's okay, right, but no, Jen Mann is hear to tell you that Midlife Bites.

Jen's new entry into her pantheon of books for venting about parenting, politics, and pop culture tackles the aging process and midlife crises in particular. I've calculated that I must be about the same age as Jen, and I've read some of her blog posts about parenting. She's snarky and brilliant.

This book stemmed from a post she wrote that defied her usual fare in that she truthfully discussed how unhappy she was and how she felt guilty about it. Does anyone care that women of a certain age feel miserable even if they appear to have it all? She goes over all the areas that middle-aged women feel nervous or unsettled about their lives and lets you know that you're not alone.

Although some areas of my life really suck right now beyond typical midlife, Jen puts it all into perspective with her signature wit. Whether you're changing careers, experiencing empty nest, or developing health problems due to age, she's there for you to relate to and see how you can conquer these areas and more of your life.

She's a champion of our age group, and even though it's been a battle, she keeps striving to make her life better. She knows that you can, too, if you just take a look at her quick chapters and see how you can make your own life better and fight for your midlife years and sanity. Her own epiphanies may spring your own, and, if nothing else, give you a little kick to make these years just as good, if not better, than any other decade than before.

Even if you don't think Midlife Bites, you'll get something out of this book even if it's just a few laughs or an introduction to the woman who formerly wanted to punch people in the throat. Well, maybe she still does, but she's still a hero to many and a new one for anyone griping about midlife.

Solid 3.5🌟 for this fun, easy ready - a sort of “What to Expect When You Hit Middle Age” handbook. Refreshing, real and funny, Mann de-mystifies middle age problems as she works through her own mid-life crisis, giving advice entwined with real-life anecdotes.. Parts of this book I really related to and found inspiring, some was somewhat redundant self-help-y, but honestly I guess we can never be reminded often enough to be grateful in order to find happiness. Jen has a awesome, loud and resonant voice and I’m glad she shared her thoughts and truths in this entertaining book. Great gift for girlfriends!

When Jen Mann said “I get through the day with tons of caffeine, screaming into the void, and rage-crying,” I knew I was in the right place. I may not be quite the target age demographic for this book, but I still found it highly relatable, funny, and full of good advice. Mann is open and honest about the struggles of midlife for women: marriage struggles, menopause, juggling the demands of a successful career and a family, friendships (or lack thereof) and the never ending to-do list for each of those categories. Her stories are peppered with her comedic and acerbic observations and many an F bomb (prudish reader beware). I appreciated her openness and style.

I feel like I have to admit, I hadn’t actually heard of Mann’s wildly popular blog or other books until I received this galley, so you don’t need to be familiar with her previous works to enjoy Midlife Bites. I’m a fan now though and look forward to reading more of her backlist!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback

Beyond being laugh-out-loud funny, MIDLIFE BITES is a raw, honest exploration of the things that haunt many women at midlife. Mann asks hard questions of herself, "did I follow my dreams? is this all there is? what happened to my body? who is this person I married?" and so much more. Mann is excellent at the turn of phrase, and her quips make even the toughest subjects funny and relatable. Men should read this book, by the way, and Generation X women, in particular, will find this book accessible, funny, and helpful as they wonder about what their lives are, what's around the corner, and what might have been. —Alex Greenwood, host and producer, MYSTERIOUS GOINGS ON podcast

4 Stars! Get ready to LOL!! I had never heard of this author or her blog but I’m so glad I finally found her! This book made me feel like I’m not alone in the way I think and feel. She had me laughing and nodding my head in solidarity. Every woman over 30 should read this book. If not for the self help tips, than for a few good laughs! The author comes off as relatable and really funny. She puts into words the way I’ve been feeling, that I haven’t been able to explain, but Jen Mann explains perfectly. Definitely worth the read!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

I loved it! It can be so difficult to find a relatable title like this when you don't fit into the usual life trajectories, but Jen Mann strikes the perfect chord of observation and humor....without delving into any cliche or whining at all. I found bright bits of wisdom and relatability throughout the book, and I'm buying a copy so that I can dip back into this title any time. This is the kind of book that delights you upon first read, and then when you go back to feel that connected feeling again, you find lots more to love. Well done, Jen Mann, and thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy.

This was a light-hearted read that was also able to touch deep on so many real life situations. I appreciated Jen’s humor, and was even able to look past all the f-bombs to appreciate the meat of the story. Jen touched on all the things that need to be taught to every woman, yet everyone is typically too nervous to ever even bring it up. I’m only in my 30s, which is hopefully not midlife, but Jen made me feel more comfortable with growing older and becoming who I truly am!

Was looking forward to this book as I've just entered my 40s. But, I didn't love Jen's perspective on aging. To quote Amy Poehler: "Good for you. Not for me."

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley, but the opinions are my own.

I really, really wanted to love this one, but I honestly think I'm just still a few years away from the target age. I love Mann's brand of humor, so I did laugh out loud a bit. I just didn't connect to the source material.

Jen Mann is the author of a blog and one day decided to get brutally honest. This book is a true look inside the life of a woman in their midlife. She is brutal. She is real. Her language may offend some, but she tells it how it is. Enjoyed reading this and had quite a few laughs!

Jenn Mann is the popular author of the "People I Want to Punch in the Throat" series, which I LOVE. When I saw that she had a new book out I had to get a copy. In MIdlife Bites, Jenn discusses the issues that middle age women face with both honesty and humor. I also learned new things about aging that I'm probably not ready to know (why older women like mumus), but am glad that I do. She also touched on thoughtful topics, such as finding happiness when your kids leave the house and you feel that you are starting over. And she discussed the power of finding your tribe and not being afraid to have honest conversations with those around you (she has evolved past conversation starters on the weather and so should we...). Her wisdom on sharing our feelings with our friends really hit home and made sense--how often do we really have real conversations with friends about the topics that really matter?

In addition to the feel good, Jenn also shared a bit of her personal challenges in her marriage and her life as a traveling blogger. Her writing style always makes you feel as though you are having a really fun conversation with a friend (and Jenn, if you read reviews I'm sending a virtual hug!).

She also told insightful, yet humorous stories on discovering yoga and crystals. Plus, she shared her experience as an accidental participant in stand-up. Her book will make you laugh and smile. In fact, I plan to make it required reading at my next book club and recommend it to all my middle-aged friends. I can't get enough of this author. Highly recommend.

Jen Mann once again is telling it like it is. If you aren't used to her books, note there is profanity-she calls it as she sees it! Spot on, middle age living from someone going through it. A fun, quick, witty read.
Thanks to NetGalley & Random House/Ballantine Books for the preview in exchange for an honest review

Jen is f_ing mad and she's not taking s__t from anyone, anymore!
If colorful language offends you, you may want to pass on this one.
I personally find Jen Mann hilarious, she reminds me of my foul mouthed best friend who always cuts to the chase with brutally honest, heartfelt advice.
The author dissects every aspect of middle age, specifically menopause, for women:
Hormones (or lack of), relationships with friends and significant others, dealing with adult children & declining parents, careers and trying to achieve fulfillment and satisfaction in your life without feeling guilty about expressing your feelings about it.

Highly recommended - this was a quick read for me and I will probably buy this book for my sister.

This book was very entertaining and gave me lots of laughs. Heads up, the author is crude and uses profanity throughout the book but she does state that she is a no nonsense kind of woman. She tells it all and doesn’t care what others think. I could relate to a lot of her funny stores about mid-life, kids, and marriage. I give this one 3.5 stars and recommend it to any middle
aged woman who wants a good laugh. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jen Mann always says exactly what's on her mind. I really like that about her. She's honest and real. I've read other books by her so I knew what to expect. This book tends to go deeper than the others. Her views on middle age are relatable and she makes the battles of life pretty darn funny. Not everyone will appreciate her sense of humor but I think most people can certainly relate and find humor in mid life.

I so appreciate Jen’s unabashed honesty and quick wit, tackling such a sensitive topic for many: aging. Hilarious antidotes paired with practical advice, this was a joy to read.