Although I'm not in my midlife yet, I identify with a lot of the struggles identified by Jen Mann. It was entertaining and easy to read.

I really enjoyed Jenn Mann’s new book. She makes me laugh until tears run down my face. Jenn Mann is an excellent writer. I found myself engaged from the beginning to the end.

How have I gone this long without having Jen Mann in my life?

Several months ago I saw a book entitled Midlife Bites on Netgalley. As someone who is in that particular time of life—and has discovered it can indeed bite—I requested it immediately. Admittedly I sometimes request ARCs based on title alone only to be disappointed, but this is a resounding case of it working out in my favor. First, in case you don’t know of Jen Mann, she authors a blog called People I Want to Punch in the Throat (and had I only known that I would also be a fan of her). In one particular blog post Mann laid bare some of the struggles she was having and found that they were resoundingly shared by her readers.
Midlife Bites is a bit of an extension of that blog post, tacking all the things women generally don’t talk about with regards to aging and the act of living and being women. While Mann’s viewpoint may seem harsh to some, it’s truthful, bold, non-nonsense, and so freaking funny! Mann writes in a way that’s engaging, honest, and makes even the most heart-breaking and mortifying topics seem survivable.
Midlife Bites will be released January 4, 2022, and I highly recommend it.

Such a fun read! Considering my age, I found this so relatable!! Almost as if every chapter had been written for me!
Jen is in her midlife and writes about the myriad of changes, to body and life, and makes the readers feel less alone in this journey even though we may not talk about all the things/changes going on.
The stories and advice in this book are raw, very real and so funny! You will walk away feeling less alone, maybe a little "normal" and a little lighter!
I really loved this honest take on midlife!


Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review.

This book is perfection. Everything from the cover, the title and the book itself. It's AMAZING. I laughed out loud more times that I can remember. I loved the variety of topics that were discussed and feel like this is a book all women should have access to. I found myself agreeing with so much of what she touched on. A fantastic read.

I'm sure this is a delightful book. It just didn't keep my interest. I know others will love it. I needed an uplifting story.

Thanks to the Publisher and Net Gallery for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Remember when you met your soulmate? No, not that ONE. I’m talking about that time maybe grade school or college, or at employer when you met the ONE, the girl who got you. The one who laughed at all your jokes, the one that never stabbed you in the back? You instantly became besties in the truest sense of the word. I feel like Jen Mann is that for me. Like every one of her chapters was written for me. And you know what- seems like there are a lot of us out there, a lost tribe of women wandering around thinking these same thoughts, thinking they were alone. Women at middle age, who are saying- “now what”? Kids mostly raised, husbands/ boyfriends are sort of ‘ meh, love ‘em but some day can take em or leave em.’
Instead I’m longing for friends, a connection, a purpose for spending the next 40-50 years.
I am terrible with self-help books. Because they are NON- Fiction, I always feel like I should be taking notes, and doing something with information. Like a college class in a required subject, I often get bored and wander away. This book however was the exact opposite. I joined the midlife bites Facebook group. (Great group of women there). Even better, though I took action, and did a couple of brave things because of her advice and encouragement. I put myself at risk for rejection.
I reached out to some old friends that I haven’t talked to in 25 years. We have had some really good chats. I reached out to my ‘Facebook Friends’ and asked how they were. ( So far, I just got one thumbs up 🤦‍♀️, but will see how that goes) and I reached out to start a play group for my dog. Im going to stop waiting for people to invite me , and invite them instead.
Big scary moves for me. But I’m going to keep trying.
I also have an inkling of what I want to do when I retire. Nothing firm, but at least no longer a blank page.

If you are over 35, and feeling sort of blah and lonely and a bit sad about your life. And guilty for feeling that way. Jen’s stories and advice is real and raw, and funny. This book had me laughing so much I woke up my husband, jiggling the bed. He farted and went back to sleep. I laughed some more.
Highly recommend ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

My ask for Jen, when this book publishes, maybe start a Facebook chat about each chapter- sort of a book club. I would love to discuss some of the topics more at length.

A very funny and entertaining read. Not a title I’d buy for my high school library but an entertaining read for this almost mid-life librarian.

Oh, Jen, you are totally reading my mind with this book. After you get to a certain age, you really do feel liberated to be able to say what you feel and to do what you want. Jen explores so many topics that are relevant to women in middle age. I really identified with the chapter about friendships because I too feel lonely sometimes, now that my kids are grown and my lifelong friends don’t live near me. This book wasn’t all serious though. There were lots of laugh out loud moments, just like her other books. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy!

So I requested this for the title and I was not disappointed. The entire book is relatable mixed with humor and real stories that had me flying through the pages shaking my head in agreement. I loved Jen's Gems and her personal insight into each chapter - the message that we are "not alone" is one that can not be stressed enough and it's books like this one that reiterates that message so beautifully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was an eye opening and there's not a lot to say about it. It was honest and refreshing.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was not familiar with this author before reading this book, even though she apparently has a ton of followers…..so, I guess I’ve been living under a rock! I loved this book! I’m a woman in my mid 40’s and I definitely feel that this would be best read and and related to by women. I enjoyed it and it was totally relatable. An enjoyable read.

Midlife Bites by Jen Mann is a raw, authentic and brutally honest book about the challenges of aging, self-discovery and some “Gems” to help us get through. The author’s wit and transparency are so refreshing as she shares her personal experiences allowing the reader to realize we all have struggles. At the end of each chapter, Ms. Mann shares “Jen’s Gems.” I enjoyed each chapter and found myself looking forward to the summary and true “Gems” in Jen’s Gems! Thank you, Ms. Mann, for your literary gift to the universe to help us realize in a humorous, yet very real way that none of is alone. We are all on a quest to figure things out in our own unique and okay way. I appreciate the opportunity to read this advanced copy and thank Ms. Mann, NetGalley and Ballantine Books.

Absolutely adored Midlife Bites. What a hilarious novel about women and getting older. Jen Mann’s writing draws you in and I couldn’t stop reading. It also helped that I am that age group and appreciate any insight on what’s coming and happening to other women. Am absolutely amazing book and I know this will be a huge hit!

I really enjoyed this book! It read a bit like Jenny Lawson's books, so if you are a fan of hers then definitely read this one! Mann is one sarcastic lady and I really appreciate that about her! I found myself laughing out loud during this book and I just really enjoyed my time with it! I will definitely read this book again!

So relatable! I was not familiar with the author although I have heard of her other books. I love her sarcasm and wittiness, and while it might not be for every one, that is what appeals to me. I am in my mid 40s and could relate to all this. I plan to buy this to give to my best girlfriends since we are all navigating this midlife thing and appreciate this brand of humor.

Although Jen Mann apparently has a zillion followers on social media, I actually wasn't familiar with her until I saw this book. Through short chapters with such titles as "What Are You Even Doing With Your Life," "Who Are You Calling Crazy," and "No One Gives A Shit About You," Mann covers lots of subjects that will be very relatable to women in the 40s-50s. She may not be saying anything we don't already know, but she is saying it all and saying things we don't necessarily discuss but maybe should. This was a fun - and validating! - read. Because the chapters are just a few pages you can read just one or two at a time if you don't have the time to sit and read the entire book all the way through - they can stand alone. Midlife Bites would also make a great 40th (or 41st or 42nd...) birthday gift for your girlfriends or for yourself.

NOTE: Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book from beginning to end, lots of real truth and a lot of great humor. Jen tells it how it is for her and many other women during midlife and she paints a clear picture of what to expect, what she and others have gone through or will go through, and offers up some good advice and understanding.

This book is hilarious. I've already been raving about it to my closest girlfriends. I haven't hit midlife (well, at least I hope I haven't) but I feel like I'm more prepared after reading Midlife Bites. And I learned about how the birds and the bees die off (menopause) in a really funny and endearing way. All ladies "of the age" and men, who like to support women, should pick up a copy of this one. Totally eye opening and worth it!

This is my first read of Jen Mann, but boy is she funny. I'll have to check out her other books as well. She keeps it real, she has no shame, and she will have you laughing outloud.

A big thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley, for providing this arc. If you're interested in reading advanced copies, check out NetGalley.com

I wasn’t familiar with Jen Mann or her blog before reading Midlife Bites but I was drawn in by the incredibly interesting premise of this Memoir. I enjoy a “tell it like it is” narrative and the author delivered. She is so honest and open. Midlife covers lots of real topics but in such a way that had me shaking my head in agreement or laughing out loud. I liked that not only does she talk about problems faced by women in midlife, but also what she has done personally to address the issue. Reading this book caused me to think about issues that I have just accepted as part of life and what I can do as well to make some changes for the better.

I understand why her blog was so well received because Jen Mann is an engaging writer. I will be happily recommending this book to many woman.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House/ Ballantine for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.