Books on My Mind This Month: Menopause, Midlife, and the Stories We Deserve

Today I’m writing about something close to my heart. Many may not know this, but I work in a small, independent bookstore, which means books aren’t just part of my job — they’re part of my daily life. I spend a lot of time recommending titles, unpacking new arrivals, and getting that little jolt of joy when a book lands on the counter that feels like it was written for someone I know.

This January, two new releases stopped me in my tracks. They made me feel seen. They made me feel less alone. And they reminded me that this chapter of life — perimenopause, menopause, midlife, whatever language you use — deserves visibility, humor, honesty, and real conversation.

So this week, I’m crossing the streams: a little bookselling, a little blogging, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. If you’re looking for reads that speak to this season of life with candor and compassion, these are the titles on my radar.

The Big M

Edited by Lidia Yuknavitch Link

I haven’t cracked this one open yet, but the premise alone has me ready to dive in. It’s a collection of writers sharing their own experiences of menopause — each voice navigating the profound changes in their bodies and lives in fiercely individual ways. There’s something deeply comforting about hearing from a chorus instead of a single narrator. It feels like a community on the page.

The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook

by Melani Sanders Link

This one is already a bestseller at B&N, and honestly, the title alone deserves an award. A “hot‑mess guide” for women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond who are officially over it? Yes, please. I try to embody this energy daily — the freedom of simply not caring about the nonsense anymore. I’ll be picking up a copy for myself.

The New Menopause

by Mary Claire Haver, MD Link

This book has been everywhere — and for good reason. It’s myth‑busting, practical, and grounded in facts. If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting advice or outdated narratives, this is a solid place to start. It’s at the top of so many lists because it’s genuinely helping people understand what’s happening in their bodies.

My Top Pick: The Menopause Moment

by Kelly Casperson, MD Link

Saving the best for last. I had the privilege of hearing Kelly Casperson speak in person, and I bought her book immediately afterward. This one has been a godsend — a clear, compassionate dismantling of the misinformation we’ve been fed for years. If you read only one book from this list, make it this one.

Thank you for indulging me as I blend my bookselling and blogging lives this week. It feels good to share the titles that are helping shape this conversation — and helping so many of us feel seen, informed, and empowered.

If you ever want more recommendations, you know where to find me!