How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis

by Kate Muir

A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

Genres: Health

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

About the author

Kate Muir studied Politics at the University of Glasgow.

Reviews

[Anna Perho · Rating 2 out of 5]

Big meh.

I thought the book would deal with midlife crisis in depth, both on a mental and physical level, with a psychological emphasis. But in practice, the book focuses on women's menopause and hormone replacement therapy, which the author sees as the key to all possible symptoms.

I have absolutely nothing against replacement therapy, and the author has well justified the benefits of the treatments.
But as the book's almost exclusive content, this was a disappointment. I felt like I was reading a long series written in a women's magazine about menopause, when I expected to reflect on the psychological changes associated with middle age.

The book serves also as a totally generic selfhelp book about various themes.

At its worst, the book teaches that "you shouldn't be on social media too much." Exactly, I wouldn't have realized this myself.

Another star for being informative about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, but a long minus for a promise that doesn't come true.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I want to give to all my midlife female friends… very well researched! The title is misleading- I think it should actually be called “How to have a magnificent (mid)life. Full stop. 👍

[Maggie_qwerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than the title promisses! I loved every minute of listening to it, I bought the paper copy to highlight the information I wanted to learn, and the quotes I wanted to memorise.
I've learned so much from Kate Muir!
If you are looking for ONE, comprehensive, funny and thoroughly supported by research book on middle life crisis, women's brain changes throughout life, hormones, sex and much more, this might be THE book for you.

[Martina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is so tendentious that I have no idea how to judge how accurate the information is. I do appreciate pointing out the differences in healthcare professionals' approach to menopause and declining testosterone/loss of libido. The book and issues are interesting for sure, but I'm wary of authors/people who claim, for example, to have found the underlying cause of Alzheimer's (and it's a super-simple one).

[Vicky P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of stuff on menopause for personal and professional purposes. I found her sections on the joy and empowerment available in menopause to be the most interesting and novel. Has also made me consider cold-water swimming and "facial" oestrogen more seriously as well!

[Angela Foster-Swailes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ - every woman 40+ needs to read this

[T.A. Rosewood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting until three quarters full then got a bit samey...
I don't know if it's because I'm in a very happy relationship but the last few chapters are about breaking up and getting through it so maybe this is where I lost enjoyment in it.