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The Middle Matters: Why That (Extra)Ordinary Life Looks Really Good on You

Lisa-Jo Baker (Goodreads Author)

4.17 · Rating details · 428 ratings · 184 reviews

The best-selling author of Never Unfriended opens up about midlife and what it feels like to have outgrown those teenage jeans, but finally grown into the shape of our souls.

Do you ever wonder how you woke up one day with all the responsibilities of a grown-up who secretly enjoys going to Costco, can no longer recognize the tween celebrities on the magazines at checkout, b

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Kindle Edition, 288 pages

Published July 23rd 2019 by WaterBrook

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Mar 20, 2019 Suzanna rated it it was ok

Oh boy. I'm just going to say that unless you are a 40-something, happily married, mother of boys and girls, woman of faith and belief in God - don't read this book. That's terrible, I know, but this book was written towards such a specific audience that if one doesn't fall into those specific categories, there's really not enough substance to carry you through the whole book.

And I do mean that you have to be all of those things; because she links them all together so much, I don't think you ca ...more

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Mar 27, 2019 Marie Bubilo rated it it was ok

I wanted to like this book. I really did. I follow Lisa-Jo Baker on social media. I get encouraged and feel uplifted with her posts... BUT... this book fell a bit flat for me. I have committed to read 100 books this year, which is the only reason why I finished this book. I was under the impression that this book included teaching on how to make the middle matter or how to make the best of these “muffin top” years, since the titles of each section say “Why the Middle of ______ Matters.” The book ...more

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Mar 17, 2019 Jessica Turner rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-reads

No one writes about motherhood, marriage, and life as a woman like Lisa-Jo Baker. Whether you are entering the middle, in it, or beyond it, you'll find not only yourself in this book but wisdom and encouragement. The Middle Matters is a vulnerable, compelling read that I want to gift to every friend I know. ...more

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May 15, 2019 Rosalie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

In delightfully well-crafted and organized essays, Lisa-Jo puts her arms through the pages of her book to give her readers a hearty hug as they navigate the many roles women wear today: mom, wife, friend, daughter, citizen of the world. My favorite thing about Lisa-Jo is that she has lived many of the worse-than-mundane difficult life circumstances that face ordinary folks: debt and the accompanying shame, big moves, difficult kids, grief, and she allows those things to be what connects her to h In delightfully well-crafted and organized essays, Lisa-Jo puts her arms through the pages of her book to give her readers a hearty hug as they navigate the many roles women wear today: mom, wife, friend, daughter, citizen of the world. My favorite thing about Lisa-Jo is that she has lived many of the worse-than-mundane difficult life circumstances that face ordinary folks: debt and the accompanying shame, big moves, difficult kids, grief, and she allows those things to be what connects her to her audience. Reading The Middle Matters, I felt like I was sitting on the couch of a mom just a season ahead of me, receiving judgment-free advice and encouragement. It's impossible not to connect with her.

Lisa-Jo encourages us to embrace the ordinary moments of our day-to-day, recognizing the good ones as miracles and the hard ones as meaningful. The personal stories she shares, although specific to her, transcend the ordinary experiences we all face in our chauffeuring, our fights with our spouse, our small groups, our difficult relationships.

I recommend this book to any mom heading into the middle years, in the thick of them, or just past them. Lisa-Jo's essays will change your perspective and help you be grateful for more than you can imagine. I especially appreciated her lessons on handling mom guilt and keeping a humble attitude in the face of fame. I'm inspired by her willingness to fail in order to grow and connect with others.

If I have to be critical of anything, it's that this is a book for the privileged, for people who get to choose to make a comfortable life. I could never give this book to my neighbor whose husband is incarcerated, to my Muslim refugee friend, or to anyone in the midst of terribly painful circumstances. While every word is true, every word is not for every person, or even every believer. We must learn to be grateful for the ordinary moments, but believers shouldn't be afraid of extraordinary just because it might also mean "uncomfortable." Lisa-Jo doesn't necessarily confuse ordinary for comfortable, but I think a reader hoping to avoid suffering and maintain a comfortable American life might use it as an excuse. ...more

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Jun 03, 2019 Kristi rated it it was amazing

I LOVE this book. I’m so in the middle. In the middle of high school with one son and college with the other. I’m trying to see what comes next. Lisa-Jo Baker stopped me in my tracks and said The Middle Matters and it’s okay to be there. I needed to hear this. I needed to read this. There aren’t many books out that are addressing this time in a woman’s life. We’ve been with our husbands for awhile and our kids are not toddlers anymore. We’re facing sickness and death with our parents, maybe even ...more

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May 16, 2019 Bethany rated it it was amazing

"Let's relish the middle. Let's savor the middle. Let's embrace the middle in all its mundane glory. Because maybe the middle isn't so bad. Maybe we don't want to hide it, ignore it, or miss it. Sister, maybe the middle is the part where it starts to get good!"

If you are a woman living in "the middle" of your life, you will want to pick up this book! I am 32 years old, and I still felt that most of the book pertained to me. "The Middle Matters" is a collection of essays by Lisa-Jo Baker, about m ...more

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Jun 03, 2019 Emily Babiak rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed reading the book of short essays; the poetic style of story telling had me constantly reflecting on how I too can find value and importance in the daily life that so often goes unnoticed or is called "mediocre." And finding value in myself at this stage. I loved reading the chapters about her rental housing situations and hosting people in her home. I related a lot to those words. So much life happens in the middle years and I want to be able to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed my ...more

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May 17, 2019 Lindsay Bryant rated it it was amazing

YES. YES. YES to this book. Yes to this insightful, spell-binding, truth-telling, toe-stepping, warm hug, and wet eyed book. Lisa Jo has offered up this incredible piece of her beautiful soul and it welcomes you to jump in and become friends and to realize the beauty in this stage in life. In the midst of all of our fears and hurts, each essay offers a blanket of truth, treasure, and grace so that you can go forward with confidence and joy.This is a book to highlight and to give as gifts to all ...more

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Jul 18, 2019 Melissa (LifeFullyBooked) rated it really liked it

While reading this book, I was reminded of these song lyrics "...why don't you just meet me in the middle? I'm losing my mind just a little..." I know the song isn't about midlife, but those particular lyrics definitely fit this stage.

Lisa-Jo Baker has written a meaningful and honest look at what it looks like to be in the middle of life--in the middle of "your muffin top", of marriage, of parenting, of your home, of your failures, of your kids' sports, of your friendships, and of your faith. Ba While reading this book, I was reminded of these song lyrics "...why don't you just meet me in the middle? I'm losing my mind just a little..." I know the song isn't about midlife, but those particular lyrics definitely fit this stage.

Lisa-Jo Baker has written a meaningful and honest look at what it looks like to be in the middle of life--in the middle of "your muffin top", of marriage, of parenting, of your home, of your failures, of your kids' sports, of your friendships, and of your faith. Baker's vulnerability about her own life will help readers to come alongside rather than just read for entertainment. She gets it, so I felt less alone in my middle, and other reading this book can feel the same.

The parts that rang the most true for me were the ones about marriage, parenting, and failure. I actually liked the parts about failure the most, because it helped me to realize that no one, not even people we admire and think have it all together, is immune to failure. When I can see that no one's life is perfect, and those snapshot social media moments may have been immediately preceded by a rip roaring fight with their spouse, it makes me more willing to dig into and participate in my own life rather than giving up because I think I can never achieve the perfection of others.

There were a few sections that, at 50 with college aged kids, brought back memories but aren't exactly where I am in life. I am probably a bit older than the book's target audience, yet I still found a large amount of content to relate to, so the book was overall a great reading experience for me.

If you feel like you might be losing your mind (just a little, or more, I won't judge) in your middle, The Middle Matters is the ideal book for you. You'll probably shed a few tears along the way (I certainly did) but it will help you to know that you're not alone.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, thank you to Lisa-Jo Baker and Waterbrook Multnomah for the advance copy. All opinions are my own. ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 Monica rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-read-in-2019

"The middle is the place where we might have outgrown the shape of our teenage jeans but have finally grown into the shape of our souls, "I think this quote from Lisa-Jo Baker's The Middle Matters sums up her book. Baker talks about how women's bodies and lives change as they get older and how we can embrace that change.

The Middle Matters is divided into eight sections: Why the Middle of Your Muffin Top Matters, Why the Middle of Your Marriage Matters, Why the Middle of Your Parenting Matters, W ...more

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Aug 29, 2019 Nora St Laurent rated it it was amazing

I love this authors’ writing style. She writes as if you are sitting with her side by side, chatting as close friends would pouring hearts out to each other, discussing things like being middle-aged, changing bodies, marriage, parenting, friendships, life, failures, faith etc.

What is the middle and why does it matter? The middle is that place you find yourself wanting to be on autopilot. Living “life” in the mundane, and in the middle of unexpected messes does matter. It’s hard, we struggle with ...more

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Jul 21, 2019 Jules rated it it was amazing

A light read of looking at the unique parts of everyday life. At your own pace, Lisa-Jo Baker shares essays to encourage you in the ordinary days of life. You'll laugh and hold your breath and maybe even cry with her as she is so good at making the ordinary of your life look so very good on you. You can read one essay in a few minutes to 5 minutes.

I especially liked the essay, "To the Father of My Children". My favorite quote.... "I didn't know what I didn't know, and I don't know if you did ei ...more

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Jul 29, 2019 Alexis rated it really liked it

I found this book by Lisa Jo-Baker to be refreshingly REAL!

She doesn't hold back in sharing the intimate details of her life that make this book relatable to the reader. Her tone is conversational, light and humorous. Her storytelling style is strong and engaging.

I think that this book would resonate the most with women who are married and raising children. But as a single woman who is not yet a mother, I could relate to some of the stories and concepts in this book. So if you're single, don't ...more

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Jan 06, 2021 Kylie Hunt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: remo-january-2020

I enjoyed this book overall, the author Lisa-Jo Baker is funny, down to earth, and a wonderful storyteller.

I would classify it more of a book of memoirs rather than a devotional, but it was still inspiring.

The stories are real and you feel that, I appreciated that Lisa- Jo is as candid about her failures as she is her successes.
I also love that she stresses the importance of our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I would definitely recommend it to wives and moms who are looking for encou ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 Jennifer Mullen rated it it was amazing

I absolutely loved this book. I have been a Lisa-Jo fan for many years. Her transparency is so refreshing. It is perfectly targeted for Christian mothers and wives in their 40s. It’s nice to be able to relate to the author who has similar values and family goals. May not be for everyone. I would not recommend it to recent divorcees. But there is an audience for this message and I received it with open arms. I was surprised to find that I related to the chapters on the topic of sports/being a spo ...more

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Jul 30, 2019 Dorina Gilmore rated it it was amazing

This book is a breath of fresh air in a middle season that is full of pushing, pulling, and awkwardness. I love Lisa-Jo's way of inviting readers in for tea. We can laugh out loud together, talk about muffin tops, and even share tears at her table. She helps us embrace the middle - physically, mentally and spiritually. I'm grateful for the ways she give us permission, but also pushes us to see our middle passage as a God-given gift. I will definitely be recommending this book to my tribe! ...more

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Jun 27, 2019 Kathy Wetsell rated it it was amazing

I’ve recently finished reading this little gem as part of a book launch team. It’s like sitting down with a good friend who isn’t afraid to tell you the real truth about living life in the middle of marriage, parenting,career building,and faith-seeking. Lisa Jo Baker has a beautiful way with words, that’s both relatable and full of depth at the same time. She’s transparent,humorous and self-deprecating, which are traits I appreciate. Each chapter is brief and makes it possible to read for a few ...more

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Jun 03, 2019 Aminata Coote rated it liked it

I quickly joined The Middle Matters Launch team because I was intrigued by the book’s description. As a woman nearing her middle years, I was hoping to get some advice from someone who had already lived what I knew I would be facing in a few short years.

The Middle Matters is a collection of short stories with intriguing names The Scale Is Not the Boss of You, Parenting Is Do-Overs Times Infinity and Your Front Door Is Your Superpower.

The stories were authentic and well-written. After reading th ...more

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May 22, 2019 Shannon Rochester rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley-reviews

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I can see from looking at other reviews that this is a hit or miss book. Some people say that it seems to be targeted towards a certain audience and I guess I liked it more than they did because I AM that audience. But I also don't agree. What she has to say does not necessarily apply to just a certain age group or a certain religious group or a certain any kind of group. She is talking about what SHE has ...more

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May 05, 2019 Megan Byrd rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019-books-read

Lisa-Jo talks about all aspects of life in the middle years. She covers her experiences regarding body image, marriage, parenting, hospitality, failures, sports practices, friendship, and faith.

It was encouraging to hear her stories. I'm not quite to the middle but it's nice to see what's coming and have a positive perspective to draw from. ...more

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Jun 22, 2019 Shelly Mendenhall rated it it was amazing

Lisa Jo wonderfully shares excerpts of her life and how she, and we too; can always find Jesus right there with us if we are looking to see him in the middle. The middle of our messes, our joys, our sadness, our illness. The middle where both the best and worst parts are being lived.

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Jul 30, 2019 Lynne Cole rated it it was amazing

Who in their right mind says they love their muffin top figure? Someone who is happy with who they are and where they are, right in the middle. I had to read this book and find out what the secret was.

I was expecting to find a book that gave a “how-to” guide on coping with mid-life and how to revitalise living in the thick of it all. This is NOT one of those books! I’m so pleased it isn’t as I always fail on the first hurdle of trying to make myself better. Lisa-Jo has helped me to realise I don ...more

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Feb 24, 2019 Amy rated it really liked it

I was excited to see that Lisa-Jo Baker had a new book out on midlife and how to embrace it. I had just had a knee replacement and was feeling a little old at 46! Lisa-Jo is honest in her books and relates to her women readers and this one does not differ. The book is broken into different relationships and aspects of her life and how midlife has made her value them more. I did enjoy the book and found myself relating to her, but many chapters were written more like a letter to her a specific pe ...more

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Feb 15, 2019 Pgchuis rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, ebook

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I'm quitting this at 14% (and I've been skimming for a while). The excerpt amused and interested me - the author is a little younger than me, but nevertheless I thought the book might speak to my life. However the last three chapters I have read were about how important it is for girls to be told they are beautiful (and dress in princess dresses) and the author's concerns about her weight and 'muffin top'. This is not for me. ...more

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May 30, 2019 Shannon Bradbury rated it it was amazing

I love Lisa Jo! She’s like a good friend you could sit down and have coffee or tea with. Her books make you feel so at home. I’ve needed this book in the middle of my season. As a woman in my 40’s , I didn’t want to embrace my season. Lisa Jo writes so candidly about faith, kids, marriage, parenting, writing, friendships, and speaking. If you’re in the middle let her guide you. You’ll leave the book ready to embrace your season for sure.

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Apr 22, 2019 My BookSwap Club rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I did not finish this book....while it had a great beginning i got little tired of reading all about author over and over again.

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Aug 17, 2019 Wendi rated it it was amazing

Order this book! Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. Just order this book and hold a treasure!

If you have ever navigated the rocky waters of marriage or parenting, frustrations with finances or your physical body, failures or friendship, or simply the exhausting ups and downs of your own fickle heart in its deeply personal dance with faith in Christ, this book will meet you right where you are! Lisa-Jo welcomes you in with a generous bear hug, abundant smiles, genuinely compassionate eyes . . . ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 Joanne Viola rated it it was amazing

Mother’s Day has come and gone and I am still trying to pull together my thoughts on the day. Or perhaps I should say, the significance of the day.

My life sits sandwiched between two generations of mothers. I am blessed to yet have my mom with me. She is truly the best mom I could ever have had. She is my best friend and more so, a beautiful example of strength, courage, faith, and perseverance.

Throughout her life, mom has held onto her faith in Jesus through good days and hard times. Her quiet ...more

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Jun 12, 2019 Laura rated it it was amazing

(Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to get an advanced Kindle copy of this book from the publisher.)

Far from the usual self-help fare that crowds nonfiction booklists for women, Lisa Jo Baker writes to offer readers something beyond therapy and how-to's. She offers friendship in a profound way that sets her apart from many other contemporary authors, faith-based and otherwise.

This isn't another Bible study workbook or intimidating autobiography about some stay at home mom who started a multi-millio (Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to get an advanced Kindle copy of this book from the publisher.)

Far from the usual self-help fare that crowds nonfiction booklists for women, Lisa Jo Baker writes to offer readers something beyond therapy and how-to's. She offers friendship in a profound way that sets her apart from many other contemporary authors, faith-based and otherwise.

This isn't another Bible study workbook or intimidating autobiography about some stay at home mom who started a multi-million dollar company during her children's nap times. The book is organized as a series of essays based on topics from the middle season of life, and it's all so achingly familiar-- age ("Your Age is Not a Dirty Word), weight ("The Scale is Not the Boss of You"), marriage ("When You Think Your Love Story is Boring"), parenting ("Parenting is Do-Overs Times Infinity"), friendship ("Church in the Parking Lot"), and others. If you're familiar with Baker's work, you'll recognize many of the essays as reincarnated blogs and stories seen on her IG feed. The organization is well done and poignant to Baker's message that all of the all-too ordinary parts of our lives--from our living rooms to our kids soccer practices-- have significance.

I've read my share of self-help books (thanks, parenthood!), but I often get frustrated when I realize what I'm reading isn't from a professional or research-based position and is instead someone writing what they *think* everyone should do. This is troubling especially in the Christian market. Luckily, Baker isn't like that. She's more like company on the journey; less therapist and more girlfriend grabbing coffee with you. Of course there's time to reader/see a professional for the cracks in our lives, but I love Baker's kind company on the womanhood/motherhood journey. She's the shotgun buddy you want on your road trip.

When I think back to Baker's writings that have meant the most to me, I realize that Baker has a unique gift for friendship and I keep coming back to that as the strength of the book. In fact, it's kind of a shame that her books land in "Self-Help" because her writing isn't really about "self" at all, but more about "we"--the important "we" that makes up our lives in the relationships of family, friends, work, church, online followers, and any other place that humans reach out for one another. Baker preaches the importance of sharing life with others along life's road, and she models that beautifully in every page.

The Middle Matters is a great example of all that makes Baker's writing joyfully poignant. Baker's followers will find her signature candor, compassion, wisdom and fun in this book, while new readers will find a good friend and traveling companion. ...more

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Aug 02, 2019 Karrilee Aggett rated it it was amazing

I have said it several times: Whenever Lisa-Jo Baker writes something, I'm gonna get my hands and my head and my heart all around it. (And more than likely, I'm gonna share it and tell all my friends to read it, too!) So it was no real surprise to find me on the Launch Team for her latest book, The Middle Matters. I've been on all of her launch teams to date... I knew that going in this book was different in that it is a collection of essays and they are all based on the Middle --of life, of par I have said it several times: Whenever Lisa-Jo Baker writes something, I'm gonna get my hands and my head and my heart all around it. (And more than likely, I'm gonna share it and tell all my friends to read it, too!) So it was no real surprise to find me on the Launch Team for her latest book, The Middle Matters. I've been on all of her launch teams to date... I knew that going in this book was different in that it is a collection of essays and they are all based on the Middle --of life, of parenting, of marriage, faith, and doubt, of --you know, our middles!?

I love Lisa-Jo because she is real... she is honest and open and she just tells it like it is. She is full of grace and love and she makes room at any given table and scooches over on any given couch. Her message rings loud and clear: You are welcome here. And you feel that with every story she tells!

There is something that is so needed for voices like hers --for hearts like hers-- in our world right now! She is an InCourager (--ya see what I did there?) and a Champion and, gah! We need to be people that love well and follow hard after Him (while being Oh So Real about our messy lives!) and Lisa-Jo shows us how to do that!

I have found myself in the middle of oh so many things right now... I could list them off, but really --so could you! We are ALL in the middle of something, and the author reminds us that the Middle is not a bad word... it's not a punishment or something we just try to rush through. Instead, in this series of essays written from her real life in the middle, she encourages us to stay present and to live fully... to trust the process and trust the God who is Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end) and Who is also right with us, in the middle of every situation, every struggle, every stretching and growing moment... every victory and answered prayer as well as every let down and waiting season! He is with us and for us... and as you read these pages, you'll get the feeling that Lisa-Jo is that kind of friend, too!

Mostly, I guess what I'm learning as I read through this book is this:

I'm in the middle of learning to actually LOVE the Middle and not just try to rush through it to the End --or to whatever is Next and New!

I'm in the Middle of staying Present in my real life... and giving myself grace and living life open-handed and open-hearted and if/when you need a friendly reminder that you are not alone and to just keep going through the Middle... The Middle Matters and Lisa-Jo will be just the friendly encouragement you're looking for!

I highly recommend this book!
~Karrilee~

(As a member of her launch team, I did receive an advanced copy and this is my honest review!) ...more

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