‘If you’re after an in-depth medical or psychological insight into the menopause, I’m afraid you’ve opened the wrong book – I’m not a doctor . . . However, I am a woman and I do know how it feels to be menopausal, so this book is written from experience and the heart and I hope it makes you laugh and feel better.’ JE
Older and Wider is Jenny Eclair’s hilarious, irreverent and refreshingly honest compendium of the menopause. From C for Carb-loading and G for Getting Your Shit Together to I for Invisibility and V for Vaginas, Jenny’s whistle-stop tour of the menopause in all its glory will make you realise that it really isn’t just you. Jenny will share the surprising lessons she has learnt along the way as well as her hard-won tips on the joy of cardigans, dealing with the empty nest (get a lodger) and keeping the lid on the pressure cooker of your temper (count to twenty, ten is never enough).
As Jenny says, ‘I can’t say that I’ve emerged like a beautiful butterfly from some hideous old menopausal chrysalis and it would be a lie to say that I’ve found the ‘old me’ again. But what I have found is the ‘new me’ – and you know what? I’m completely cool with that.’
**Older & Wider: Jenny Eclair's Hilarious Guide to Menopause** Navigating the menopause can feel like uncharted territory, but fear not! Jenny Eclair, the beloved British comedian, actress, and writer, offers a refreshingly honest and laugh-out-loud funny roadmap in "Older & Wider." This isn't a clinical textbook; it's a survival guide from someone who's been there, done that, and isn't afraid to share the (sometimes excruciatingly hilarious) details. Forget sterile medical jargon. Eclair speaks directly from the heart, drawing on her own experiences to create a relatable and reassuring companion for women facing the challenges of this significant life transition. "Older & Wider" embraces the realities of menopause with wit and warmth, acknowledging the frustrations, the unexpected side effects, and the often-overlooked humorous aspects. Inside, you'll find an A-Z compendium of menopausal mayhem, cleverly categorized to cover everything from the carb cravings (C for Carb-loading because, let's face it, who isn't reaching for comfort food?) to the importance of getting your act together (G for Getting Your Shit Together a vital skill when your brain feels like it's taken a vacation). Eclair fearlessly tackles topics like invisibility (I for Invisibility that feeling of being overlooked), vaginal dryness (V for Vaginas because it's important to talk about it!), and the whole host of other changes that can leave you feeling like a stranger in your own body. But "Older & Wider" isn't just about commiseration; it's about empowerment. Eclair shares practical tips and hard-won wisdom, gleaned from her own journey, on topics like embracing the comfort of cardigans (essential menopause attire!), dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of the empty nest (consider a lodger genius!), and managing that ever-present menopausal rage (count to twenty ten is *definitely* not enough). Eclair's self-deprecating humor and sharp observations make "Older & Wider" a joy to read. She doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but she does offer a sense of camaraderie and understanding that's invaluable during this confusing time. She acknowledges that menopause isn't about becoming a "beautiful butterfly," but rather about embracing the "new you" a woman who is older, wider, and hopefully, wiser. This hardcover edition, published by Quercus in 2020, is more than just a book; it's a lifeline, a source of laughter, and a reminder that you're not alone in this journey. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel understood, validated, and maybe even a little bit hopeful about the future, then "Older & Wider" is a must-read. Prepare to laugh, to learn, and to feel a whole lot better about the wild ride that is menopause. Dive into Jenny Eclair's world and discover that aging can be hilarious.