This post was originally published on Audible.com.
Menopause used to be treated like Voldemort: The thing of which we did not speak. But it's ignored no more. There has been an explosion of books, blog posts, and hashtags on the subject. These titles bring truth to the powerful reasons why menopause is one of the most misunderstood aspects of a woman's health. Flashes of inspiration you won't want to pause.
Nonfiction
What you'll hear: An honest assessment by the witty and authentic Australian presenter on what women don't tell other women about something we all experience. We all need a peri godmother, and Horton’s delivered the audiobook that gets the job done. What's even more astounding: Horton asserts this is the first published guide to perimenopause in Australia and her effort includes the world's top experts to help you ride the rollercoaster of mid-life.
The CEO you need to know: Melani Sanders launched her "We Do Not Care" club (the WDNC) on video, creating a viral manifesto for women in midlife, experiencing perimenopause and menopause, who hit that day when they're just done. What makes it fun: Structured like a support group meets a board meeting, complete with agendas, FAQs, and club rules (which are, in essence, we do not care). Listen with: Many pairs of readers, hair clip, index cards, highlighter, neck pillow, panty liners, ice packs, phone, portable fan, pain reliever of choice, comfort beverage, muumuus or caftans, true crime shows on mute. Bras? Optional.
Author credentials: Emmy-winning journalist Tamsen Fadal has been sharing menopause information for years, as the creator of the documentary The M Factor and blog The Menoverse. How to Menopause is another one of her groundbreaking resources. The unique twist: With 30 years of experience as a news anchor, Fadal brings expert narration to her audiobook, which combines science-backed strategies and her personal experience.
Why it's unforgettable: A 90-minute full frontal, tour de force side-splitting monologue by Samantha Bee who puts the medical community in crosshairs as only she can. Why it's special: Recorded live at the Minetta Lane Theatre, this Audible Original shatters taboos while making you breathless with laughter. Listen with friends.
Her story: The glamorous Naomi Watts entered menopause at age 36, just after finishing filming on King Kong, and was at a loss for what to do. What she did next: Watts funnelled her personal pain into this funny, powerful guide to menopause and ageing. A down-to-earth, whip-smart guide with leading menopause expert Dr Mary Claire Haver, MD, offering the latest treatment options.
The menopause warrior: Dr Karen Tang is determined to help women advocate for the health care they need. Her prescription: Tang unpacks listeners' questions with prompts that will help listeners identify symptoms and advocate for themselves at the doctor's office.
On call again: The very same Dr Mary Claire Haver, an OB/GYN, YouTuber, and women's health activist, who guided Naomi Watts' menopause journey, offers her own unique insights. She's been there: Dr Haver shares the latest research on hormone replacement therapy, gives recommendations on how to advocate for yourself and what to advocate for at the doctor's office, while also exploring her own menopause journey.
How it started: Writer Darcey Steinke struggled her way through her own menopausal experience. That is, until she found out that there's one other mammal that experiences menopause: the killer whale. The insight we didn't know we needed: An inspired history of menopause that offers a more political and social overview of this experience and how it impacts more than women's health as a result.
Long overdue: This well-organised, comprehensive book of expertise, advice, and knowledge about menopause will be useful for all listeners but is tailored to support Black women and the specific health care obstacles they face. Why it matters: As a journalist, Wright brings her mighty skills to share how menopause is viewed through different cultural lenses. All the resources are shared via accessible, direct narration from Doreen Pierce. This is also part of a positively reviewed series offering Black Women guidance on other health topics and wellness practices.
The basics: Clarke's guidebook teaches biology 101, gives advice about hormone replacement therapy, and tries to meet readers where they are, making sure they know that they aren't alone and that menopause is not the end of the world. Why it works: With caring, reassuring writing brought to life by narrator Ann Russik, listeners will feel prepared to face menopause.
Fiction
For the mid-life book club: The New York Times called All Fours "the first great perimenopause novel" with good reason. In Miranda July's newest, an artist at the precipice of hormonal and libido changes decides that she needs to reinvent herself. Her cross-country road trip becomes a motel stay not far from home. She struggles with balancing what she wants with what she already has. Worth noting: July herself narrates this novel, a fitting choice as it has semi-autobiographical inspirations.
A heated rivalry of sorts: Part of a new series featuring menopausal protagonists, a hot pro-hockey player and single dad agrees to be Olivia's fake date to her ex-husband's wedding. Despite insomnia, hot flashes, and not feeling very sexy, the sparks between them start to feel real. Brought to life by: Willa Jaymes and Lucas Dixon bring these fun, easy-to-root-for protagonists to vivid life.
Menopause + murder: At 19, Bernie Moon had big dreams, but at 49, she feels past her time. But when a woman is murdered in a local park, she taps into a power she's hidden all her life. Why it works: The mystery's engaging and nicely narrated by Imogen Stubbs.
If you loved the movie: Iconic for being the novel that inspired the 1991 Academy Award-winning film Fried Green Tomatoes (which was co-written by Fannie Flagg herself), this modern classic features two women, elder Mrs. Threadgoode and middle-aged Evelyn, who is living through "the change" and longing for a different path. A turning point: The remarkable narration by Lorna Raver underscores this is one of the first mainstream novels to seriously address the pain of menopause, and the power of female friendship at such a momentous time. A worthy rediscovery.
Menopause + mystery: Three Long Island women start to experience the first signs of menopause—and with them, strange new powers that they can't explain. When they stumble onto the mystery of a teenage girl, her body abandoned by the beach, and her case written off by police, they decide to solve the crime themselves. All the rage: This is a fast-paced thriller narrated by fan-favourite narrator January LaVoy.
