From writer and veteran columnist Jennifer Grant comes an unflinching and spirited look at the transitions of midlife. When Did Everybody Else Get So Old? plumbs the physical, spiritual, and emotional changes unique to the middle years: from the emptying nest to the sagging effects of aging. Grant acknowledges the complexities and loss inherent in midlife and tells stories of sustaining disappointment, taking hard blows to the ego, undergoing a crisis of faith, and grieving the deaths not only of illusions but of loved ones. Yet she illuminates the confidence and grace that this season of life can also bring. Magnetic, good-humored, and full of hope in the sustaining power of the Spirit, this is a must-read for anyone facing the flux and flow of middle age. Free downloadable study guide available here. We all write about ourselves all the time - or at least we think we do. It's rare to read someone who is as honest as Grant is, here. She describes her false self, 'Bit by jagged bit, an icy shellac falls away. Without its protective coating, my faults come into clearer view' - then allows us to watch as she figures out what's left. Now, if I can only do the same. In a time that's full to overflowing with easy, posturing confessions, this is a necessary, awakening memoir. - Jon M. Sweeney, coauthor of Mixed-Up Love , and editor of Phyllis Tickle: Essential Spiritual Writings The transition from the young adult builder years disorients, then reorients us to the rest of our lives. That disorientation can be a bear. Too many of us navigate alone the midlife wilds of changing bodies, relationships, faith, and dreams of the future. Jennifer Grant's shimmering prose, soulful observations, wit, and insight make her an apt companion as we move through this necessary life stage of change and growth.- Michelle Van Loon, author of Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith As Grant moves us through heavy subjects like marriage, death, and religion in her new memoir, she writes with such grace and humor that we read with joy! She writes with the greatest gift an author can claim: authenticity. She is fiercely tender, funny, passionate about family, faithful, and hungry for justice. She is a gifted mother, advocate, and writer. Read this book! - the Rev. Becca Stevens, author, priest, and founder and president of Thistle Farms Jennifer Grant's wonderful book is more than a memoir of her forties. It is a delightful and poignant examination of a woman's identity and how it is formed by family, friends, work, tragedy, and joy. No matter what your age, you will laugh and cry as you read these personal yet universal observations. Grant's gifted writing is conversational and intimate. A book to cherish and to share with those you love. - Dale Hanson Bourke, author of Embracing Your Second Calling My fortieth birthday is quickly approaching. I can take my cues from the culture, which tells me that midlife is cause for consternation, or I can turn to Jennifer Grant to ferry me across this threshold. The hard-earned wisdom of her new memoir is suffused with heartache and leavened by humor. This beautiful book belongs on every woman's nightstand (probably alongside her favorite jar of wrinkle cream).- the Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey, author of Very Married Jennifer Grant is a writer, editor, and speaker. A former health and family columnist for the Chicago Tribune , she is the author of four previous books, including the adoption memoir Love You More  and the 365-daybook Wholehearted Living . Grant is a part of Hope Through Healing Hands' Faith-based Coalition for Healthy Mothers and Children Worldwide. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, four children (when her sons are on break from college), and two loving and quirky rescue dogs.  Findher online at jennifergrant.com or on Twitter @jennifercgrant.