No One Tells You This

A Memoir

By: Glynnis MacNicol

Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

No One Tells You This is “sharp, intimate…A funny, frank, and fearless memoir…and a refreshing view of the possibilities—and pitfalls—personal freedom can offer modern women” (Kirkus Reviews).

When a successful woman in New York City approaches her fortieth birthday without a partner or baby, what then? This question plagued Glynnis MacNicol. Despite a successful career as a writer and an exciting life, Glynnis was constantly reminded she had neither of the things the world expected of a woman her age: a partner or a baby. She knew she was supposed to feel bad about this. After all, single women and those without children are often seen as objects of pity or indulgent spoiled creatures who think only of themselves. Glynnis refused to be cast into either of those roles, and yet the question remained: What now? There was no good blueprint for a woman pursuing fulfillment beyond marriage or motherhood. It was time to create one.

Over the course of her fortieth year, which this ?“beguiling” (The Washington Post) memoir chronicles, Glynnis embarks on a revealing journey of self-discovery that continually contradicts everything she’d been led to expect. Through the trials of family illness and turmoil, and the thrills of far-flung travel and adventures with men, young and old (and sometimes wearing cowboy hats), she wrestles with her biggest hopes and fears about love, death, sex, friendship, and loneliness. In doing so, she discovers that holding the power to determine her own fate requires a resilience and courage that no one talks about and is more rewarding than anyone imagines.

“Amid the raft of motherhood memoirs out this summer, it’s refreshing to read a book unapologetically dedicated to the fulfillment of single life” (Vogue). No One Tells You This is an “honest” (HuffPost) reckoning with modern womanhood and “a perfect balance between edgy and poignant” (People)—an exhilarating journey that will resonate with anyone determined to live by their own rules and redefine what midlife means for women.

Long on Details, Short on Insight

I read this book for both personal interest as someone choosing not to have children and left wanting more. Glynnis' prose leaves much to be desired and the story is mediocre at best. This feels more like a desperate attempt to convince herself that she is making the right life choices rather than a true exploration of this highly existential topic. The saving grace of this book is the insight it provided me, a male listener, into the world of women who wrestle with this decision. An important topic, no doubt, but I wish the torch bearer of this subject was willing to go deeper.

Engaging.

As a single 35 year old who has had both parents pass, I found this book so engaging and affirming. I cried a lot during the parts about managing relationships with her parents as they age. Overall, this was an excellent book that made me feel less alone!

Not quite what I expected.

There is a lot I liked about this book. MacNicol really reveals a lot about her thoughts/worries about things we all struggle with but don’t often discuss. I really appreciated some of the personal moments that she shared.
However, there are also a lot of times that the book would lose my attention. I sometimes had a hard time following the order of events as the book isn’t quite chronological. Also, there are times when she would go into great detail about things and I don’t quite know why. It feels like there is a lot of filler, but maybe I just missed the bigger picture.
Overall, I found it interesting. It is a good story about a woman figuring out what she really wants in life. I’m just not convinced that she has it all worked out yet. I’d like to hear an update later in her life.

I should also add that the narration was great. The whole audiobook was delivered like a casual conversation with just the right emotional inflection.

loved this book!

this story inspired and reassures me about my own path. it made me hopeful for my future. a little less sacred to carry on to the untraditinal life path ı have chossen. To not be so judgmental of those who have chosen the "traditional lifestyle " I didn't want the book to end.

Disappointing

As a single person who lost her mother st a young age, I was really excited for this book, but found the writing uneven and the telling largely a story of intense privilege. This feels a little like lifestyle porn.