There Are No Grown-ups

A Midlife Coming-of-Age Story

By: Pamela Druckerman

Narrated by: Pamela Druckerman

The best-selling author of BRINGING UP BÉBÉ investigates life in her forties, and wonders whether her mind will ever catch up with her face.

When Pamela Druckerman turns 40, waiters start calling her "Madame," and she detects a disturbing new message in mens' gazes: I would sleep with her, but only if doing so required no effort whatsoever.

Yet forty isn't even technically middle-aged anymore. And after a lifetime of being clueless, Druckerman can finally grasp the subtext of conversations, maintain (somewhat) healthy relationships and spot narcissists before they ruin her life.

What are the modern forties, and what do we know once we reach them? What makes someone a "grown-up" anyway? And why didn't anyone warn us that we'd get cellulite on our arms? Part frank memoir, part hilarious investigation of daily life, There Are No Grown-Ups diagnoses the in-between decade when...

• Everyone you meet looks a little bit familiar.
• You're matter-of-fact about chin hair.
• You can no longer wear anything ironically.
• There's at least one sport your doctor forbids you to play.
• You become impatient while scrolling down to your year of birth.
• Your parents have stopped trying to change you.
• You don't want to be with the cool people anymore; you want to be with your people.
• You realize that everyone is winging it, some just do it more confidently.
• You know that it's ok if you don't like jazz.

Internationally best-selling author and New York Times contributor Pamela Druckerman leads us on a quest for wisdom, self-knowledge and the right pair of pants. A witty dispatch from the front lines of the forties, There Are No Grown-ups is a (midlife) coming-of-age story, and a book for anyone trying to find their place in the world.

A Really Enjoyable Read!

This is a very fun and easy read. A heartwarming reflection from one of my favorite authors. I love her style and view on life.
-Jill

Enjoyable but....

I have always like everything about French culture. The food, the mannerisms, and diffently the style of French women. Growing up in Germany, European life became my foundation. This shows in the way I dress and my mannerisms. As a black woman I am aware of the stereotypes that are out there about us. Not ALL black women "let themselves go" after a certain age although it does appear that way in general. It's all dependent upon what you are exposed to, no matter your race. Same is true for white women...not all " keep themselves up" after a certain age. All in all, really enjoyed this book. Good insight.

Fan on the writer. Another great book.

Since her last book I became a fan of Pamela Druckerman. (btw her “bringing up bebe” is a must read/listen!).
I was not sure I was enjoying the voice style they chosen, but then it did grow on me, (I often stop listening audiobooks bcse of voice actors choices) After a few chapters I actually enjoyed her reading, (then I found out that the writer was reading it).
It’s a great book, the plot is fun, real, actual and it’s a treat when she mixes french with english.

I highly identified with most parts of this book.

I liked the insight into our culture specific approaches to life and relationship. I felt comradery with the author on many points. I did not relate to her view on her marriage or bodily appearance, but that also comforted me in a sense. Thank you!

Great Storyteller

I will read anything Druckerman writes, even when I have seemingly zero personal application. This book was captivating and informative!