What Would Virginia Woolf Do?

January 29, 2018
Life coach Collins comes across as a close, plainspoken friend in this wise guide to midlife intended to “bring to light some of the things that aren’t discussed enough about this particular phase.” The bulk of the book is concerned with fashion, beauty, and unwanted changes to the body to a degree that verges on obsessive, but there are also chapters on finances, mental health, parenting, physical health, and work. Along the way, Collins leavens her advice with humor and honesty: wrinkle-fighting skin cream Retin-A works; Kegels work, but actually making the commitment to doing them is another issue; “brain fog” as a menopause-related issue is real, but generally temporary. There are also relatable discussions of life choices and regrets, such as over a decision between focusing on parenting or career. Collins supplements her own stories with those from her friends and from members of the Facebook group Collins started that provides this book’s title. Her takeaways are that there is great benefit to understanding one’s choices, having a community, knowing what’s happening to one’s body, and accepting change. Women in the market for advice on entering midlife will find her a funny and reliable guide.