Jo's Library
A curated library of books I return to, recommend, and reference in my work on midlife and ageing.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can browse by topic below.
This is a small, evolving library of books I’ve returned to over the years. Sometimes for clarity, sometimes for reassurance, and sometimes simply for company.
I don’t agree with everything in every book, but each has shaped how I think about midlife, ageing, identity, and how we might live with a little more steadiness and self-trust as we grow older.
Browse by Topic
If you’re feeling:
unsure where you are in midlife
less confident than you used to be
curious about what comes next
you might like to begin with one of the sections below.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Rest assured, I only recommend books and resources I genuinely value and believe will be helpful to you.
Confidence & Reinvention
Menopausing – Davina McCall & Dr Naomi Potter
A bold reimagining of midlife womanhood, inviting women to step into creativity, power and self-authorship beyond limiting stereotypes.
I absolutely love Stephanie's lyrical writing. You can also find her on Substack.
The Middlescence Manifesto – Barbara Waxman
A fascinating introduction to the concept of “Middlescence,” a newly defined life stage that reframes midlife as a period of growth, passion and renewed possibility.
The perfect antidote to the unhelpful narrative of the "midlife crisis".
Appearance & Style
Bolder, Not Older – Nicky Hambleton-Jones
A style and confidence roadmap for midlife women ready to refresh their look, step out of their comfort zone and reclaim their presence.
Bright and colourful, just like the author and TV personality, Nicky Hambleton-Jones, this book is a real joy to read and revisit.
Living the Life More Fabulous – Tricia Cusden
An interest in beauty, style, confidence and health is, of course, not solely the domain of the young, as many magazines and brands might have us believe!
Founder of the make-up company Look Fabulous Forever, Tricia Cusden has written a handbook that aims to empower women to enjoy make-up at any age.
Positive Ageing and Mindset
Breaking the Age Code – Dr Becca Levy
Ground-breaking research showing how our beliefs about ageing directly affect our health, longevity and wellbeing, and how to change them. I love this book and refer to it often.
Deeply researched yet easy and fascinating to read, it had me nodding my head and left me feeling less alone.
This Chair Rocks – Ashton Applewhite
A lively, well-researched manifesto against ageism that challenges cultural myths about ageing and calls for a more honest, inclusive narrative.
A brilliant piece of writing. Reading it made me feel feel both angry and happy, and left me feeling determined to call out ageism whenever I encounter it, and to try to live my life as an example of empowered elderhood.
The Swedish Art of Ageing Well – Margareta Magnusson
Gentle, wise reflections on growing older and finding joy in the everyday.
I love Margareta's wry humour as she offers "Life wisdom from someone who will (probably) die before you". Well worth a read.
Ageing Wonderfully Well – Jo Blackwell (yours truly!)
A warm, hopeful and evidence-informed guide to navigating midlife and beyond with confidence, clarity, resilience and self-compassion.
Health, Fitness & Menopause
Menopausing – Davina McCall & Dr Naomi Potter
A clear, evidence-based guide to menopause that cuts through fear and misinformation, helping women make informed decisions about their bodies.
Probably the best book on perimenopause I have read (and I've read a lot!) I wish I'd had this book when I was going through it.
Me & My Menopausal Vagina – Jane Lewis
An honest, taboo-busting exploration of vaginal health in midlife. This book gives a clear explanation of the changes that occur, told with humour and offering reassurance.
It's Not You, It's your Hormones – Nicki Williams
Balancing hormones can have a life-changing affect on us as we go through perimenopause.
In this easy to read guide, Nicki Williams provides a guide to "natural and practical solutions to fight fat, fatigue and hormone havoc to help you sail through menopause and emerge feeling better than ever."
An empowering read.
The New Menopause – Dr Mary Claire Haver
A mix of science-backed information and lived experience from pioneering disruptor and truth-teller, Dr Mary Claire Haver.
If you follow Dr Haver on YouTube and social media, you'll love this guide to the latest science on menopause and hormone therapy.
The Menopause Brain – Dr Lisa Misconi
A research-led exploration of how menopause affects the brain, explaining brain fog, memory changes and why these shifts are not permanent.
I found this book informative and immensely reassuring
The Upgrade – Louann Brizendine M.D.
A neuroscience-based look at how the female brain can become stronger and clearer in midlife, reframing menopause as a powerful transition.
Again, tremendously reassuring to those of us suffering from brain fog and wondering, what the heck?
Thriving Beyond 50 – Will Harlow MSc. MCPSP, Cert. MA
From the host of the HT-Physio YouTube Channel, a comprehensive manual to keep you moving and pain free.
I've subscribed to Will's YouTube Channel for some time and am a fan of his straightforward, science-based approach to fitness after 50, and his book does not disappoint. Highly recommended.
