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I've Still Got It...I Just Can't Remember Where I Put It: Awkwardly True Tales from the Far Side of Forty
Welcome to Middle Age! Please check your functioning internal thermostat and razor-sharp memory at the door and just pour yourself a nice stiff drink...
Jenna McCarthy might be fortysomething, but she doesn’t feel fortysomething. (She feels like a twenty-three-year-old dressed up as her mother.) She doesn’t look fortysomething. (Actually she does, but she’s in denial so maybe don’t mention it?) And between complaining about being tired, trying to remember what she came in here for, and wondering whether she drinks too much, she does not have time for a crisis.
She has, however, had time to crack the mysterious midlife code. She’s figured out how to tame her muffin top, keep the spark in her marriage, and probably not die a fiery hoarder’s death. She’s learned the trick to looking ten years younger (and she doesn’t even have to hide it from her husband!), and the secret to feeling ten times happier (and it only cost $14.99 plus shipping and handling). And she’s discovered the one thing she’ll need to do if she’s going to keep refusing to “dress her age.”
Tackling everything from cosmetic surgery and financial panic to skinny jeans and the meaning of life, this is a middle-age manifesto filled with hilarious misadventures, humiliating confessions, and occasional (hot) flashes of genius.
Jenna McCarthy might be fortysomething, but she doesn’t feel fortysomething. (She feels like a twenty-three-year-old dressed up as her mother.) She doesn’t look fortysomething. (Actually she does, but she’s in denial so maybe don’t mention it?) And between complaining about being tired, trying to remember what she came in here for, and wondering whether she drinks too much, she does not have time for a crisis.
She has, however, had time to crack the mysterious midlife code. She’s figured out how to tame her muffin top, keep the spark in her marriage, and probably not die a fiery hoarder’s death. She’s learned the trick to looking ten years younger (and she doesn’t even have to hide it from her husband!), and the secret to feeling ten times happier (and it only cost $14.99 plus shipping and handling). And she’s discovered the one thing she’ll need to do if she’s going to keep refusing to “dress her age.”
Tackling everything from cosmetic surgery and financial panic to skinny jeans and the meaning of life, this is a middle-age manifesto filled with hilarious misadventures, humiliating confessions, and occasional (hot) flashes of genius.
- GenresNonfictionHumorMemoir
291 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
43 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Jenna McCarthy
34 books123 followersI’ve been writing for a long time.
I submitted my first short story to Highlights magazine in 1977.
I never got a reply.
In high school I wrote a lot of really bad poetry. Mercifully, I didn’t save any of it.
The first thing I ever had published was an essay in my college newspaper. The typesetter misspelled the word "sing" as "sign" in the last line and the whole thing made no sense whatsoever.
After graduation I got a job writing copy for a big advertising agency. I would have stayed there forever if I hadn’t gotten laid off on my twenty-fifth birthday. I grabbed a stapler and some sticky notes before I was escorted out of the building by a police officer.
I started writing fabulous articles and submitting them to all of the Fancy New York City Magazines (FNYCMs). None of them were ever published, although I did get one really nice, hand-written rejection letter.
One day, a FNYCM Editor offered me a job. I was so excited that I took it without knowing the salary. A few years later, I moved to another FNYCM. And then another. Dozens more asked me to write articles in exchange for actual money. I moved to California, wrote a book, had some babies, and wrote several more books. I gave a TED talk, flipped a house on TV and learned how to play tennis. Right now I’m trying to give up processed food and teach myself how to write a screenplay. At the same time. It’s not easy.
Someday I’d like to start a petition to have the words mauve and moist removed from the English language.
I don’t like to brag, but I’m the luckiest person I know. I’m married to my best friend, I work in my pajamas and I have two beautiful, healthy, hilarious daughters. I like cats and sparkly things and laughing until my sides hurt. And hats. I really like hats.
Oh, and I’m not Jenny McCarthy. But you knew that, right?
I submitted my first short story to Highlights magazine in 1977.
I never got a reply.
In high school I wrote a lot of really bad poetry. Mercifully, I didn’t save any of it.
The first thing I ever had published was an essay in my college newspaper. The typesetter misspelled the word "sing" as "sign" in the last line and the whole thing made no sense whatsoever.
After graduation I got a job writing copy for a big advertising agency. I would have stayed there forever if I hadn’t gotten laid off on my twenty-fifth birthday. I grabbed a stapler and some sticky notes before I was escorted out of the building by a police officer.
I started writing fabulous articles and submitting them to all of the Fancy New York City Magazines (FNYCMs). None of them were ever published, although I did get one really nice, hand-written rejection letter.
One day, a FNYCM Editor offered me a job. I was so excited that I took it without knowing the salary. A few years later, I moved to another FNYCM. And then another. Dozens more asked me to write articles in exchange for actual money. I moved to California, wrote a book, had some babies, and wrote several more books. I gave a TED talk, flipped a house on TV and learned how to play tennis. Right now I’m trying to give up processed food and teach myself how to write a screenplay. At the same time. It’s not easy.
Someday I’d like to start a petition to have the words mauve and moist removed from the English language.
I don’t like to brag, but I’m the luckiest person I know. I’m married to my best friend, I work in my pajamas and I have two beautiful, healthy, hilarious daughters. I like cats and sparkly things and laughing until my sides hurt. And hats. I really like hats.
Oh, and I’m not Jenny McCarthy. But you knew that, right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 26, 2014
I got this book via Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I knew it was supposed to be funny thing. What I did not know is that it is do-not-eat-or-drink-while-reading-unless-you-want-to-choke kinda funny!! Hilarious! To the point, no putting stuff in nice words, just right there at you :) absolutely loved it (even though age-wise I am not there yet :D )
I knew it was supposed to be funny thing. What I did not know is that it is do-not-eat-or-drink-while-reading-unless-you-want-to-choke kinda funny!! Hilarious! To the point, no putting stuff in nice words, just right there at you :) absolutely loved it (even though age-wise I am not there yet :D )
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April 8, 2025 Review
Jenna McCarthy is so funny. She had me giggling throughout most of the book. I'm almost 30, but there were a few things I could relate to in her book.
Jenna does an awesome job of being in your 40's not sound so bad. She makes you realize that even though you are getting older, life is still pretty effing great. Her stories with motherhood could almost mirror my own. I can't tell you how many times my oldest tells me something jiggles. It's maddening.
I'm not looking forward to the day that I give my child my clothes because they look better in it than I do. That will most definitely be a depressing day. McCarthy does a fantastic job of making even the most awkward, and some times humiliating, situations not seem very bad at all.
I've Still Got It is funny and witty. I really enjoyed it, and found myself sharing some of the stories in it with my husband. It's awesome when you read about something that is relatable, and hysterical, at the same time.
Jenna McCarthy is so funny. She had me giggling throughout most of the book. I'm almost 30, but there were a few things I could relate to in her book.
Jenna does an awesome job of being in your 40's not sound so bad. She makes you realize that even though you are getting older, life is still pretty effing great. Her stories with motherhood could almost mirror my own. I can't tell you how many times my oldest tells me something jiggles. It's maddening.
I'm not looking forward to the day that I give my child my clothes because they look better in it than I do. That will most definitely be a depressing day. McCarthy does a fantastic job of making even the most awkward, and some times humiliating, situations not seem very bad at all.
I've Still Got It is funny and witty. I really enjoyed it, and found myself sharing some of the stories in it with my husband. It's awesome when you read about something that is relatable, and hysterical, at the same time.
September 25, 2017
I typically do not find nor see the humour in books. Then when I read a serious book it makes me laugh. Guess I'm just weird. This book was hilarious!!! Spot on with many issues that affected my life so far -- I could totally relate.
Really a 4.75 star rating. I would certainly read other books by Jenna McCarthy.
Totally recommend to all my friends over 45 or 60 if they had their children over the age of 40.
Really a 4.75 star rating. I would certainly read other books by Jenna McCarthy.
Totally recommend to all my friends over 45 or 60 if they had their children over the age of 40.
July 30, 2014
Oh my goodness this was such a fun read. I think my stomach actually hurts from all the laughing, not to mention my cheeks! My smile might not ever be the same again.
What an absolutely fun foray into what it means to grow older and all the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly that goes with it.
This was fantastic and I just couldn't get enough of it!
What an absolutely fun foray into what it means to grow older and all the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly that goes with it.
This was fantastic and I just couldn't get enough of it!
June 22, 2014
this book was funny as it talks about what life is like in your forties.This was humour at its best loved reading it and I know my mom will like it also.Looking into reading more of the books she has out.everyone needs a good laugh as they get older this is that type of book.....well written.
August 24, 2014
very funny and so true it is a little sad......
July 19, 2017
This was the first book I've read by McCarthy (not to be confused w JennY McCarthy), and I flew through it. She was real, honest, and very funny. Her humor reminds me of a toned down version of Chelsea Handler (not nearly as crude or offensive).
While McCarthy had a great sense of humor and outlook on life, she also included her knowledge of research and studies about some of the topics she covered (e.g. happiness). I felt like that led credibility to her as an author as well as taking a pleasant break from everything having to be a joke (which wasn't the case here). She found a good balance between the funny, the difficult, and just real life.
There were a few times I felt like McCarthy was bragging or name-dropping for no other reason than to name-drop or brag (e.g. listing FIFTY things she has already done that she COULD check off her bucket list). And because she's in her late-ish 40s, there were things that I just haven't gotten to in my life yet (not to mention being married and having kids). That's not to say I couldn't imagine the scenarios or that they weren't funny...they definitely were, but this may be a book I hang onto to read again when I might have a more similar perspective! I think this one could be even more funny and ring even more true the 2nd time around.
While McCarthy had a great sense of humor and outlook on life, she also included her knowledge of research and studies about some of the topics she covered (e.g. happiness). I felt like that led credibility to her as an author as well as taking a pleasant break from everything having to be a joke (which wasn't the case here). She found a good balance between the funny, the difficult, and just real life.
There were a few times I felt like McCarthy was bragging or name-dropping for no other reason than to name-drop or brag (e.g. listing FIFTY things she has already done that she COULD check off her bucket list). And because she's in her late-ish 40s, there were things that I just haven't gotten to in my life yet (not to mention being married and having kids). That's not to say I couldn't imagine the scenarios or that they weren't funny...they definitely were, but this may be a book I hang onto to read again when I might have a more similar perspective! I think this one could be even more funny and ring even more true the 2nd time around.
July 3, 2024
Jenna McCarthy is so friggin funny! I just love her!! This book had me laughing out loud. If you’re in a crappy mood or I’ve had a bad day, you can pick this book up and it will totally turn that around. For all of us, middle-aged, menopausal women. this is a must read. It would make a great birthday gift for anyone over 40. I plan on giving my copy to my sister because she shouldn’t miss out on something so fun. But it, read it l, you’ll be glad you did.
February 23, 2018
I've read quite a few humorous books about aging since, well since I've been aging, and this is one of my favorites. I really identified with Jenna's descriptions of our bodies' betrayals and struggles with fighting v accepting nature.
This was truly a laugh out loud collection of accounts for any woman on the dark side of 40.
This was truly a laugh out loud collection of accounts for any woman on the dark side of 40.
June 18, 2018
Laugh out loud funny, and very relatable!
There are some dirty words in this book, but we are firmly warned about this, on the first page :-D
There are some dirty words in this book, but we are firmly warned about this, on the first page :-D
December 13, 2018
***1/2 Much of this book was laugh-out-loud funny, and will appeal to the women of a certain age among us. I particularly loved the last essay.
February 17, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Could relate to so much. Hilarious.
August 22, 2021
This was a quick and easy read. Very relatable writing. I enjoyed her honesty and humour. I would definitely read other books written by her.
March 5, 2024
Erma Bombeck for a new generation.
June 21, 2014
I received an ARC as a Goodreads giveaways (thank you, Penguin). I am the target audience for this book and wanted to like it, but it reminded me of a casserole - its not that it was bad, just forgettable. There is absolutely nothing fresh or new here. Jenna McCarthy's voice is indistinguishable from every other female blogger/writer of this genre - Jenny Lawson, Laurie Nataro, Wendy McClure. Its all the same quippy, sarcastic stuff. And the same tired topics. Its like watching a C-list comedian - they have the timing and patter down but the jokes aren't funny. There is nothing inherently wrong with her writing, its just not unique. I know humour is very subjective (one woman's hysterical is another woman's groaner) but even if I didn't find the jokes particularly good, it would have been nice to have some original thoughts on offer. There are repeated bits (that aren't intentional call-backs, just repeated bits),and frequent references to Anna Quindlen (a writer I like but not exactly Shakespeare). McCarthy also pads the word count by googling the origins of common phrases (like going to hell in a hand basket)and then relaying the information. There is also a disclaimer up front that is perhaps meant to be a warning but really just comes off as the author trying to avoid criticism (good luck with that). As I said, I read the ARC and I am hoping the editor talked her out of that in the final edition.
There is unquestionable a market for this and I am sure many will like it. If you are looking for external validation and simply want your life mirrored back to you, with some profanity and pop culture references thrown in, then this is the book for you. If you enjoy "chick lit" but are hoping for something truly original, there is nothing to see here.
There is unquestionable a market for this and I am sure many will like it. If you are looking for external validation and simply want your life mirrored back to you, with some profanity and pop culture references thrown in, then this is the book for you. If you enjoy "chick lit" but are hoping for something truly original, there is nothing to see here.
October 28, 2015
I normally don't read books like this, but I have been a Jenna McCarthy fan for years. As with her other books in this genre, I found myself truly laughing out loud and, at times, tearing up. She has such a distinctive, genuine, and relatable voice, not to mention wit beyond bounds. It is also refreshing to read something like this by someone who is clearly happy with her own life-- there is humor but no snark.
I always appreciate her kind and contemplative look at marriage, raising children, growing older. Her anecdotes are, of course, entertaining, but what I found most interesting and helpful was the lessons she learns from her experiences and the wise, practical, positive advice she shares. I am the same age as Jenna (OK a couple of months older), and I could relate to most everything in this book. Thanks, Jenna!
I always appreciate her kind and contemplative look at marriage, raising children, growing older. Her anecdotes are, of course, entertaining, but what I found most interesting and helpful was the lessons she learns from her experiences and the wise, practical, positive advice she shares. I am the same age as Jenna (OK a couple of months older), and I could relate to most everything in this book. Thanks, Jenna!
October 31, 2014
I got this book by mistake but the pink cover said please give me a try! I had no idea who this lady was and why she writes a book about 40. I had no idea that it was so bad to be 40 after all. My age is 26 and I said please I don’t like these miserable reading about mid age crises and stuff so I put it aside. One day though having nothing else important to do in a crazy summer day I put a brown cover so nobody can see what I am reading and I started. And I finished 2 days after. I have to admit that I liked this book. I surely did! In the beginning it feels like reading a column in these blogs about moms going crazy or a magazine article with the title I feel so tired all the time what should I do? But in a funny way. And I laughed a lot. You should do the same, even with a cover!
January 23, 2016
I like to think that if I lived in Jenna McCarthy's neighborhood, we'd be hanging out (not) drinking on a weekday night, wearing our yoga pants (that have never seen a yoga class), and listening to rocking 80s hits. I laughed again and again during this book, and I also marveled at the number of things Jenna and I have in common... except she's the one putting it all together in a hilarious and fun read. Pack this one in your pool bag and be prepared to ignore the odd glances you get when you're cracking up!
October 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this humorous look at middle age. Jenna is refreshingly down to earth with the kind of practical, middle class perspective I can relate to. It's nice (and rare) to hear an author talk about life on a budget. We all have these experiences of aging--it's nice to laugh at ourselves with someone of compassion and common sense. I burst out laughing many times than has to stop and read the passage to my spouse--always the sign of a good book!
October 12, 2014
Loved this look at the crazy world of aging women. If you're sensitive to a million f-bombs, this book is not for you - but, it sure adds to the quirky and honest look at our post-40 world!
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
September 23, 2014
4.5 stars from me for laugh out loud funny! There are few books that make me laugh out loud - this one had people sitting next to me on the plane thinking I was weird. Perfect for any woman over 45!!!!!
May 26, 2015
This book is hilarious!!!! I just turned 40 2 months ago and I can totally relate to everything in this book! It's nice to know that i'm not the only one who's had experiences like these :) If you're over 40 or just closing in, grab this book! you won't be sorry!!
February 5, 2016
This book was such a fun read! I loved this book and really love this author. She writes the truth from a wife, mother and friend's perspective and I could totally relate to the entire book! Planning to read all of her other books as well!
March 16, 2016
Lots of laughs
I have read her other books and this one didn't disappoint either. I loved reading and laughing through and interesting, was a great book. I laughed out loud a few times reading this book. Definitely recommend to all!
I have read her other books and this one didn't disappoint either. I loved reading and laughing through and interesting, was a great book. I laughed out loud a few times reading this book. Definitely recommend to all!
October 4, 2014
Absolutely hilarious. I laughed, a lot. Highly recommend!
June 20, 2015
A book of witty essays about being in your 40s. Pretty good, but nothing new.
September 17, 2015
My new favorite book I think! Had me laughing to tears in several spots. Definitely for the over 40 crowd, maybe funny for younger crowd.
March 13, 2015
I laughed out loud in plenty of parts of this book. If you're anything like me, I think you'll truly enjoy it.
October 2, 2015
A rant
This is a monologue about aging. I prefer stories, but it's a fair description of aging foibles. It's good for a few laughs.
This is a monologue about aging. I prefer stories, but it's a fair description of aging foibles. It's good for a few laughs.
May 30, 2016
Light with a few laugh out loud relatable lines
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews