The Panic Years

Dates, Doubts, and the Mother of All Decisions

By: Nell Frizzell

Narrated by: Nell Frizzell

This program is read by the author and includes a bonus chapter exclusive to the audiobook.

Renowned journalist Nell Frizzell explores what happens when a woman begins to ask herself: Should I have a baby?

We have descriptors for many periods of life - adolescence, menopause, midlife crisis, quarter-life crisis - but there is a period of profound change that many women face, often in their late 20s to early 40s, that does not yet have a name.

Nell Frizzell is calling this period of flux “the panic years", and it is often characterized by a preoccupation with one major question: Should I have a baby? And from there - do I want a baby? With whom should I have a baby? How will I know when I’m ready? Decisions made during this period suddenly take on more weight, as questions of love, career, friendship, fertility, and family clash together while peers begin the process of coupling and breeding. But this very important process is rarely written or talked about beyond the clichés of the “ticking clock”.

Enter Frizzell, our comforting guide, who uses personal stories from her own experiences in the panic years to illuminate the larger social and cultural trends and gives voice to the uncertainty, confusion, and urgency that tends to characterize this time of life.

Frizzell reminds us that we are not alone in this and encourages us to share our experiences and those of the women around us - as she does with honesty and vulnerability in these chapters. Raw and hilarious, The Panic Years is an arm around the shoulder for every woman trying to navigate life’s big decisions against the backdrop of the mother of all questions.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

©2020 Nell Frizzell (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Is it worth reading? I think so! It was a good read. Did it help me in my decision? No, not really!

So first, the first half of the book is the easiest to get through because it feels validating and relatable. I am a fence sitter when it comes to having or not to have children. Sometimes, you need a book that feels relatable, so if you're looking for that - try it out!

The second half, I had to push myself through but I’m glad I listened because I did want to hear her experience and story. I love putting myself in someone’s perspective and imagining myself in that space. If anything, it makes me think about my own experiences and how I would deal with the situation.

Is it worth reading? I think so! It was a good read. Did it help me in my decision? No, not really! But that’s okay, it doesn’t promise a solution. Overall, I would say give it a listen!

Obsessed

I have read/listened to the Panic Years twice this year and have recommended it to every woman I know. Nell is so relatable and validating. I highly recommend this book to all people, and especially women in the flux!

Interesting journey into a woman's thoughts

Great narrator, interesting book. I know a few young women who are struggling with this decision right now. it was good that I read this, it helps me to understand them better.

Captures the societal pressures of your 20’s & 30’s

Wow! While Nell Frizzell hasn’t cracked the code on how we change the world, she has narrated her own life story in a witty, beautifully vulnerable, highly relatable read. The panic years really resonated as a 30 year old who wants kids- but not yet.

Great descriptions and stories

Enjoyed listening while in the midst of my own panic years. Gave some things to think about.

Feel like Nell and I are friends!

I found this book quoted in an article I was reading, researching this very topic. I love that Nell names this period for women and gives the stats while sharing very personal experiences with humor. Bravo!

This should be a required reading for entering your 30s

This book came to me at the right time as I myself stumble through the panic years. Her words made me feel seen and the questions and panic I feel during this time at 34 approaching the big question and worrying about the MATH (🤯) was incredibly validating. Do yourself a favor and strap in and maybe even force your partner (and all your closest female friends) to listen along as well!