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Press & Reviews

Check out some reviews, interviews, and other media coverage

Real Talk with Ryan Jesperson: The Midlife pandemic project

“This is the type of thing that Douglas Coupland would write a book about.”

Alberta at Noon with Judy Aldous: Your midlife stories
“Sarah Chan and Jhenifer Pabillano are the co-editors of a new book of essays that explores that period of time between being young and old. The book is called “Midlife” – and today we’re wondering what midlife has been like for you.”
Talking to the Edmonton-based authors of “Midlife”

“I have loved every minute of reading this. I’m going to tell you, I got the e-copy, and I’m going through the book and these stories and how beautifully they’re written resonated with me so much that I immediately went and ordered the hard copy within an hour. This book to me will resonate with so many people, from the 40-55 age group, about what you’re talking about.”

The Bookshop Chronicles

“If we are fortunate enough to reach middle age then we also know it comes with as many victories as challenges, especially during a pandemic when so many things are escalated. This book is a collection of essays, and just about as local as you can get – ya gotta love when literary talent is grown on your own home soil.”

The Inner Circle with Carrie Doll

“Sarah Chan and Jhen Pabillano have stories to tell, and know others whose stories held power, meaning, and insight.”

Midlife Interview with Sapreet Buttar

“As I flipped through the pages and read each essay, I saw a reflection of myself in each of the contributors of this book, convincing myself each time that I was reading about myself.”

CKUA — On books: ‘Midlife’ explored

“Midlife hangs in air like the elephant in the room. It’s that time when people are either too busy, or in too vulnerable a state to talk about what’s really going on. Enter a pandemic and, lo-and-behold, people have a little more time on their hands.”

When Middle-Aged Angst Meets a Pandemic: These Friends Made a Book About It
The Rad Dads Show: Don Iveson
Gateway crew reunites midway to oblivion in brilliant Midlife anthology
“As a side effect of trying to fathom their own mortal midpoints, Midlife’s editors and longtime buddies Sarah Chan and Jhenifer Pabillano herded together a captivating anthology of perspectives from their once ever-present, layout-night peers: now-leaders, trauma survivors, anxious parents and otherwise often-tired multitaskers, each baring their soul in a way that’s as alluring as finding someone’s diary at a bus stop. C’mon: you know you’d read that.”
On a Midlife well-lived

“Overall, it’s a simultaneous celebration and commiseration. Midlife examines growing older and getting busier, keeping in touch with friends, and all that happens on the road towards, well, death. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, either.”

(Mid)life after the Gateway? Doesn’t seem too bad.

“The essays cover everything from the metaphorical potential of the Oilers’ 2006 cup run to the nuances of renting from Blockbuster Video, and although many of them bear traces of the snarkiness that is characteristic of student journalism, they are also written with an awareness that comes with time.“

New Book is a Gateway Into Our Adult Angst

“Many [essays] include references those who came of age around the same time will appreciate – crying while watching Bridget Jones’s Diary in a mall theatre, working at Blockbuster Video, the dashed hopes of Edmonton Oilers fans after the team’s failed 2006 Stanley Cup playoff run. Many contemporaries will relate to the particular smell of Badass Jack’s barbecue sauce.”

Edmonton AM with Mark Connolly

“Hear how two friends collaborated with their university buddies, to reflect on what it means to be midlife at this moment.”

Global News at Noon Edmonton

“They met at the University of Alberta’s Gateway newspaper. Then jobs and relationships and kids and life happened. Some 20 years later, newly-minted book editors Sarah Chan and Jhenifer Pabillano share the story of getting the band back together to publish an uplifting, irreverent look at arriving at middle age.”

Midlife: a book by University of Alberta alumni

“A newly released book shares stories of life at middle age, featuring a number of notable faces, including Edmonton’s Mayor Don Iveson.”

Evergreen and Gold essay: Friends Forever

Two decades after we graduated, we’re learning about life from our Gateway friends all over again.

Pop This! Podcast Episode 282: Josie and the Pussycats with Erika Thorkelson

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About the book

Midlife is available in a limited edition cloth-bound hardcover, as well as eBook in ePub and Mobi formats. If you're not sure, consider signing up for our mailing list for updates and other special subscriber content.

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