Goodnight Menopause: A Lighthearted Tribute to Life’s Changes
In a world that often shies away from discussing the more intimate struggles of womanhood, Melissa Avstreih, an Arlington-based author, has bravely stepped into the light with her self-published book, Goodnight Menopause. This delightful parody of the classic children’s bedtime story Goodnight Moon takes a humorous look at menopause, a life stage many women find confounding yet universal.
A Unique Perspective on a Common Experience
“It began with an air conditioner, and a fan, and a wide-awake woman glaring at a sleeping man,” is how Avstreih sets the stage for her tale. Embracing the playful tone of the original, her version is not about a sleepy bunny; it’s a relatable account of a menopausal woman saying goodnight to the various indignities that often accompany this stage of life.
The inspiration behind the book came during a candid dinner conversation with a friend. While lamenting over their shared experiences of insomnia, hot flashes, and fluctuating emotions, Avstreih realized the need to bring humor to these often-taboo topics. She recounts, “We were just laughing about our husbands sleeping peacefully while we were battling the heat of the night. It struck me that if we could find humor in this, why not share that with others?”
Writing in Spontaneity
Avstreih’s writing journey was equally spontaneous as it was inspired. Juggling her responsibilities as a mother and a communications specialist for a federal agency, she found herself penning most of Goodnight Menopause while watching her son’s swim team practice. “It came together really quickly,” she recalls, showcasing her talent for capturing poignant moments with brevity and wit.
To capture her vision visually, Avstreih sought help from Bryony van der Merwe, an illustrator she found on Fiverr. The illustrations in the book resonate with her real-life moments, adding a compelling layer of authenticity to the narrative. “Some images are drawn directly from my experiences—like that moment of weighing myself and ending up curled in a ball, tears rolling,” she shares.
A Bonding Narrative
Although writing Goodnight Menopause hasn’t magically resolved her feelings about the physical changes she’s experiencing, Avstreih expresses that the humor embedded in her work has facilitated deeper dialogues with friends and peers about menopause. “It opened up new avenues for conversation,” she says, highlighting how sharing the book fosters a sense of solidarity among women. “There’s strength in numbers when you realize that you’re not alone in what you’re facing.”
This candidness is something Avstreih feels is characteristic of her generation—Gen X—which has often championed topics considered too sensitive for public discourse, such as mental health, sex, and, now, menopause itself. “We were the ones who normalized discussing things that were once swept under the rug. We stood up for balance in life, and now we’re encouraging each other to tackle these conversations head-on,” she explains.
Emphasizing Laughter as Medicine
The underpinning message of Avstreih’s book is joyous acceptance and the importance of laughter. “Menopause is a reality we can’t escape, and while there may be ways to ease the symptoms, I don’t believe there’s a perfect solution to make it all disappear.” Instead, she champions laughter as the best antidote, especially when shared with girlfriends.
Avstreih hopes Goodnight Menopause serves as a beacon of light for readers, encouraging them to find the levity in their battles with perspectives often viewed as serious or stigmatizing. “By laughing together, we can alleviate some of that burden and illuminate the shared experience of womanhood.”
Future Endeavors: More to Come
For those intrigued by her unique storytelling, Goodnight Menopause is available in both paperback and hardback versions at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. Beyond her current work, Avstreih is gearing up for her next project, Seashells of the Jersey Shore, set to release in April 2025, which will be the first of a three-book series dedicated to exploring shells along the East Coast.
In a world that often overlooks discussions surrounding menopause, Melissa Avstreih’s Goodnight Menopause stands out as a humorous, heartfelt tribute to understanding and navigating this life stage with laughter, community, and courage. As many women find their own stories within its pages, Goodnight Menopause is sure to become a cherished companion in the ongoing conversation about women’s health and well-being.
