Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination and mental illness.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of the book? Did it challenge any of your preconceived notions about aging, celebrity, or resilience?

2. What emotions did the book evoke for you? Did you find it inspiring, frustrating, validating, or something else entirely?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Shields describes aging as a journey toward embracing the power of saying “no.” Have you found yourself becoming more comfortable with setting boundaries as you’ve gotten older? If so, how?

2. The book explores society’s obsession with youth and beauty, particularly for women. Have you personally felt this pressure, or do you know someone who has? How has it shaped your self-perception, perception of others, or decisions over time?

3. Shields recounts microaggressions and systemic misogyny in medicine, particularly around age and gender. Have you ever experienced or witnessed similar treatment? How did you respond, and what changes would you like to see in the medical field?

4. Shields balances humor with serious discussion about aging, beauty standards, and societal expectations.