For every woman on the verge of becoming an empty nester, a wry, insightful chronicle of rediscovering oneself at midlife .

In her critically acclaimed first book, Still Life with Chickens , Catherine Goldhammer wrote of the six baby chicks that helped to pull her and her daughter forward, out of one life and into another--leaving the chaos of divorce far behind. Since then, the two have grown into their quirky life together in their rustic New England cottage by the sea, a life that Catherine has come to love.

Now, in this wise and lyrical narrative, Catherine finds herself at a new crossroads: her daughter, brilliant and sophisticated and sixteen, is growing more independent by the day, and Catherine must face the reality that she will soon leave home for good. Like so many mothers, she is at first unprepared. Yet, as unexpected friends and ex-lovers, adventures and opportunities emerge, it becomes clear that Catherine’s life will not end with her daughter’s departure, but begin anew.

With wit, charm, and rare honesty, Winging It chronicles Catherine’s journey of self-discovery through one of life’s most universal transitions—and reveals the infinite possibilities for a daring single woman at midlife. It is sure to speak to the thousands who, every year, hesitantly send their children off into the world and, with both fear and glee, wonder what’s next?