Actress Naomi Watts is stepping into the literary world with a powerful new book titled Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause. Set to release in January 2025, this book is more than just a celebrity memoir; it’s a bold and candid exploration of menopause, a life stage often shrouded in silence and shame.
In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Watts explained her motivation for writing the book. She expressed concern that women have “suffered in silence for too long” due to the lack of information, support, and open conversations about menopause. Her goal with Dare I Say It is to break that silence and offer a lifeline to those experiencing the sudden, natural changes that come with midlife.
Watts has bravely opened up about her own journey with menopause, revealing that she was told she was close to menopause at just 36 years old, right when she was planning to start a family. She shared the emotional toll it took on her, describing how she initially felt that her fertility and career were coming to an abrupt end. This life-altering news plunged her into a period of shame and secrecy, as there were few resources and not even well-versed doctors to turn to for support.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Watts announced the book and reflected on the challenges she faced during this time. She wrote, “As I struggled through shame and secrecy, I wished there was an open conversation. A handbook I could secretly turn the pages of.”
Watts emphasized the importance of bringing women together to discuss and share their experiences, stating that Dare I Say It is meant to empower women by sharing her story, conversations with experts, and candid talks with friends. She hopes the book will help women feel less alone and more confident as they navigate menopause.
With this book, Naomi Watts is not just telling her story—she’s starting a much-needed conversation. She wants women to hold their heads high, embrace their wisdom, and recognize that they are far from done. “We’ve earned our STRIPES,” she proudly declares.
Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause is available for pre-order now, and it’s set to be a gamechanger for women everywhere.